Most of large banks rely on the FICO score to base the majority of their lending decisions. Potentially, a 100 point difference in scores could mean thousands of dollars in the long run. It’s important to recognize that you have the power.

Scores generally range from 300 to 850 with the lower end of the spectrum nearly impossible to secure credit due to complications. On the other end of the spectrum, 850 represents the most secure person a bank could lend to. You want to be there. At 850, nearly any credit card you want can be yours — permitting a reasonable income. Having this can mean serious rewards in your daily credit card use, too.

This is one of the most fundamental components to saving money in the long run. Getting the most updated credit score is best done at the source: MyFICO.com. Regularly, a basic report costs $19.95. I encourage you to take advantage of some online coupons that’ll save you around 15 percent. First, Google search: “MyFICO Coupon.” Second, if you are having trouble finding one, this should work for a while: “Unionplus.”

Go to the source and figure out how you can improve your credit score. But do it before you have the large purchase to make. MyFICO will succinctly dispel the common myths and simultaneously give you path to improve your score.

It’s important to understand what devices will be able to access this cloud application. Most likely, you have a cell phone (smartphone), laptop, and possibly even a desktop. As a student or somebody that frequently uses public computers, the data must be easy to backup and access from all outlets. And following in this site’s motto, let’s be financially savvy and find a free tool — shall we?

1. Dropbox (2 GB Free)
   The best of the best. This website offers a fully-integrated application that works on Mac and Windows computers to keep all of your precious files backed up without any afterthought. Just install the program, drag the files to the Dropbox folder, and you’re off! This tool couldn’t be any easier and uses advanced 256-bit encryption to protect those files. Using this banking-standard form of encryption should give you piece of mind. On top of that, if you’re internet is down, you’ll still have access to your files. One copy is left on your hard drive and the other is synced to the cloud. If you have MP4 video, sometimes they will play directly in your browser when clicking the file on Dropbox. This is a tremendous plus if you don’t want to lug around your DVD collection. While they start out with only 2 GB free, there are a variety of free opportunities to quickly increase your limits. If you’re a new user, click here and use my referral link to get an extra 500 MB: http://db.tt/0zVW4Ot.
2. Google Docs (1 GB Free)
   If you’re an avid Googler you already know everything that Google Docs has to offer. While only giving a skimpy, minuscule 1 GB of free storage, Google Docs is by far the best collaboration software out there. Users can easily share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets among friends. Instead of the traditional email attachment, Google Docs keeps the file on their servers and shared access makes users go online to see the file. This collaboration is easy, timely, and without a number of things to delete shortly afterwards. If you’re working on a group project that culminates in a PowerPoint presentation, head over to Google Docs and share the burden with your partners. If you’ve been living under a rock: docs.google.com.
3. Amazon Cloud Drive (5 GB Free)
   As with each of the preceding tools, Amazon Cloud Drive has its own place on the top of the list. Recently released this year, the Amazon Cloud Drive enables amazing cloud music capabilities. If you’re not stuck on iTunes, check out the Amazon Cloud Drive. You simply upload your music to Amazon’s secure servers and no matter where you are you can listen to your music (assuming you have an internet connection). The cloud drive comes with a counterpart for Android phones: Amazon MP3. Just download that app from the Android Market, login, and you can rock out to your music in seconds. This storage is incredibly quick and doesn’t suffer from lag whatsoever in normal signal conditions. Whether you’re away from your home computer or want to go from a run, Amazon’s Cloud Drive is an important part of the amalgamation of online storage. Check out the cloud drive at: Amazon.com.

If you’re still hesitant about uploading your documents to the cloud, ask yourself one important question: What if you lose your flash drive? Unfortunately, if you lose that precious little drive, your files may be gone, public, and unsecured. Syncing to the cloud protects your files behind heavy encryption. If you’re still worried, you can always pre-encrypt your files with a Zip creation program and then upload. For the things that must survive — no matter fire, water, and/or natural disaster — back things up! It’ll save you time and money in the end.

Now, after setting up these three accounts, you should have 8 plus GB of new storage.

Got a new or different favorite? Shout it out in the comments below.

Most likely in an effort to compete, American Express has built in more benefits to the $450 behemoth. Now, consumers can look forward to a $200 Airline Credit (to be used with incidental fees like baggage, ticket changes, etc.), 20 percent travel bonus when using points to purchase travel, and even the Global Entry (globalentry.gov) program that assists your speed through United States borders. (See Platinum benefits package)

For the frequent traveler, this card has just gone through an incredible upgrade. If you’re stuck on a remote island and are severely injured, this card will arrange medical evacuation — up to a helicopter. While impressive, it’s overkill. What are the chances that in that super remote area needing a helicopter to get in that you’ll have cellular signal? Fat chance.

This is one of the most attractive cards on the market right now. The $450 annual fee must be carefully weighed before decisions are made. If you travel more days than not, this card will come handy. Heck, if you travel that much you’ll appreciate the club and lounge access in nearly every major airport. If you don’t fit this bill, than the Platinum card is like lighting your money on fire.

Note: Unlike most financial sites, this post does not feature affiliate links and I do not benefit from decisions made.

1. Amazon.com: Subscribe & Save (~15 percent)
   For those of you who like the wonderful convenience of Amazon.com’s door-to-door shipping, the easiest way to save is by taking advantage of the “Subscribe & Save” feature. By taking advantage, consumers can regularly save 15 percent on their orders. The downside? You’re automatically signed up to receive more on an interval from 1 to 6 months. The good news is that you cancel — without any charge — at any point. So you want that Black Lipton tea delivered to your door in a 6-pack? No problem, sign up and drop the program by going to your account online. It’s as simple as that. Students: Sign up for free Amazon Prime Two-Day Shipping.
2. Use online coupon aggregation services
   Online outlets constantly have online coupons available to incentivize purchasing there instead of brick and mortar stores. Even the largest retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Kohl’s offering free shipping codes and sometimes even 15 percent off. One of the best — albeit spammy — is RetailMeNot.com.
3. Email companies to ask if they may have an online promotion/coupon
   This certainly takes the most of your own time, but it can pay off. Even though you may not be able to find a coupon for a particular online store, sending an email to the customer service at these stores may be insightful. First, if there’s a hidden coupon they may give it to. Second, if there’s one you missed (like signing up for a mailing list) they’ll direct you to it. Third, customer service reps may be inclined to tell you when an upcoming sale is coming or a future coupon. Just make sure to say thank you to them!

Unfortunately, there are some companies that refuse to accept coupons. Zappos.com is one of the most popular online shoe shopping companies. And yet, they make no compromises when it comes to coupons (in fact, they have a no coupon policy).

Good luck — go forth and save!