When you move, it’s often important to report your change of address to the United States Postal Service or you risk missing important mailings like credit card and utility bills.

Having a low credit score can hurt you in a number of different ways. Here are some of the disadvantages of having a low credit score.

There are many misconceptions about credit scores out there. Every time you apply for credit, apply for a job that requires you to handle money, or even apply for some apartment living, your credit score it checked.

If your in debt, you must devise some plan to get out of the red. You can declare bankruptcy (Chapter 13 or Chapter 7), but that will tarnish your credit and financial records. An alternative is the wage earner plan — which allows you to meet your debts methodically without bankruptcy.

This holiday season, retailers may nudge you a little harder to sign up for their store credit cards. Perks could include discounts of 10% or more on your first purchase and introductory offers that allow you to delay payments, interest or both.