Did you know that one late payment can affect your credit score by as much as 20 points?  To avoid late payments, set up your credit cards so that you pay the minimum amount due on the due date each month. This will keep you from being slapped with late charges or fines. And set a reminder on your calendar to go in and pay off the rest of the monthly amount on the due date. That way you won’t be charged interest, but if you can’t get to it on the due date, you’ll still avoid any damage to your credit report.

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