Beat the urge. Don't sign up for in-store credit cards. Your credit score will thank you, since each credit report inquiry can lower your score.

Haggle! Return to your Latino roots. If you can't afford to pay retail, you might not have to. If available when shopping online, use the "live chat" feature, which lets you instantly communicate-and haggle-with store representatives. They're often more flexible with discounts. And at some retailers, such as jewelry stores, offering cash can get you a better deal. Always ask about unadvertised discounts or sales.

Pay on time. If a credit card payment is a day or even an hour late, your interest rate can skyrocket-without notice. Pay the minimum, more if possible. Beware of payday loans, which charge exorbitant interest rates.

Interest rates and minimum bill payments of in-store credit cards are typically higher than other cards.