 TITLE: Does Being Unemployed Hurt Your Credit Scores? CONTENT: How to Protect Your Credit When Unemployed\n------------------------------------------\nWhile being unemployed can be stressful, it's usually temporary. During a period of unemployment, essential needs like food, shelter and transportation are the most critical concerns. But it's also important to think about your credit, since it could affect your ability to get loans and other forms of credit in the longer term.\nTo manage your credit while unemployed:\n*   **Monitor your credit.** Checking your credit regularly can give you peace of mind and help you understand what is going on with your credit. Unless something drastic changes in your credit card spending or repayment, your credit score shouldn't fluctuate too much in a short period of time.\n*   **Continue making on-time payments.** If possible, make at least your minimum payments on time to protect yourself from long-term damage to your credit scores. Paying the minimum keeps your account current, allowing you to keep your credit intact even if you can't pay down your debt as aggressively as you may like.\nOne way to keep up on your credit is through Experian's free credit monitoring service, which allows you to check your credit reports and scores so you'll be able to track your progress while you are unemployed and after you get back to work. Doing so can prepare you should you have a need for new credit in the future. END