It's a fair question. With everything to worry about in the world today, from gas prices to global warming to getting a parking spot at work, why add something else to the list, especially some cryptic number in a distant computer you don't have access to anyway?

The answer is that, especially in some states, that number packs a lot of financial kung-fu. It can make the difference between paying $1200 and $1800 a month for a mortgage...indeed, it can decide whether you are able to get a mortgage at any rate. $600 a month for thirty years adds up to $216,000! When you factor in how much you could earn in interest on that money if you invest it over thirty years, having a high FICO score could save you enough money to buy a second home!

A low FICO score can count against you as much as an at-fault accident in setting your insurance rates. Landlords look at FICO scores before deciding whether or not to rent apartments. Employers look at FICO scores too. So even if you're not looking to buy a home, your FICO score still follows you around. You may as well make it a good one...and by following the FICO score management principles laid out here at allaboutthebenjamins.org, you can.