Hi everyone I'm Laura Adams and you're listening to Money Girls Quick and

Dirty Tips for a richer life.

Before we get started, I have a quick announcement. My new audio book, Money Girls 10 Steps to a debt-free life went on sale last month.

I'm really excited about it because I know it's going to help a lot of people.

It's full of specific techniques to assess your financial health, create a realistic spending plan,

reduce all kinds of debt, lower your taxes, save money, and more, all in a step-by-step

format. You'll be surprised how easy it is to create a more secure financial future.

You will owe less, own more, and rest easier.

Today Show is a free excerpt from the audiobook. I discuss five ways to raise your

credit score and why raising your credit score will help you get out of debt faster and then live

debt free. I hope you enjoy it. Find Moneygirls 10 steps to a debt-free life on sale

at audible.com and in the iTunes store.

Your credit score has a somewhat secret life.

It's changing and being manipulated by your financial decisions

even though it's out of sight.

One of the reasons you need to be mindful of this underground credit world

is because it affects how much credit you can get

and what interest rate you'll pay for it.

The better your credit rating,

the more favorable and less risky you appear to potential lenders, landlords, insurers, and employers, for example.

A good credit score helps them quickly approve your applications and offer you the best credit terms

available, which can translate to paying less and saving more, which is critical for getting

...