Learn how to play Christmas songs on the piano – howc.stExpand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from crazyp3t3 and more videos in the Debt category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com It’s never too late to clean up your credit record — and save yourself thousands of dollars in exorbitant interest rates in the process. To complete this How-To you will need: Frugality Self-discipline Negotiating skills Step 1: Pay off your debts Devise a plan to pay off your credit-card balances, even if it means living like a hermit and subsisting on peanut butter sandwiches for the foreseeable future. Tip: Call your creditors and tell them you can settle your debt right now for 30 cents on the dollar. Keep negotiating until you get something from them, even if it’s just a lower interest rate. Step 2: Get a secured card Once your credit cards are paid off, cancel all but the one with the lowest interest rate. Keep that for emergencies and for daily use get a secured credit card—one with a low limit that you pay for in advance. Tip: Resist the urge to open a store account every time you can “save 10% today!” The little bit you save will not make up for the higher interest rates you’ll pay for having so much revolving credit. Step 3: Get your record reports Get your credit reports …