Credit card rates are sitting at a record high right now, but will they drop lower this month? Here's what to know.

Applying for a new credit card can hurt your credit score in the short term, but having and using the card responsibly can improve your score in the long run.

Credit cards can be valuable tools for building credit and establishing a more fluid financial situation, but incorrect use can take years to recover from.

After all, the typical uptick in spending that occurs during the final months of the year can make it tough to manage your budget, and if you're also dealing with high-rate credit card debt, keeping your finances on track can be even more difficult during this time of the year.