Buy Second Hand Items To conserve your cash, and prepare for the tough times ahead, buy good-quality second-hand items, instead of splurging on high-priced items, which are sure to keep you sinking in a sea of debt. To stay afloat during tough financial times, keep your sights focused on reducing, as well as eliminating, your debt. 5 A Loan Company Can, For A Small Fee, Fix Your Credit Score Credit bureaus can t do anything to soften up or alter your credit score, especially if it s filled with lots of information about you not handling your debts well. The only way to improve or enhance your credit report, is by showing that you can handle your debt load well in the future. Get a Credit Card, And Pay Your Balance On Time To get started in building up a nice credit score, get a credit card, but remember to only start out with one credit card for the moment. Remember that the more credit cards you have, the more debt you'll end up with. You need to be responsible with one credit, before you insist on applying for a second or third credit card. The classic case of over-utilization of credit cards happens when the individual runs out their balance, or goes over their credit limits, and only pays the minimum amount each month to avoid further financial problems. Always make it a habit to use your credit cards only when required, and always settle your balances as soon as possible. Other loans and forms of credit also hurt your credit history, and may have serious effects on your financial health. Aside from credit card payments, other loans or bills like unpaid apartment rentals and medical bills can also hurt your overall credit score. Here are five ways to hurt your credit score. Pay All Your Bills On Time To build up your credit score after bankruptcy, remember to pay all of your bills on time. From credit card, telephone and utility bills, to apartment rentals and even parking ticket fines, always ensure that you're not weighed down by too much debt. Some creditors have been known to look at their customer's bill payment records, so that they can establish your willingness to pay.