Credit Connection

Face it. You need a credit card. Yet, because of some jack-booted thug at the IRS or some just plain bad luck, your credit history stinks. And nobody will let extend you credit. You see great deals on the Internet, but you can't enjoy the convenience and security of online ordering. What can you do?

Here are some tips for getting back in the good graces of lenders:

1. Get a credit card.
2. Use that card to make one small purchase a month--something you know you can pay off.
3. Pay the small balance in full each month.
3. After 3 months, add a basic purchase, like gasoline--you are going to buy gas anyhow.
4. Continue to pay the balance off.
5. After 3 more months, add another basic purchase, like groceries.
6. This time, keep a running tab of what you purchase, making sure to set aside the funds at each payday.
7. Continue to pay the card in full.

After you have done this without any lapses, consider financing some other necessary purchase, but a large one. If you buy a car, make sure you set your spending limit before you talk to a salesperson--otherwise, you will end up ruining your credit again.

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