Good credit saves you money. For example, having good credit can get you a better interest rates on credit cards.
Credit card companies offer lower interest rates to their best customers, sometimes in the single digits.
The catch: Most of the time you have to ask for the lower rate. So if you're a good customer and you're paying 15 percent on your credit card, try calling the company for a lower rate. On a $5,000 balance, you would pay about $119 monthly at 15 percent. At 9 percent, you'd pay $104, a $15 monthly savings.
Patrick Kennedy
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Business
Business
Wells Fargo, Exxon Mobil fall; Thermo Fisher, Axon rise
Stocks that moved heavily or traded substantially Friday:
Local
Janesville teachers to receive vaccine ahead of schedule
Wisconsin's Department of Health Services says it's investigating plans by the Janesville school district to vaccinate its teachers and staff next week, even though the state hasn't yet moved to the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations.
Business
Stocks fall as economy's pain deepens, post a weekly loss
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Friday, posting their first weekly loss after two weeks of solid gains. The S&P 500 fell 0.7%, with stocks of companies that most need a healthier economy taking some of the sharpest losses. The declines came as more reports showed how the pandemic is deepening the hole for the economy, even as Washington prepares to throw it another lifeline. Treasury yields also dipped as reports showed shoppers held back on spending during the holidays and are feeling less confident. Stocks have run out of steam since the S&P 500 set a record last week.
Nation

Biden's virus plan: 100 million shots just the start
President-elect Joe Biden pledged to maximize the available supply of vaccines and materials needed to administer them, using a Cold War-era law called the Defense Production Act to direct private manufacturing.
Business
The Latest: Biden uses Defense Production Act for vaccines
President-elect Joe Biden will use the Defense Production Act to expand the production of the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination supplies as part of a wide-ranging plan to deliver on his pledge to vaccinate 100 million people in his first 100 days.