Web Extra: What's in a Credit Score?

When money gets tight, we often have to make a decision about which of our loans we should pay off first. In making that decision, it's crucial to remember how it all impacts your credit score. John Ulzheimer breaks down the factors that have the biggest impact on your FICO.

Installment debt, that is debt that is secured by an asset like a car or house, is typically the most important debt to stay on top of. But these days, there's a counterintuitive pattern going on with more people focusing on paying off their credit card debt as it gives them access to capital.

For more factors that affect your credit score, watch the web-exclusive video with John and Carmen.