In the United States today, it can be argued that a persons most important asset, is their Credit Rating, more important even than their income. You might think that you dont need a good credit rating, as you are not contemplating large loans, but a credit rating affects many parts of life. Getting a new job, renting a new apartment, changing or getting a new mortgage, applying for a credit card all depend on your credit rating. That is why your credit rating is important, and very well worth protecting.
It is much easier to protect your credit rating than repair it. It is also very easy to damage your credit rating. You might maintain that it does not apply to you since you have always paid off your loans, but beware! Its not only paying off loans that count, but how they are paid. Late payments damage your credit history. Paying by check in the hope that your salary will be in on time, resulting in a bounced check, not only costs you money, but will also damage your credit rating.
Like a lot of things in life, it is not the big hurdles that are going to cause problems, but the little everyday things. Like most Americans, you have commitments in life...