Too busy to read?

credit is one of the most vital factors in getting rich, but because it's hard to wrap our minds around it, we often overlook it entirely. It's time to wake up and pay attention to it (and not just because of the credit crisis), because establishing good credit is the first step in building an infrastructure for getting rich. Think about it: Our largest purchases are almost always made on credit, and people with good credit save tens of thousands of pounds on these purchases. Credit has a far greater impact on your finances than saving a few pounds a day on a cup of coffee.

To get the most out of using credit, you need to optimize your credit card(s) and use them as a spearhead to improve your overall credit.

Keep your cards for a long time and keep them active. Lenders like to see a long history of credit, which means that the longer you hold an account, the more valuable it is for your credit score. Don't get suckered by introductory offers and low APRs. If you're happy with your card, keep

Now, about that fee... I understand I was late, but I'd like to have it waived. CREDIT CARD REP: Why? YOU: It was a mistake and it won't happen again, so I'd like to have the fee removed. (Note: Always end your sentence with strength. Don't say, "Can you remove this?" Say, "I'd like to have this removed.") At this point, you have a better-than-50-percent chance of getting the fee credited to your account. But just in case you get an especially tough rep, here's what to say. CREDIT CARD REP: I'm very sorry, but we can't refund that fee. I can try to get you our latest blah blah marketing pitch blah blah.... YOU: I'm sorry, but I've been a customer for four years and I'd hate for this one fee to drive me away from your service. What can you do to remove the late fee?

Your credit score is a single, easy-to-read number between 0 and 1000 that represents your credit risk to lenders.