<prompt> Human: The credit score is still one of the most oft-addressed topic in rpersonalfinance. It shouldnt be. Building a good credit score is simple. A few simple truths you should keep in mind:Utilization is not worth worrying about. It has no history, can be changed in a month, and isnt the biggest factor in your credit score anyways. Stop worrying about it.Extending loans for the sake of improving your credit score is silly. Choose to extend a loan longer than you otherwise would to use your money more effectively for example, if you have a very low interest loan you might want to make an IRA contribution instead where you hope to get higher returns, not because you think it will improve your credit score. It doesnt matter what your credit score is if the rest of your finances are a mess. Good credit scores come from sound finances, not the other way around.Its fine to leave unused accounts open as long as you arent being charged. This could include old credit cards, lines of credit from a bank, or whatever else. Just make sure you verify you arent being charged a fee to do so.Never carry a credit card balance. Always pay your credit card bills in full, every month. If you cant afford to pay off your credit card bill in full, that is a sign you cannot afford whatever it is you charged to it.Everyone has lots more to worry about in life besides their credit score. Focus on whats important in your financial life and a good credit score will follow.I hope everyone has another happy, debt-free holiday season. Lets all make an effort in the new year to unwrap people from around FICOs little finger even just a little bit.  <response>: Another way to put this is - derogatory marks have a way bigger effect than any other variable. 