• Consider contacting a reputable credit counseling service. Explain your situation and ask for a reduced interest rate or payment plan. Most creditors will work with you if you are honest about your situation and are determined to repay debts.
• Pay off your past due accounts.
• Bring past due accounts up to date and keep them that way.
• Pay your bills on time.
• Keep low balances on credit cards and lines of credit.
• Don't apply for credit you don't need.

For more information about how to get your credit score back on track, or to locate a reputable credit counseling service, visit the National Foundation of Credit Counseling at http://www.nfcc.org.