 TITLE: How to Improve Your Credit Score During a Recession CONTENT: Consider Adjusting Your Spending Habits and Building a Budget\n-------------------------------------------------------------\nIf you don't have a budget, now is the time to create one. If you already have a budget, now is a good time to review it and make some adjustments to your spending habits. Tightening your belt and reducing unnecessary spending can help you remain financially stable despite a recession.\nTo create a budget, determine your income; your essential expenses, such as rent or mortgage, food and transportation; and how much you spend on nonessential items, such as eating out or buying new clothes. Tracking your expenses for a few months can help you get a clearer picture of your spending habits and where you can cut back.\nDuring a recession, you should aim to reduce both essential and nonessential spending as much as possible. Keep your spending within your income limits so you don't have to rely on credit cards. If you must use credit cards, charge only as much as you can pay off in full each month. Building up a big credit card balance could make it hard to keep up with your payments, especially if you lose your job or your income is reduced, and will hurt your credit score. END