Can You Be Trusted With Money?

A credit score is a number that shows how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing and paying back money. It usually ranges from about 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the more trustworthy you look to lenders. Things like paying bills on time, keeping your credit card balance low, and not applying for too many accounts all help build a strong score. Even though many students don’t have credit yet, the habits you build now can shape your financial future.

Companies like FICO and Experian calculate credit scores based on your financial behavior. A strong score can help you get approved for apartments, loans, and better interest rates, while a low score can make things more expensive or harder to access. In short, your credit score is your financial reputation, and it’s built over time. You can check your credit report for free at Annualcreditreport.com.

Your Task: Build a Strong Credit Story
You’re advising someone who wants a great credit score in the future.
1. Choose 3 habits that would help them build strong credit
2. Explain why each habit matters: What could happen if they don’t follow it?
3. Flip it: What are 2 mistakes that could hurt their credit score?
4. Create a one-sentence rule for building good credit that someone your age would actually remember.

This is part of a week-long financial literacy series in honor of National Financial Literacy Month in April.