 TITLE: How to Build and Maintain Good Credit at Every Stage of Life CONTENT: Is Your Credit Important When You Retire?\n-----------------------------------------\nRetirement planning can require a lot of energy—and, of course, money—over a lifetime. It's important to build good credit and check it closely so you can enjoy retirement when you get there.\nStrong credit can help you qualify to refinance your mortgage when rates are low, downsize to a smaller home or finally buy a dream vacation property. If you need to rely on credit cards in a pinch—for medical expenses, for instance—good credit can allow you to pay off debt fast with a low-rate card like a 0% intro APR balance transfer credit card.\nThe simple fact of earning less money in retirement can lead to a dip in credit scores, or to more difficulty qualifying for credit. If you experience a drop in income, you might find it harder to get new loans or credit cards, unless you have no debt at all and your debt-to-income ratio hasn't changed. END