Keeping your credit clean can be easier said than done. In a time of loose credit and instant gratification, credit cards are getting maxed out faster than ever. I came across THIS ARTICLE in Forbes.com and thought it was worth checking out. The 10 tips it mentions are these…

1. Maintain a small number of revolving accounts with high limits, and pay off the balances each month.

2. Don’t apply for credit indiscriminately.

3. If you accidentally make a late mortgage or other loan payment, ask the lender for forgiveness “just this once” According to certified financial planner John Davis, “It works.”

4. Get a new credit card and don’t use it.

5. If you have a credit card balance, make larger payments than the minimum and make payments on time–no matter what.

6. One of the most damaging aspects of credit card debt is owing more than the limit on the particular card. Pay this off first.

7. Don’t let companies do unnecessary inquiries on your account.

8. If you are getting a divorce, be sure to contact creditors so you can replace joint credit cards and other loans with ones in your own name.

9. Never max out a credit card account.

10. Never close the lines of credit that you use responsibly.