<prompt> Human: I just paid the only debt on my credit report, 317. My TransUnion went up to 664 and Equifax stayed at 667. I need to know what to do next because banking and credit are almost a foreign language to me.My wife, son, and I will be moving back to Pennsylvania from Guam next month and we have a year with family to get settled back there. I would like to move into our own home when that year comes to an end. I have no credit cards. I havent had a job on the books in years, I spearfish for a living here. When I get back I have a job lined up immediately, but will be looking for another since its under the table. My wifes credit is garbage right now. If any other information is needed feel free to ask. My main goal is a house, but raising my credit is an immediate priority. I am open for any guidance relating to these goals, banking with a bank or credit union, or anything else to helpful for a 35 yo male that is new to responsible finances. Thank you!  <response>: FWIW, there is no need to make purchases, carry any kind of balance, etc.. to build your credit. Just having an open account, even with a zero balance and zero payments, counts as on time payments and will help your score. There is very small a few points benefit to having a more than zero but less than 9 utilization, but only with a single card of 4 or more total. Its complex, and not relevant to someone in your situation. The idea that you need to have a recurring charge payment to establish or build credit is incorrect. Being a customer in good standing is all that is needed. If you want to use the card to help teach yourself good financial habits, consider using the card for purchases and then immediately pay the bill. There is never a need to carry a balance, or make purchases at all, to have an account in good standing.That said, Id guess it is unlikely you will qualify for a reasonable mortgage in the next couple years. With no income history or credit history, you probably wont qualify for a mortgage. Its not just about your credit score, they take a lot more into consideration for a home loan. Consider why your and your wifes credit is poor- and whether or not making a large purchase such as a house and the many other financial obligations that come with it is appropriate for you at the moment. 