 TITLE: How to Manage Your Credit During a Divorce CONTENT: How to Rebuild and Establish Your Credit Independently\n------------------------------------------------------\nIf you established credit before you got married and maintained a solid credit history and score throughout your marriage, you may emerge with your good credit intact. But if your credit was tied to your spouse—along with your income and assets—rebuilding or establishing credit can be a key challenge after divorce.\n*   **Start small and build.** Improving your credit score takes time. You may have to start with a small credit limit or even a secured credit card. Use your card for a few purchases and always pay your bills on time. After six months, you may be able to be approved for an unsecured card, or your card issuer might convert your account and refund your security deposit. If not, keep managing your card responsibly and try again in another six months.\n*   **Find a cosigner.** If you need help getting approved for a loan, consider asking a friend or family member with established credit to cosign. If your credit improves, you may be able to refinance on your own at a later time.\n*   **Maintain a positive payment history.** Your payment history is the single biggest factor in determining your credit score; it accounts for 35% of your FICO score. Even one late payment can set you back, so pay every bill on time.\nHelp may be available if you're having a hard time paying your bills. The nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) can help you establish a budget and repay creditors. Or look for other nonprofit organizations that provide low- or no-cost credit counseling and financial management training. Just be wary of for-profit companies that charge a substantial fee in exchange for a \"quick fix\" to your credit problems. END