It could also mean that your expenses are greater than your current income, so you're charging more and your credit card balances are slowly advancing into the danger zone.

Either way, the path toward great credit scores is to get those debts paid down as quickly as possible. That could mean making some sacrifices right now, but in the end, they'll be well worth your effort.

Begin now by making some lifestyle changes that will allow you to put an extra few dollars on your accounts each month. Every dollar you pay off is a dollar you won't pay interest on again, so it's worth much more than one dollar.

The first thing to do is get your free credit report so you know where you stand. Next, go over your checkbook entries and see where your money has been going.

Are you paying for services you don't really need? Lots of things are nice to have, but if you don't actually need them, now is the time to get rid of them. For instance, if you watch cable or satellite TV, could you switch to a less expensive plan? Could you cut back on cell phone use and switch to a smaller plan?

If you stop for an espresso every morning on the way to work, could you get an inexpensive machine and make your own before you leave in the morning? Could you take your lunch to work instead of eating out?

If you really look at where your money is going, you'll find places that are like "leaky holes" that you can plug.

Next, are there ways to earn a few extra dollars? Even an extra $10 per week, added to a credit card payment, can make a big difference over the course of a year.

The internet offers several ways to add a little to your income. Paid surveys and blogging come to mind immediately. You might also pick up a few dollars providing some kind of service in your neighborhood during your off hours.

A combination of less spending and more earning - even in small amounts - will help you rebuild your credit score.