[SophieKatesMom]

Boy it must be tough getting credit these days.

Back when I was younger I had to establish my own credit, unfortunately I did not have parents to help with co-signing (lost both when I was very young).

The two most important things I did was get a Checking and Saving account through my Credit Union. By keeping those accounts current for a few years I was able to get a credit card through them also and to this day I still use that Credit Union and have gotten/paid off many loans.

I was able to join my Credit Union because the Uncle who raised me was a member, he gave me the advice to join- which I did.

Brit, good credit is really important in life - it can effect everything from loan rates, to utility deposit and even your car insurance rate (I was shocked to learn the last one).

I would like to suggest that you Google the name Clark Howard, he is consumer reporter who give some of the best advice on credit, lending and spending. I also like Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey a lot, I guess I am a little freaky about finances.