Debt consolidation might sound like a great idea, but many people don't have the self-discipline to stop using the credit cards that got them in trouble in the first place.

Before the advent of "instant" mortgage approvals and automated underwriting systems, loans were actually evaluated completely by a living, breathing human being: an underwriter.

You may know the basics about your credit score, but there's more to it than just paying your bills on time. Ken and Daria Dolan take you behind the hidden tricks of credit reporting so you can keep you score high.

Ken and Daria Dolan, known as the first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday on AOL's WalletPop blog. This week, reader Nancy asks why she would have to pay for her credit score on a "free" credit report. For More Dolans See: Dolans.com

Ken and Daria Dolan, known as the first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday on AOL's WalletPop blog. This week: Should you close out an unused credit card account after you've paid off your balance?
For More Dolans See: Dolans.com

Ken and Daria Dolan, known as the first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday on AOL's new WalletPop blog. This week: Should you use a debt-reduction service to shore up your credit report?
For More Dolans See: Dolans.com

Ken and Daria Dolan, known as the first family of personal finance, answer your questions every Friday on AOL's new WalletPop blog. This week, the Dolans tackle a tough one for you parents: Should you fix your children's early credit mistakes?
For More Dolans See: Dolans.com | Also See: Credit Card Basics