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Unable to get a credit card? If so, it may be harder for you to build a good credit rating, making everyday life tasks like making a hotel, plane or car reservation a little more difficult. The same goes for loan approvals.

A secured card can help those who don’t qualify for a regular credit card to establish or repair a poor credit history. But what is a secured credit card and how do you get one?

A late payment on a credit bill or other debt such as a mortgage can have a significant impact on your credit score. And the higher your credit score is to begin with, the more it can fall after a late payment.

Paying your bills on time is the best way to avoid this. If you don’t make your payments and your account is turned over to a collections agency, you won’t be able to get that account current again. Late payments can stay on a credit report for seven years.

One of the easiest ways to build credit and improve a credit score is to open a secured credit card. Whether you’re young and new to credit, or are looking to improve your credit score because of past financial problems, a secured credit card can help.

Protecting children is a constant responsibility for parents and guardians alike, and many are unaware that they also need to be protected from identity theft.

Identity thieves often apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a loan in the name of the victim, even a child. They often do this long before the child is old enough to open a credit card themselves, destroying a child’s credit history.

Charging too many expenses to your credit card can happen occasionally. It leads to what’s called a maxed out credit card, meaning you’ve gone over or are close to being over your assigned credit limit. 

It doesn’t mean your financial world will come crashing down around you. But it is something to take notice of and deal with. 

The best way to improve your credit score is simple, but not always that easy: Reduce your debt.

Paying off your credit cards, or at least paying them down substantially, will not only increase your credit score, but having less debt will probably be more satisfying than a great credit score. And not using your credit cards anymore and paying off the balances is easier said than done.

But there are smaller, easier steps that can improve a credit score. Here are six:

“Sure, just charge it to my credit card.” It’s a phrase we say at stores and restaurants from time to time, especially when we’re making unplanned or big purchases. Credit cards are convenient and common among most adults, but unless you use one carefully, you could find yourself in financial trouble. Here are some tips to help ensure you use credit cards wisely: