I carry 2 or 3 CC and pay the balances faithfully every month. I float money in and out of a home quity account to purchase real estate and other short term investments. Have an 820 CS. The bankers call begging to take there money at a discount. I've never paid a late fee even for a video rental. I went through a divore 20 years ago and walked with nothing plus $200 per week take home. I got where I am today buy working hard, smart, investing, and never borrow money on a luxury item. Save and pay anyone can do it. Once you are debt free you will be surprised how good it feels and how easy it is to acumulate assets. I also rarely buy new, that said the las 5 years it has paid to buy new trucks. As I said this is very unpopular but the best advise I can give anyone. My son is 27 and put 100k down on his first house. I showed him how.