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Most people think responsible credit use means paying your bills on time and never taking out more than you can afford to pay back, but credit reporting agencies and the businesses they serve don't quite see it that way. While those basic best practices can certainly help you build and keep a decent credit history, there are a myriad of other factors that go into your credit score, some of which may not work how you think.

1. Using your credit cards too much

Your credit utilization -- or the percentage of your total available credit that you're using...

When I first left my parents' home roughly six years ago, I truly became aware of the cost of groceries. Possibly because I am tighter than a coat of paint when it comes to certain things, but a few pricey grocery shopping experiences shortly after moving out made me change my food buying ways. After all, I had to make rent. And I had to pay for college. Rice is a Good Friend to Have A little rice goes a long way. Or at least that's what I say. Even at $15 to $25 for a huge fourteen pound bag,...

Certain stocks, often referred to as "defensive" ones, can maintain their performance during good and bad times. Some even increase in value during economic slumps. A good bit of overlap exists between types of stock, and many companies' stocks can fit into numerous categories. Those that do can also be a smart buy when other stocks are doing poorly. Blue Chip "Blue chip" stocks are issued by well-established companies that have a long history of positive cash flow, growth and stability, leading to reliable dividend payments for investors. Because of this deep-rooted dependability, investors know any losses will probably be...