Focus on debt
By Bankrate.com

Unload your bad debt
Don't accrue debt on items that devalue, such as food, entertainment, clothing and furniture. It could also be a car payment that swallows up too much of your income. Put a cap on your debt load, and work hard to get rid of any debt you have. Learn to live within your means.

Links:
7 steps for building financial fitness, Controling your credit history, Live below your means: Control vs. competence, How to retire credit card debt, Cut credit card fees, Drowning in credit card debt, Repaying student loans: Slow is OK, but never stop

Check your credit report
Most credit reports contain errors. Since what it says about you matters, make sure what it says is accurate. Your credit score affects lending decisions, from credit cards to auto loans to mortgages. It can even determine whether you'll be able to rent an apartment, get competitive insurance rates or even get a job. A bad credit report costs money and convenience.

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FICO -- friend or foe?, Get your credit report free under the right circumstances, Getting all your credit history reported, Loan surfing hurts credit, Dealing with lousy credit, Rejuvenate credit by re-aging your account, Vigilance best option to fight identity theft, ID protection tips from the real 'Catch Me If You Can' man, The fallacy of fraud alerts