If you're anxious about your financial situation, and are worried that you might have affected your credit rating, then you'll want to do as much as you can in order to protect your credit rating for the future.

Here are some things to consider.

1. Pay your bills and regular payments on time, so that you know how much money you'll have for food and other sundries that you need to buy each month

2. Pay your mortgage or rent on time, because you and your family need somewhere to live, and you don't want to lose your home if you accrue mortgage arrears, or miss several months' rent.

3. Don't apply for or use store cards so you're not tempted to go overboard, and buy things that you don't need, just because you're not paying for them in cash.

4. Don't use "buy now pay later" schemes if you won't be able to afford the repayments, or you have to pay the whole balance in one go after the payment free time has ended.

5. Save up for the things you want, rather then using a credit card or loan. For the majority of things you want, you can probably do without them, or use cheaper variations. Do you really need a new big screen TV, or is it just something you'd like?

6. Just because you've been offered a credit card or loan through the post doesn't mean you should apply for it. Applying for lots of different financial products looks bad in the eyes of lenders, as it looks like you've been refused, whereas you might just be looking for the best deal.

7. Don't take out a loan you can't afford, or don't need. If you do get a loan, make sure that you spend it wisely, as it isn't free money, and you'll resent paying it back if you haven't actually got anything to show for it.

8. Don't live on your credit card and use it foe the shopping and other day to day items; it's easy to build up a big balance that you'll struggle to pay if you're not careful. If you must have one, then use it only for emergencies such as car or house repairs, or any other unexpected bills.

9. Don't change your car for the sake of it. You don't really need a new one if yours is still capable of getting you and your family where you need to go. You might want a newer car, or a bigger or faster one, but you probably shouldn't take out finance you can't really afford.

10. If you are struggling to keep you head above water financially, then make sure that you inform your creditors as soon as possible. Most likely, they'll be able and willing to help you, and this can help to prevent things from spiraling out of control, which will affect your credit rating, and make you a much higher risk.

Now you know more about how you can reduce your spending, and not rely on loans or other forms of credit, you can greatly reduce the risk of damaging your credit rating, which can stand you in good stead for the future if you do want a loan or want to change your mortgage.