http://www.debtchef.com/credit.html Credit: Use it wisely and enjoy a great credit score. Abuse it and pay the price. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 How's your credit? Is your score as high as a meringue on a mile-high pie or is it as low as flatbread? Take care of your credit and it will take care of you. Credit: Good vs. Bad People with good credit: ...qualify for loans easier than those with bad credit ...get lower interest rates on credit cards, mortgages and any other loans ...are more likely to get a job from an employer who uses a credit report as a reference ...get higher limits on their credit cards ...find it easier to get car loans, an apartment, insurance, etc. People with bad credit: ...have a more difficult time qualifying for loans ...don't usually get a break on interest rates ...could miss out on good job opportunities because of their bad credit ...don't get high credit card limits ...have a more difficult time getting car loans, an apartment, insurance, etc. So What Do You Do if you Have Bad Credit? The first thing you should do if you have bad credit is request a copy of your credit report. Thanks to new government legislation, everyone is entitled to a free copy of their credit report once a year, and you can get a copy from all three of the major reporting bureaus--TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Just go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com to request yours. When you receive it, be sure to challenge any negative reports that you know to be inaccurate. Chances are if you have bad credit, you might have a lot of debt as well. Combat that debt by enrolling in a debt management program. Most debt management companies will know which program is perfect for you in your debt situation. They might also suggest that you get some credit counseling, which is imperative if you have bad credit. Credit counseling can teach you how to live within your means and budget so that once you're out of debt, you can stay out--for good! Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT http://www.debtchef.com/credit-card.html Credit card usage in the U.S. is at an all-time high. Make sure you use your credit card wisely. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0