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If you already have bad credit, a low credit score, and/or trouble managing your credit debt, the following resources can help you start managing your credit:

• Credit Problems and How to Get Help. This guide from the HSBC - North America Center for Consumer Advocacy gives information about how to identify credit problems, and details on credit counseling.
• Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself Check out the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's brochure about how you can improve your credit standing.
• Bad Credit Score? Here's How to Fix It The personal-finance Web site Bankrate.com gives advice from a credit-repair expert on how to rebuild your credit score and look more appealing to lenders.

Often times, dealing with bad credit can be overwhelming. If you are deep in credit debt, have previously filed for bankruptcy, have bills you can't pay due to job loss, or are just trying to get your credit under control, the problem can be so overwhelming, that you want to ignore it. But the sooner you start getting a handle on your credit and debt, the easier it will be to find a solution.

Bad credit doesn't mean you'll end up in financial ruin. Though it may realistically cause a few headaches when you're looking to buy a car, rent an apartment or purchase a house, it can be a temporary blip on your credit record. The situation can serve as a learning experience and if you're willing to take responsibility for the actions that left you with bad credit, you can spin the negative experience into a positive future.

Other survivors say these are the best guides for managing credit:

• When suffering from bad credit, it's necessary to go back to square one and reorganize the way you manage your money. The blog Get Rich Slowly shows you how.
• Making a budget is essential for determining what's going in and out of your wallet, reducing debt and repairing your credit. About.com gives a step-by-step guide on how to create one that works for you.
• About.com also has a detailed do-it-yourself guide to improving your credit rating.

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