Roughly 50 million people in this country have no credit at all. No credit cards, student loans, auto loans, or mortgages. It's hard to believe, but it's true. Does this mean they are not credit-worthy consumers? Well, since they don't have a credit report or a FICO score, the answer you would get from any lender is yes. However, the truth is many of these individuals may be more credit worthy than those who actually exist in the "credit system".

The average credit card provides a 20 to 30 day grace period. What that means is your credit issuer will not charge interest on your new purchases during this time period. It's probably as close to an interest-free loan as you will ever get. However, grace periods don't work the same on all credit cards, so it's important to read and understand your credit card's billing statement.

It may start off practically unnoticeable, with a few charges here and there. Over time, though, your credit card statements begin to reflect purchases in places you're quite sure you've never visited. Items show up that you know you didn't buy. You start to notice charges from distant gas stations, restaurants and even online purchases. Is it just an oversight on behalf of your credit card company, or are you a victim of credit card fraud?

Is it really necessary to carry your social security card around with you like a driver's license? Not at all, yet many people sill tote around one of the most confidential pieces of personal information as if they might need it at any moment. If you do, you're taking a great risk because identity thieves armed with your social security number can do a lot more than simply open up a fraudulent credit card account. They can essentially start a whole new life using your SSN as the foundation.