If you do want to purchase a home some day, it's important to know your credit or "FICO" score. It's also important to recognize that your actions in managing your money on a day-to-day basis can affect your credit score. Here are a few indications that a person's money management may eventually lead to a blemished credit score...

• I barely make ends meet with my current income.
• I rely on overtime to make ends meet.
• I put off medical and dental appointments because I can't afford them.
• I worry that my utilities will be shut off, or that my car will be repossessed.
• I find it difficult to save money.
• I use my savings account to pay my bills.
• I have had to borrow money for expenses like taxes and insurance.
• I have been denied credit.
• I took out a new loan to pay off an old loan.
• I have some missed or late payments every month.
• I frequently overdraw my checking account.
• I get past due notices and regularly pay late fees.
• All of my credit cards are at, or near, their credit limit.
• I can only afford to make the minimum payment on my credit cards each month.

You could be headed for trouble if three or more of the statements above apply to you...