 TITLE: How to Pay Down Credit Cards on a Tight Budget CONTENT: Learn How to Use Credit Responsibly in the Future\n-------------------------------------------------\nThe journey isn't over once your debt is gone. After you've accomplished that, your new goal will be to prevent debt from accumulating again. But since you have more tools and a greater understanding of debt to draw from, you're more likely to use credit cards responsibly. Here's how:\n*   Check your credit report regularly, even when you're debt-free. With an improved credit score, it becomes vitally important to protect it from issues like inaccurately reported payments or identity theft. You can ensure you're safe from these concerns by keeping an eye on the accounts listed in your credit report.\n*   Avoid relying on your credit cards for nonessential purchases. Make sure you can pay off whatever you spend on your cards every month to avoid paying interest charges.\n*   Prioritize building an emergency fund, which is an account with cash you've saved to cover unexpected expenses—so you don't have to rely on credit cards. Experts recommend you have at least three to six months' worth of expenses set aside to cover unforeseen financial needs, but even one month's savings is a good start. END