Want to take a trip, buy a car or continue your studies? Credit can help you realize your plans more quickly. But be careful: borrowing costs money, and you need to know how to manage it intelligently to avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Understand the different types of credit: personal loan, mortgage, credit card, etc.

• Calculate how much it really costs to borrow

• Know how to keep your credit rating in the black

• Use credit to your advantage without overpaying

• Manage your debts to stay in control