Step #1: Get a copy of your credit report annually and review it.

You can't fix your credit score if you don't know what the problems are, right?

Your very first step is to order a copy of your credit report at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ - it's free once every 12 months and pulls your personal credit history from the top three reporting agencies. Once you have that report, go through it with a fine-toothed comb and mark items you think are inaccurate or incorrect.

If you see something wrong, be sure to dispute it - we'll talk through specifics on how to do just that in a minute. You can also check out How to Get Back on the Good Credit Track now.

Next: Step #2: Pay on time