 TITLE: Knowing What Debts to Avoid When Managing Your Finances CONTENT: Know the Score\n--------------\nWhether you're trying to reduce your bad debt or avoid bad debt in the first place, knowing your credit score is always a smart move. Check your credit score at least once a year to keep tabs on how you're handling debt (you can get a free FICO® Score☉ from Experian). Reading your credit report will show you whether the way you use debt is helping—or hurting—your credit score. END