 TITLE: How to Improve Your Credit Score During a Recession CONTENT: Maintain a Good Credit Score Despite a Downturn\n-----------------------------------------------\nYes, a recession can hurt your credit score—but it's also possible to maintain or even improve your credit score during an economic downturn by taking a few simple steps. Developing a budget, reducing your expenses and building up an emergency savings fund will help ensure you have the funds you need to pay your bills so you can maintain a good credit score, no matter what challenges the economy brings.\nIf you need to improve your credit score, one quick way to do so is to sign up for Experian Boost™† , a free service that gives you credit for on-time utility and cellphone bill payments. (Normally, this information isn't part of your credit report.) Even in a recession, you'll still need to pay utility and cellphone bills, so why not use them to boost your credit score? END