Protect Your Credit Score

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Your credit score is a window to the future. Be sure your financial decisions now, will help and not harm your score.

Rate hike got you mad? Don't go closing the account. If you do, your score will take a hit. Instead, Consumer Reports money experts say you should keep the card open and use it sparingly.

It makes sense to want to pay down your debt or pay it off completely.

But, make sure you keep some activity on your cards. The decision to pay down balances is one of the most effective ways to give your bottom line a boost.

Debt relief can be a light at the end of a dark debt-laden tunnel. That financial breather will impact your credit score.

Experts say once you establish better borrowing habits, the numbers will head in the right direction.