Credit Cards

We use a credit card to pay for all monthly expenses and then pay it off at the end of each month. My credit score fluctuates every quarter, depending on when the accounts are checked. My question is how can we convince the credit rating company that we do not carry any credit card debt from one month to the next? My score is currently at 749 but has been as high as 815. Thanks, I really enjoy your program. Randy, Macomb, IL

I have recently started purging old files of financial information (statements, bills, receipts, etc.). I have heard that I should keep credit card statements for 7 years, but I was wondering: If the accounts are closed and there are no discrepancies on the credit reports, do I really need to hang on to these statements? Thanks for your insight. Alicia, Indianapolis, IN

We talk to one of our Washington reporters about what happened in the news this week.

I recently "moved my money" and I'd like to get rid of my old credit cards linked to the old bank accounts. Assuming there are no fees for keeping the old cards, should I save one and not use it, or occasionally use it in case it needs to remain active? Or can I simplify my life, cut loose the dormant accounts and just move on to my new cards? Any advice appreciated. Charlie, San Francisco, CA

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants customers to understand their credit cards better. So, they've unveiled a new and shorter prototype of a credit card agreement.

I understand that your credit score is affected by the percentage of your available credit that you use. However, does this reflect the total percentage of the total available, or is it specific to each line of credit? Gabriel, Somerville, MA

Question: Hello, I was just listening to your program here in sunny San Diego, Saturday around noon (Oct 22). You were interviewing a recent...