LEVERAGE YOUR GOOD CREDIT
As average credit scores for Americans continue to rise, the question for many becomes how to use their excellent credit rating to optimize their lives without borrowing money or adding risk. Capitalizing on great credit doesn't have to mean incurring great debt; instead, it's about using your money reputation for a financial advantage. "In the right hands, a good credit rating can be a real asset," said Jordan Goodman, editor of MoneyAnswers.com and author of Master Your Debt. From higher credit card bonuses and regards to lower insurance premiums and interest rates, hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of goodies are available to those with great credit. And they don't need a dime. They use leverage. Nearly 40 percent of Americans have excellent FICO credit scores of 750 and above, according to credit scoring company Fair Isaac Corp. Half of those have scores of 800 or higher, considered "super-prime." They get the best