For those who are trying to get a credit card or even trying to buy a house with poor credit, the following questions can help you navigate your way through bad credit ratings and debt. All it takes is some work and research to get past this seemingly difficult time of fixing bad credit. The following are some common questions and important answers about credit.

Is it necessary to read the fine print in the credit card agreement?

Of course it is! Not everyone reads the fine print, but everyone should. The small print looks complicated and bothersome to slog through and that is why most people tend to disregard it. Often there is information contained in that tiny print that might save you money. There might be instructions regarding hidden fees or fees you might be charged should you go over your spending limit. You might also find information regarding rate increases after a certain period of time. "I didn't know" is not a valid excuse no matter how much you mean it.

How important is good credit when it comes to getting a job?

If you had asked that question twenty years ago, you probably would have gotten laughed at. Today, more and more companies are using credit checks as a standard part of the new employee hiring process. A prospective employer cannot refuse an application because the applicant suffered a bankruptcy; however, there are other things such as foreclosures and collection actions that might be used against you. While the background check still reigns first and foremost in the hiring process, the credit check is gaining ground in popularity.

Why did my credit suddenly go from being okay to a poor rating?

You may be oblivious to a number of factors that can negatively affect your credit. The first one is someone inquiring into your credit history. Your credit history can be examined by credit card, utility, or mortgage companies. If you have taken steps to fix your credit rating recently, remember that it can take a few months for that to actually appear on your credit report. Lack of timely payment of bills might be another problem. Finally, having poor credit may be directly related to the number of charge offs appearing on your credit report. Charge off is a term used to describe a situation when a company realizes you will never pay a bill, for any reason such as forgetting to pay it or simply refusing to pay it. Your failure to pay is written off as a loss when the company does their taxes.

If I have immaculate credit and I marry someone whose credit is in bad shape, does their bad credit become mine too?

No, your spouse's credit does not become yours - unless you both enter into a joint loan. As soon as you both sign your name on the dotted line of a loan or credit card, that loan and any debt incurred from it belongs to the both of you. If your partner has bad credit to begin with you might not have the chance to worry about a joint loan becoming a problem because you probably won't be approved for it anyway. In situations like this, it is best to discuss your financial plans before the wedding so you both know exactly what to expect of each other.