Credit cards are a key factor that causes many people to end up with bad credit. Their high interest rates combined with late payment fees and universal default can make them a nightmare for people who don’t use them properly. It is best to keep your credit card balance as low as possible. Only use your credit card when you absolutely need it. Always pay your bill on time and avoid maxing out your card at all costs. Many people also make the mistake of using the equity in their homes too much to pay for expenses.

While using the equity in your home can be a good idea for those who want to remodel their kitchen or bathroom, they should be used cautiously. Before you use the equity in your home, make sure you will be able to make the monthly payments with ease. You want to avoid situations where you could default on your payments. Living paycheck to paycheck or not having adequate savings is another sign that you could end up with bad credit. It has been shown that about 40% of American families have less than $1000 saved up.

This is alarming for a number of reasons. First, if you get into an emergency, you will have little money to protect you. This will leave you open to using a credit card or payday loan, something you want to avoid. This will get you into a cycle of debt that is difficult to escape from. The chances that you will get behind on your payments and ruin your credit are dramatically increased.