A poor credit score can mean paying a higher interest rate on a car loan or mortgage. It can also mean losing out on a job application where other candidates have their finances in better order. After all, what boss wants you to bring your money problems to the office? Get three credit cards — one MasterCard or Visa, one gas card and one department store card. Use each of them a few times a year, but never charge more than a third of your credit limit. Pay in full every month, and don't be late with those or any other bills. Check your credit report at least once a year with at least one of the Big Three credit monitors — TransUnion, Experian and Equifax — and correct any errors promptly. For help getting started, go to www.annualcreditreport.com.