 TITLE: How to Pay Your Credit Card Bills in a Financial Emergency CONTENT: Prepare for a Better Tomorrow\n-----------------------------\nWhen your financial situation improves, you'll want to be in as strong a position as possible going forward. For this reason, commit to the following actions:\n*   **Borrow sensibly.** Credit cards are payment tools best used for short-term debt. If at all possible, keep the balance to zero or very low. It may be tempting to charge what you can't afford to pay in cash, but avoid this unless absolutely necessary. When your situation improves, you don't want to be faced with huge bills that might be difficult to repay.\n*   **Pay creditors on time whenever possible.** Even if you can't delete your current debts, make an effort to pay at least minimum payments by the due date. It will not just safeguard your credit, but it will also establish positive relationships with your lenders. After your situation improves and you want to finance something at a lowest cost, you can hit the ground running.\n*   **Monitor your credit report.** Credit cards and loans will show up on your credit report, and you want them to reflect positive information. On-time payments coupled with a low credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you're using) will help. Understand what creditors report about your payments by taking advantage of Experian's free credit report monitoring. Then, if you spot anything amiss (such as evidence of fraud), you can address it swiftly.\nAfter the dust settles and you are back earning as normal, you can do more than readjust your budget to where it had been—you can strengthen your entire financial picture. Save regularly, spend mindfully and charge only when you can easily manage the debt. Should there be another setback, whether it's minor or major, you'll be prepared to approach it with confidence. END