"I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY HOW IMPORTANT MY CREDIT SCORE WAS"
First for Women|July 08, 2024
When a writer couldn't finance a new phone, she realized how much a low credit score was affecting her life.
LAMBETH HOCHWALD
"I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY HOW IMPORTANT MY CREDIT SCORE WAS"

A series of low-paying jobs left Ann Marshall struggling with credit card debt a few years ago. “I remember not being approved to finance a $900 phone from Best Buy,” says the longtime writer. “In an ideal world, you apply for credit and get approved. I wasn’t.”

It took changing careers to one that paid better and seven months of working 60- and 70-hour weeks to pay off her debt. Now, Ann boasts an excellent credit score above 800.

Ann isn’t the only person who has faced a dip in her credit score, which is an indication of how trustworthy you are to receive a loan. Almost 20% of Americans have a credit score below 580, which is considered “poor.” A “fair” score ranges from 580 to 669 and a “good” score ranges from 670 to 739.

A healthy credit score is key to everything from renting an apartment to securing a car loan. So how do you make sure your credit score stays in the best possible shape? Elizabeth Pennington, CFP, a certified financial planner at investment advisor firm Fearless Finance, says taking the steps at right can bump up your score.

KEEP AN ACTIVE CREDIT ACCOUNT

この記事は First for Women の July 08, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は First for Women の July 08, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

FIRST FOR WOMENのその他の記事すべて表示
IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?
First for Women

IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?

Spending more to save more—is it worth it? How to know if a deal is too good to be true

time-read
2 分  |
October 07, 2024
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
First for Women

I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER

As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating

time-read
3 分  |
October 07, 2024
CHARM with chalk paint!
First for Women

CHARM with chalk paint!

This trendy paint technique adds style and function to your home-for pennies!

time-read
1 min  |
October 07, 2024
3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES
First for Women

3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES

\"I was having a particularly hard day.

time-read
2 分  |
October 07, 2024
FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts
First for Women

FOUND: What It Really Means to Have Dense Breasts

A new FDA rule says women must be told if their breasts are considered dense a factor that raises breast cancer risk. What you need to know

time-read
3 分  |
October 07, 2024
Kerry Mellin
First for Women

Kerry Mellin

Home: Hidden Hills, CA/Age: 66 Occupation: Founder of EaZyHold

time-read
1 min  |
October 07, 2024
PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER
First for Women

PROVEN WAYS TO LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER

Feel your absolute best for years to come with these simple strategies

time-read
2 分  |
October 07, 2024
RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!
First for Women

RESET YOUR BRAIN & BODY IN 30 Days Flat!

Personalized, sustainable and virtually free. Changes to the popular Whole30 protocol make it easier than ever to lose weight and get healthy for life!

time-read
5 分  |
October 07, 2024
10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER
First for Women

10 BRILLIANT USES FOR STALE BEER

Clever ways the beverage can save the day

time-read
3 分  |
October 07, 2024
SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY
First for Women

SELF-CARE, SOUL FOOD & Bouncing Back with Hallmark actress, author and TV host ALISON SWEENEY

Beloved for her breakout role as Sami Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, Alison Sweeney became so popular at just age 16 that she brought home four Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Fan-Voted Daytime Emmy.

time-read
3 分  |
October 07, 2024