It's good that Santa Barbara is having this Infoshop to give its people active information and updates. Good work guys! In relation to public awareness, we all know that our economy is still in its bad shape and most of us rely in our credit card. Yet some banks and credit card companies -- many of which have received billions in taxpayer bailout money -- continue their abusive practices, hitting customers who make their payments on time with sudden interest rate hikes and new fees. So if you want to repair your credit, I guess this I is the best time.  If you repair your credit, it might save you from bankruptcy.  (You could also look for a better job, while you're at it – the best way to pay things off is to make more money.)  Stop using the credit cards, budget smart, and pay down the balances is the best way to begin credit repair.  You can use payday loans for short-term gaps, but remember – they're only a short-term solution.  Long-term problems are best dealt with by sound financial actions up to and including debt consolidation, in the effort to repair your credit.