 TITLE: 5 Ways to Break Bad Credit Habits CONTENT: What Are Considered Bad Credit Habits?\n--------------------------------------\nSome credit habits that damage your credit score involve making a decision, such as applying for several credit cards in a short period of time. In other cases, though, the bad habits you need to kick involve neglecting your credit score and ignoring the steps you can take to improve it.\nSome of the most common bad credit habits include:\n*   Not checking your credit regularly\n*   Paying late or less than the minimum on your debts\n*   Not reading your credit card statements\n*   Running up balances on your credit cards\n*   Closing old credit card accounts\nIf you've developed some of these habits, don't be too hard on yourself. While negative information does stay on your credit report for seven years or more, adding positive information will help you make up for past mistakes.\nHere's a breakdown of each bad habit listed above and how you can replace it with a good one. END