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Credit 101

By LaToya Irby, About.com Guide to Credit / Debt Management

This introduction to credit walks you through understanding the importance of credit and teaches you how to start building a solid credit history.

  1. Introduction to Credit
  2. Building Good Credit
  3. How to Use Credit Cards
  4. Protecting Your Identity
  5. Laws Protecting Your Credit

Introduction to Credit

No one's going to make sure you understand credit before you start using it. That's why it's so easy to make severe credit mistakes. Taking the time to understand credit will help protect you from bad credit later down the road.

Building Good Credit

Once you understand credit and begin to use it, these tips will help you build good credit.

How to Use Credit Cards

Credit cards are one of the most commonly used credit instruments. Unfortunately, there are far too many consumers who don't truly understand how credit cards work. Avoid being one of those people.

Protecting Your Identity

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to make some kind of profit. They may get credit cards in your name, write checks against your checking account number, or even use your existing credit cards to make purchases. It can take years to completely recover your name, so protecting yourself is the best option.

Laws Protecting Your Credit

Many laws protect your credit and govern the businesses that give credit to you. Knowing these laws can keep businesses from taking advantage of you and help you fight back against those who violate your rights.

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Credit / Debt Management

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