Divorce is all about division – the separation of two people from each other, dividing up property, dividing kids’ time between parents but does divorce have to mean a separation from a good credit score?

There’s no need to waste your time — and some short-term damage to your credit score — by applying for a credit card offer that’s out of your league. This first step is crucial because the information in your credit reports — and the scores that are calculated as a result — will be critical in determining which cards you get and how much you pay for them.

Good credit takes patience and persistence and if you pay your bills on time and keep your credit card balances low over the long haul, you’ll be rewarded with a solid score.

The FICO credit score ranges between 300 and 850 which is used often by banks, lenders and financial institution to determine whether to provide you with financial solutions and at what interest rate. A rule of thumb is the higher the credit score, the lower your rate will be.