Borrowing money has become a part of life for most people. Unless you’re sitting on a tremendous cash reserve, you’ll need to borrow money to buy a home. If your car dies and you need a new replacement, you will probably finance some of the purchase. And with out of control college tuition costs a student loan might be the only option for getting an education. Taking on some debt isn’t a bad thing as it’s just a financial tool that helps you reach your goals. But like any tool, if it is misused you could find yourself doing more harm than good.

Understanding when borrowing money is appropriate, how your credit score is calculated, and where to go for help is important if you want to keep your money save. Here’s a crash course that covers everything you need to know about credit and debt.

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