Credit 101

Boost your personal finances and maximize your buying power by optimizing your credit! Credit 101 cuts through the confusion and presents the ins and outs of building, boosting, and repairing credit in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. Start with the fundamentals of credit—what it is and how it works—and how to read a credit report and understand all the factors that contribute to a credit score. Then learn how to build credit from scratch, how to avoid common credit pitfalls, and how to fix credit mistakes. You’ll also find strategies for maintaining excellent credit throughout your life, leveraging credit cards wisely while making significant purchases, choosing the right credit product for you, and more. Explore the ins-and outs of credit cards—from how they impact your credit score and various credit card reward programs to balance transfers and the truth about cash advances. And discover effective ways to protect your identity and financial health both online and in person. With this knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll be empowered to take control of your credit, enhance your financial literacy, and step confidently into a future of financial independence.