Want good credit? Stop believing these 8 things

Plus, the Amazon tip you really need this summer No Images? Click here       We’re rebels with a cause this week, on a mission to share some myth-busting and rule-breaking life management basics that will help you deal with money, credit, and health insurance. There’s also a little-known section at Amazon (!) we just have to tell you about after learning of it from Apartment Therapy. Plus, we’ve got a heaping dose of sexy budgeting inspiration. Yes, budgeting is sexy. Embrace it, love it, live it, blossom. Perhaps the handiest tip I’ve got this week? A mental trick that’ll help you appreciate the hours spent at the airport when you’re just trying to get to vacation. Xx, Janie   Take back your life   Credit rules everything around us, for better and worse. And if you don’t know how to manage your credit and credit score, you’ll find yourself facing higher interest rates, bad credit card options, and steeper utility deposits, among other issues. Although you shouldn’t take on too much debt, not enough debt can make it much harder to reach many other financial goals, like buying a car or a house. Confusing, right? Not with the primer Casey Bond put together, which busts eight bad myths about achieving good credit. HERE'S THE TRUTH   Deal with it You can get some pretty good deals this week at these Father’s Day sales. But let’s also talk about dealing with standard financial advice, some of which you may have heard from your old man himself. It’s always good to consider the idea behind these principles, but your situation is your own – and not all of the old wisdom is still valid, anyway. There are excellent reasons to break the ancient guideline of saving 20 percent for a down payment on a house. Credit cards shouldn’t necessarily be “emergencies only.” And just as it’s not true you need the most prestigious degree possible to get a good job, renting isn’t always just "throwing away money," either. We’re just scratching the surface here, though. Check out four other financial rules you should break, with permissions and explanations from the experts. BREAK FREE Pro Tip: Did you know there’s a “hidden” section of Amazon just for Prime members, where you can buy all sorts of samples for $2-$4? For each sample you buy, you receive a credit in the amount paid toward the purchase of select full-size products. Samples can be a nice way to try something out, as Apartment Therapy suggests, but I think this is especially handy for grabbing travel versions of your favorite products (toothpaste​, for example!) so you can avoid checking a bag this summer. Check out AT’s list of the best categories, including snacks.  Want more practical magic? In a nasty divorce, who gets the dog? [HuffPost] 6 ways budgeting is like the hottest hot sex [HuffPost] 5 things you need to know about insurance before you're 26 [HuffPost] Amazon’s Whole Foods discount expands to 21 new states [HuffPost] How to adjust your budget when kids leave the nest [U.S. News] Oh, and you can win, too! If you’re burdened by student loan debt, we want to hear from you. Send your student loan questions to moneyquestions@yahoo.com and HuffPost Life’s Money reporter Casey Bond will be answering them with three other experts in a Live Facebook chat on Tuesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. EST. Throughout the month of June, Yahoo Finance will randomly select winners and award $100 and $500 Amex/Visa Gift Cards to help eliminate your debt and conquer your finances. Visit bitly.com/yfsweepstakes to learn more and enter. Winners will be announced every Friday.    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe