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    Credit plays an important role in many financial decisions, from qualifying for a loan to purchasing a vehicle or home. Understanding how credit works can help you make informed borrowing decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    In this section, you'll learn about credit scores, loans, debt management, and the factors lenders consider when reviewing applications. Whether you're building credit for the first time, managing existing debt, or exploring borrowing options, these topics can help you make confident financial decisions today and in the future.

    Explore the topics below to strengthen your understanding of credit and borrowing.

     

    Breakdown of a Credit Score

    You’ve likely heard about credit scores before (thanks to all those commercials with terrible jingles), but what do you actually know about them?

    Taking the time to familiarize yourself with how credit scores are calculated is the first step in getting a strong score. See how it can shape your borrowing options.

    Boost Your Credit Score

    Credit scores are an area of personal finance that seem a lot more mysterious than they  actually are.

    Learn the truth behind four common credit score myths, including what actually affects your score, why there’s no quick fix and how your credit card habits can make a difference.

    Loan Basics

    Loans help finance some of our biggest goals in life. They can provide access to possibilities that we can’t afford upfront—possibilities like going to school, buying a home or starting a business (to name just a few).

    Not sure where to start? These five tips will help you shop smarter for the loan that’s right for you.

    Predatory Lending

    Like local car dealerships and personal injury law firms, short-term and payday lenders tend to have the most annoying commercials on TV.

    Before jumping at that fast-cash offer, take a moment to educate yourself about predatory lending. Understand that you have alternatives, and make an action plan.

    Student Loans 101

    Student Loans 101

    If you’re considering financing your university education with the help of a student loan, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is to only borrow what you truly need.

    These tips will take a bite out of your total education costs and reduce your dependence on outside financing—and they can all be put into action long before Orientation Day rolls around.

    Using Your Credit Card

    Using Your Credit Card

    According to a recent survey, millennials apparently fear their credit card debt more than climate change, the threat of war and even death.

    Credit card use plays a huge role in contributing to your credit history, which in turn is an important part of your financial footprint.

    Strategies for Debt Repayment

    Consumer debt is an extremely contradictory part of our personal finances: it’s at once common and incredibly personal.

    The following Dos and Don’ts provide some helpful tips that address and correct unhealthy attitudes surrounding debt.