After your birthday, Social Security Number, and cell phone number, your Credit score is the most important number in your life.

Your credit score, known in the financial services industry as a Fico Score, is a snapshot of your financial history. The reason this number is so important is that it can determine whether you can get a Loan for a house, car, or other essential purchase, and at what interest rate.

People with a good credit score, in the 670 to 739 range, are better able to qualify for a loan with a low interest rate, which is the amount of money you pay on a loan in addition to the amount of money you actually borrow towards your purchase, known as the principal.

The lower your interest rate, the lower your monthly payments, and the less money spent on your goal. Conversely, the higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payments, and the overall loan.

If you have bad credit, typically 580 or less, it can be much harder to get a loan. Even if you are able to qualify for one, it’s likely to be at a much higher interest rate.

Fortunately, your credit score isn’t a fixed number, and there are steps you can take to repair it. We asked a few credit and financial experts for their tips on what you can do to get your score to a better place.