How can you increase your credit score?

My past errors when I was younger-teenager-made my credit score ridiculously bad and now I am still paying off debts and bills and everything. I just want to know plain and simple how to increase my credit score to be like my mothers(which is unbelievably good-the high 790's to low 800's) from the pit I am in. Just real advice and know jokes please as this is serious to me. Thank you kindly.
Answer:

The exact formula is a trade secret but I have worked in banking and credit analysis to pick up some understanding of what affects it. The most important is paying bills on time. I don't know the exact formula but you get docked points for every late payment. The more recent and more often the more your score goes down. Don't use all of your limit. Borrowing above 80% of your limit can cause a drop in your score. Try and keep it below 40% of your limit on average to have a really good score. This refers to revolving lines of credit (credit cards, personal lines of credit, overdraft) as opposed to fixed loans. Secured lines of credit seem to be better than unsecured. Keep the ratio of what you can borrow to your annual income reasonable. Their is a reasonable level of credit allowed based on your annual income. Going above this limit is frowned upon.

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