When applying for any kind of new credit, you may notice some fine print on the application calling for a credit check. Your credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to over 800 that is calculated using many different factors. Although the exact methods of computing credit worthiness vary widely, there are a few basics to keep in mind when it comes to credit scores.

The act of applying for credit sets a process in motion to determine your overall credit worthiness, and there are a number of things that you can do to improve your chances of getting approved. When you apply for credit of any kind, you should keep these five simple rules in mind.

When shopping for a new or used vehicle, keep in mind that price tag on the vehicle is only one part of the cost equation. To get the most accurate reflection of what you will pay every month - and the actual cost of an auto loan over the full term of the loan - you'll need to take into account a variety of factors.