Five Steps to Secure Your Financial Future

Strategies for Tough Times: Five Steps to Secure Your Financial Future

Step 5: Work on Your Credit Score

By Jean Chatzky with reporting from Arielle Gowen

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What constitutes a good score has actually gone up, so you have to work a little harder to stay at the top of the class. Things like shopping for credit and high levels of debt all work against you, so keep them to a minimum.

Also, a good score means easy access to cash if you need it, and in these times, everyone should have a home equity line of credit in their back pocket in case of an emergency.

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Published on June 03, 2008

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Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc., OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Communications LLC and their affiliated companies and entities are not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.