I want to get a new credit card to buy some essentials for my new apartment. I filled out a Bed Bath and Beyond application but I was turned down. What can I do?

If you were turned down for a new credit card, it's probably a sign that your credit score isn't great. But don't despair. There are things you can do to improve your credit score. The first thing you should do is take a look at your credit report. You can order a copy for free, from each of the three major credit bureaus and from FICO. Make sure there aren't any mistakes on the report; if there are, write or call to have them corrected. Next, pay off any outstanding debts you may have, or make a paydown plan if you can't afford to pay it all off immediately. Keep all your accounts open and in good standing, if possible, so that your credit history will be longer. If you don't have a healthy mix of credit, including a bank loan or mortgage in addition to credit cards, think about diversifying or branching out to apply for another kind of loan. Before long, you'll be on the road back to good credit.