Building and managing your credit

Jobs • Finding job opportunities • Resume-writing tips • Shine in your interview • Successful salary negotiating     Finance • Money Management 101 • Student loan strategies • Establishing credit • It's easy to save     Lifestyle changes • Living on your own • Buying your first car • Insurance needs for new grad • Building your career     Taxes • Quick intro to taxes • Managing your taxes • Can I deduct it? • Bloopers and scams     Tool kit • Tools for enhancing your career • Money management tools • Tools to tweak your living expenses • Tax toolbox     Back to splash page

Credit can be a good thing -- if you use it wisely. By establishing a good credit history, you're on your way to a healthy financial future. You will get the best deals at the lowest prices. People with good credit histories save money. That's a fact.

If you're already in credit trouble, don't get discouraged. There are ways to get back on the right financial track. Here's how to establish and maintain good credit, find the right credit card and turn bad credit into good.

Do's and don'ts for establishing credit, 7 steps to your first card, What's a secured card?, Key credit card questions, Everything you need to know about credit reports and scores, Simple plan for getting rid of credit card debts

Compiled by Dena Dubay, Dani Arthur, Amy Fleitas and Myra Cristobal. Illustrations by Brandy Kesl.