 TITLE: How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt When You’re Short on Cash CONTENT: Understand How to Use Credit Responsibly\n----------------------------------------\nOnce your debt is gone, it's just as important to maintain strong habits to avoid accumulating debt again. You don't need to swear off credit cards entirely, as long as you're committed to using credit responsibly; in fact, regularly making purchases using a credit card and paying them off right away is one of the tried-and-true methods for building a good credit score.\nOnce you're free of credit card debt, make sure to stick to the budget you created. Once you're ready, and you're confident you can keep your debt under control, you can start using credit cards again. If you do use a card to finance something, make a plan to pay it off within a reasonable amount of time. Credit cards should be a tool that you use intentionally and wisely.\nIt's also crucial to monitor your credit score and your credit report, which includes the information that contributes to your score. Regularly checking your credit lets you notice any dips to your score, which could potentially be a result of a missed or late bill payment or an increase in your account balance. Understanding the elements that contribute to good credit will reinforce the importance of sticking to those habits. END