 TITLE: How to Protect Your Credit During a Recession CONTENT: 4\\. Contact Your Lenders\n------------------------\nBecause payment history is the most important aspect of your credit score, you should do everything you can to make sure you don't miss any debt payments. If you know you won't be able to afford your monthly bill, reach out to your creditors as early as possible to see if they have any relief options available.\nDuring an economic crisis, some lenders may offer options specifically designed for people struggling to pay bills, such as payment deferment, a lower interest rate, an adjusted repayment schedule or other help. This relief could bridge the gap until you're able to resume normal repayment. Taking advantage of these options first is your best bet when you know you can't pay on time and want to avoid getting a derogatory mark for missing a payment. END