The complete idiot's guide to improving your credit score

the long version

Get more with a lower score.Credit history can make or break your chances of getting a house, an apartment, or a loan. Now you can stay abreast of your credit score, and your future, by thoroughly understanding the publicly released FICO number, once reserved for lenders and businesses only. This invaluable guide busts the credit myths and explains key ways to use credit, pay bills, pay off debt, deal with crisis, and avoid scams in order to make the credit score work for you.—Includes a glossary, resource section, and sample letters