Hello, super moms! Did you know that a good credit score is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your financial toolkit? It’s true! A high credit score is more than just a number—it’s a gateway to financial abundance for you and your family.
Why Does a Good Credit Score Matter?
Favorable credit scores are a testament to your financial diligence, a badge of honor that you wear with pride. It tells the story of your commitment to creating a secure and prosperous future for your family.
What Does a Good Credit Score Do?
When you have a good credit score, doors open wide for you. Picture this: You’re walking into a bank, ready to apply for a home loan to buy that dream house with a backyard perfect for family barbecues and children’s laughter. The first thing a bank or credit union is going to do is check your credit card accounts and payment history. Have you paid for your credit card? Are your credit accounts stable?
With a high credit score, lenders see you as a reliable borrower and are more likely to grant you the loan. What’s more, they’ll often offer it at lower interest rates, making your dream home more affordable.
But it’s not just about securing loans. A good credit score can also give you a leg-up when renting a home, getting insured, or even landing a job. It’s like a golden ticket that brings you one step closer to creating the joyful and abundant life your family deserves.
And let’s not forget about credit cards. With a strong credit score, you can access credit cards with better rewards programs, higher spending limits, and lower interest rates. That means more family vacations, more memorable Christmas gifts, and less money spent on interest.
Here’s something to note though: according to Equifax, a financial company that aims to help its clients find their financial best, “It’s important to remember that everyone’s financial and credit situation is different, and there’s no “magic number” that may guarantee better loan rates and terms.”
Building a good credit score is like planting seeds for your family’s financial abundance. And just like a garden, it requires nurturing, patience, and care. But remember, every step you take towards improving your credit score is a step towards achieving your family’s dreams.
Understand How Your Credit Scores are Calculated
So now that we know we want a good credit score, how do we get one? Well, let’s find out first how credit bureaus calculate our credit scores. According to Investopedia, here’s what goes into it: “There are a number factors that go into calculating your credit score, including your repayment history, your debt utilization, the length of your credit history, your credit mix, and any new account openings.”
Let’s dive deep into those terms!
1. Payment History (35%)
First up is payment history, which makes up a whopping 35% of your score! This factor is all about your track record of paying bills on time. Just like how being punctual for school pick-ups earns you brownie points with the kids, making timely payments earns you points towards a higher credit score. So, set reminders, mark your calendars, do whatever it takes to ensure those bills are paid on time.
2. Debt/Credit Utilization (30%)
Next is credit utilization, contributing 30% to your score. This is the ratio of your current credit card balances to your available credit limits. It’s like keeping an eye on how much pizza everyone’s eating at a family party—you don’t want anyone to eat more than their fair share! Similarly, try to use no more than 30% of your available credit to show lenders you can manage borrowed money responsibly.
3. Length of Credit History (15%)
At 15%, length of credit history is like the wise grandparent of credit factors. It looks at how old your various credit accounts are, and how long it’s been since you used them. The older, the better! Just like how Grandma’s years of wisdom are valued in the family, a longer credit history can positively impact your score.
4. New Credit (10%)
New credit inquiries account for 10% of your score. Each time you apply for credit, it leaves a ‘footprint’ on your report. It’s like inviting new guests to a party—you don’t want too many unfamiliar faces at once. Applying for new credit sparingly can help maintain a healthy score.
5. Credit Mix (10%)
Last but not least, credit mix weighs in at 10%. This is about the different types of credit you manage, like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. Just like a balanced diet is crucial for your family’s health, a good mix of credit types shows lenders you can handle different kinds of debt.
And there you have it, super moms—the five key ingredients to whipping up a stellar credit score! Remember, every step you take towards understanding and improving these factors brings you closer to creating financial abundance for your family. You’ve got this! After all, you’re not just a mom—you’re a financial guru in the making!
How to Build Good Credit
Building good credit requires consistency, patience, and strategic financial behavior. Here are some tried-and-true methods:
Pay Credit Card Balances Strategically
Paying off your credit card balances each month not only saves you from paying interest, but it also shows lenders you’re responsible with credit. If you can’t pay off the full balance, try to keep the remaining balance as low as possible. It’s absolutely critical that you pay on time; missed payments on your credit card bills will really hurt your credit score! However, on time payments show that you can handle your finances well.
Pay Your Bills on Time
Your payment history is a significant factor in your credit score. Paying your bills — utility payments, loan payments, to name a few — on time every month will have a positive impact on your credit score. You can make this even easier on yourself by signing up for automatic payments: another indicator that you know how to manage your money.
Stay Below Your Credit Limit
Credit utilization, or how much of your available credit you’re using, is another major factor. Many banks and credit bureaus will look at something called your credit utilization ratio. This is an indicator of how much of your credit limit you use. Aim to use no more than 30% of your available credit limit to show lenders you’re not reliant on borrowed money.
Maintain Your Credit History with Older Credit Cards
The length of your credit history also matters. Keeping your older credit cards open, even if you don’t use them often, can help extend your credit history and improve your score. Pay at least the minimum amount for your monthly payments, and it’ll help build your credit history.
Apply for New Credit Only as Needed
Each time you apply for new credit, a ‘hard inquiry’ is recorded on your credit report, which can lower your score. So, apply for new credit sparingly, and only when necessary.
Get a Secured Credit Card
A secured credit card is a card that you “secure” by putting down a cash deposit. This cash deposit acts like a safeguard — if ever you miss a payment, the cash deposit will cover it. It’s like paying in super-advance!
Stay up to Date on Your Credit Report and Credit Score
You can’t maintain a good credit score if you aren’t up to date on what it is!
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?
You should aim to check your credit score at least once a year. This will allow you to track your progress and spot any potential issues early.
Check Your Credit Reports for Errors
Mistakes happen, and they can appear on your credit report. Regularly checking your report will help you spot and correct these errors before they impact your score.
Higher Credit Score, Higher Financial Security
Here’s something critical to remember: according to CNBC Select, “Nearly every facet of your financial life is impacted by the strength of your credit score, from loan and mortgage applications, and even something as essential as a lease on a new apartment.” It’s really important! But remember, building a good credit score is like running a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, but every step you take brings you closer to financial abundance for your family. You’ve got this, super moms!
And remember, you’re not just building credit; you’re building your family’s future. And we believe in you, because moms can do anything!
As a Google Certified Project Manager and an expert in Google Analytics, I bring a wealth of knowledge in digital strategy and online visibility. My certifications from Digital Marketer in Email Marketing and Inbound Social Media Marketing further my ability to connect with families digitally, offering them valuable resources and insights to kickstart their journey towards financial independence.
Professionally, I lead as an SEO Project Leader at a leading boutique SEO agency in Boulder, Colorado. My expertise has not only propelled businesses to the forefront of their industries but has also been instrumental in crafting a strategic approach to my family’s financial growth. This unique blend of professional achievements and certifications equips me with the tools to guide other families towards achieving their financial goals with confidence.
Beyond my desk, I’m a CrossFit enthusiast, an avid hiker, and a lover of nature. These passions keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of a life well-lived—not just in financial terms, but in the wealth of experiences, happiness, and time spent with loved ones.
Through this blog, I aim to share my journey towards financial freedom, drawing on my professional expertise and personal experiences. My goal is to retire in the next 3-5 years, enjoying a life enriched with what truly matters—family, nature, and freedom. I invite you to join me and many other families on this journey, sharing insights, support, and practical advice to help each other achieve financial independence and live our dreams to the fullest.
Let’s empower each other to make informed financial decisions, leveraging our collective knowledge and experiences to build a community where financial freedom is accessible to all.
