[oaxacamatt]

Keep a budget. For 2 or 3 months be fanatical about writing down everything you buy and then analyze it. Ask yourself, 'what could I have saved on?' for example, made lunch more often, buy 1-2 cd not 10, etc. etc. Then set a budget from what you learned and monitor that.

Raise your credit score most effectively by buying something like a car or home and paying it off RELIGOUSLY. Try VERY hard to not be late. Set up direct payments thru your bank, etc.

Get One credit card (not just a debit card for your checking act.) and NEVER be late with that either. By one thing a month to keep it active and pay it off right away.

Shop around for stuff you want. Look all around compare and don't make those impulse buys.

As much as I hate the credit spiral we all are in, you have to game it to your advantage.