 TITLE: How to Improve Credit When Living Paycheck to Paycheck CONTENT: Step 3: Don't Borrow Trouble\n----------------------------\nIt's common for people who are experiencing financial stress to turn to credit products for relief. Resist. It's especially important to steer clear of such subprime products as payday loans and car title loans. Using them likely won't solve the underlying cash flow issue, their interest rates are excessive, and they come with severe consequences for not paying.\nAs for credit cards, be careful. If you start charging things you don't have the money for, you'll find yourself in an even worse position than you are today. \"It's tempting to look at your lines of available credit as a lifeline, but it's a dangerous road to travel,\" says Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. You may not be able to meet the payment by the due date, which will be noted on your credit report and cause your credit scores to sink. And if all you can do is send the minimum payments but you keep charging, your balance will swell so it's near or at the credit limit, and that, too, will hurt your scores.\nIf you do charge, you can ensure the activity will help your credit scores rise by always paying the balance in full and on time. END