Our credit program teaches the importance of credit scores, necessary skills to build and maintain good credit, and how to repair an imperfect credit score.
Financial Literacy: Beginner’s Credit
Credit Profile & History:
Credit Profile & History are tracked by credit bureaus, which record your borrowing activity and assign a credit score based on your payment history, debts, and credit use. Your credit report is used by lenders and other organizations to assess your financial reliability. Understanding how credit works, its benefits and drawbacks, and how credit scores are calculated is key to building a strong credit history.
Building & Maintaining Credit:
Building & Maintaining Credit involves using credit responsibly and paying on time. Positive credit history has many benefits and remains on your report for several years, while negative information can affect you for a long time.
Credit Recovery:
Credit Recovery focuses on rebuilding a damaged credit profile. It includes managing debts, correcting errors, and understanding how long negative marks stay on your record.
Fraud & Identity Theft:
Fraud & Identity Theft are risks that can harm your credit. Common scams include phishing, hacking, and mail theft. Being aware of these methods helps protect your personal and financial information.
Financial Literacy: Intermediate Credit
Credit History:
Credit History affects your ability to get loans, the terms offered, job opportunities, and more. It’s important to check your credit report regularly to ensure its accuracy and to understand how credit information is presented. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to access and dispute your credit information.
Building & Maintaining Credit:
Building & Maintaining Credit involves making on-time payments, managing debt, limiting new credit applications, and monitoring your credit regularly. Developing smart credit habits and protecting your credit from fraud are essential for maintaining a strong credit profile.
Credit Recovery:
Credit Recovery includes disputing errors, adjusting your budget and payment strategies, and using reputable agencies for help. Various organizations offer support, including credit counseling services and debt consolidation—though it’s important to avoid scams.
Fraud:
Fraud like identity theft, scams, and data breaches can harm your finances and credit. Understanding how these threats work and learning to protect yourself is key to maintaining financial security.
Financial Literacy: Advanced Credit
Credit Profile & History:
Credit Profile & History can be used to reach financial goals. Building and maintaining a strong credit rating involves reviewing reports, managing debt, paying bills on time, and protecting against identity theft. Understanding your rights regarding credit reports is essential.
Building & Maintaining Credit:
Building & Maintaining Credit includes creating a plan to achieve and maintain excellent credit. This means monitoring your credit, disputing errors, minimizing credit applications, and consistently using credit responsibly.
Credit Recovery:
Credit Recovery plans should be flexible to adapt to life changes. Strategies like loan modification, bankruptcy, or debt consolidation may help depending on your situation. Consumer credit laws provide protections and benefits during this process.
Fraud Protection & Recovery:
Fraud Protection & Recovery involves knowing how to prevent scams and identity theft through awareness and security practices. In case of fraud, there are legal protections and steps to take for restoring financial stability. Support from professional organizations can help in recovery.