As if credit scores weren't already complicated enough, FICO is about to throw another curveball at consumers.

The Fair Isaac people have unveiled a new official FICO score called FICO 08. This was supposed to become the industry about a year and a half ago…and it's not really there yet, according to Clark. Some lenders may continue to use the traditional FICO score. But over time, FICO 08 will take precedence as the score of choice.

So here's what you need to know: FICO 08 still retains the 300-850 scoring range of the traditional FICO score. But there are some important new differences.

Under the new FICO 08 score, a single late pay will have virtually zero impact on you. Under the old model, one late pay could have demolished your score. Another note of importance: The more of your available credit you use under the FICO 08 model, the worse your score will be.

Clark knows it's easy to get confused, so just remember these key rules when it comes to your official credit score:

• Continue to pay every bill on time every month.
• Use as little of your available credit as possible.