There are ways that can build your credit, as you probably already know. Ideas like:

 Utility companies in your name, and payments made on time
 Small personal loans that are paid on time
 Department store credit cards that are paid on time
 Make sure that all your positive ratings through these networks make it to the major credit reporting agencies.

Ok, so now you have the good credit going. You have worked hard to hit the credit score you wanted, but how do you keep this score and work for a better one?

 It is important to make sure your bills are paid on time, and in full every month.
 If there are any problems that are beyond your control that would affect your payments being on time, you will want to call your creditor. This way they can possibly give you an extension, which would not come up poorly on your credit rating.
 Regularly request a copy of your credit report. This way you can watch for changes, problems, and how your progress is going.
 When you see any inconsistencies on your credit report, be sure to report them. These inconsistencies can be anything from a mistake to fraud, and you do not want them plaguing your financial records. There is evidence that 25% of all credit reports have mistakes and misprints.
 By contacting the company that listed the negative credit rating, you can have them contact the credit agency and have them remove the listing.
 It is your credit; keep a record of dates when you called to resolve issues on your credit report. Make sure to keep an eye on the progress. You should have a resolution or at least response within 30 days.
 Shred all your private documents. This would include any financial, family, and personal information documents.
 Do not ever loan out your credit card, social security number, or drivers license/ID
 Try to never use one credit card to pay another credit card.
 Never write your credit card number, or social security number on any documentation that is open for theft, or identity fraud.

Often times credit is taken for granted. This is not the best way to maintain your great credit. Credit needs to be watched, and monitored often. The reason is that you could miss things that if taken care of quickly, it would not have to be as much of a burden in the long run.

When you look into places to get credit, consider the reasons for your credit requests and needs. Credit is something that should be used to work with your standard income to make life easier. Not to change your lifestyle and with financed money.

If however, you end up borrowing and spending much more than your needs, you will find yourself in a web of entrapping fees, charges, and payments. This can cause problems with you being able to maintain your great credit. Stay within your focused means, and you will be able to continue to have the great credit you worked so hard for.