Marlon Ibarra started using credit cards as a young college student with a newborn on the way. His relationship with credit has been tenuous, opening new lines of credit to accommodate his growing family. Working with the debt relief counselors at Money Management International, he paid off $98,000 in just over four years, increasing his credit score 217 points along the way, and learned valuable lessons about understanding needs versus wants.

When a credit card, utility bill, or other debt goes unpaid long enough, it may end up being “charged off” by the lender. What exactly does that mean, and what does it mean for you?

If you're co-signing on a loan, it's usually to help out a friend or family member who doesn't have the credit to qualify on their own. While the intentions are good, co-signing can go south quickly if the other borrower stops making payments. What are your options at that point? Can you be removed from the loan?

There are many different credit card options out there from affinity cards to rewards cards. When choosing a credit card, the most important thing is to know exactly how you’ll plan to use it.

Developing good credit is an ongoing process that starts with understanding how credit reporting works. Follow these five steps to start maximizing your credit.

Recently married? You’ll need to decide what to do with your existing outstanding loans and credit card accounts, as well as any new credit accounts that you open when you are married. There are several options available, each with its own pros and cons.

Purchasing a car is a big financial step—probably the largest you’ve considered taking thus far. Young adults should think carefully about all of the ramifications of car ownership before determining whether owning a car is right for them.

Learn how to buy a house with bad credit. We discuss factors such as loan options, down payment amount, income level, minimum credit scores needed, and more.

A personal savings account is a great way to begin building your savings. The returns are usually pretty minimal, but the risk is incredibly low. If you've never used a personal savings account, this is how you find the right one for you and sign up.

More and more, financially burdened consumers are relying on credit cards to fill gaps in their budget. What are the signs that you're dependent on credit? And if you are dependent, how do you break free?