Credit Coaching by Kristi

This one blew my mind. The Federal Reserve did a 15 year study over 12 million people and found an equation for determining how long a relationship might last depending on the credit score gap. Woah- wait, what?! Your credit score and profile is so much more than just a report to determine your interest rate or if you will be approved for a loan... it is a report of character. The Federal Reserve...

In this episode, learn from Coach Kristi that the system is likely geared against you. You have to learn the rules of the game in order to win. It's not taught by our parents or in school, at least not the proper way, it is up to you to learn on your own. Otherwise, you are potentially paying tens of thousands of dollars over time in additional finance fees than you would with a great credit s...

President Trump sure is shaking things up. Social media is a-buzz with his crazy antics. Last week he went on social and posted he was going to have credit card APRs get reduced to 10% for a year. The goal is that with the lower APR, more of your payment goes to reducing your credit card balance. BUT, there are things he is not thinking through that could actually hurt millions of people rather th...

Before the action steps of paying off debt, getting out of debt, staying out debt, we really need to know a few angles in psychology that affects our spending and buying decisions. It even affects our commitments! Tune in to learn some really deep stuff about how the brain works when it comes to money decisions. Questions@creditkristi.com

So many adults overspend during the holidays because they’re trying to give their kids what they never had — not realizing they’re actually trying to heal a younger version of themselves. It’s love… but misdirected. And it often leads to debt and anxiety come January. This episode helps listeners: Spot emotional spending Understand their triggers Build boundaries that still let them be generous Pr...

Millions of people feel like they are drowning in debt. $700+ car payments, tens of thousands in student loans and credit card balances, and month after month, payment after payment, it feels like a dent hasn't even been made. Listen in as your coach shares ideas and suggestions inspired by a podcast episode she was listening to from BiggerPockets.com. Questions@creditkristi.com Finish Financi...

In the not too distant past, smaller medical debts that become collections were no longer allowed to be added/reported to your credit report. Unpaid medical debt remains the leading cause of consumer credit damage. Well, a Texas judge recently overturned that and well... the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) doesn't seem to be putting the gloves on to fight this fight. So what can you do...

I read an article that gave some startling stats on Gen Z's: a BIG percentage are quite nervous, or more like anxious, about their credit profile. Many have not even checked their credit before! Yikes! If you are or know a Gen Z, please share this episode with them so they can learn the 5 pillars that is the foundation of their credit scores. Having a solid credit profile is essential to have...

Do you utilize Buy Now, Pay Later loans? A few of them had shown up on credit (Affirm is known for reporting) but many only appear on your credit report if you are late or it becomes a collection. But starting Fall 2025, BNPL loans will be added to your credit profile, which can help lots of people with thin or no credit to establish a credit profile. If you are struggling with debt and need help...

What is credit, really? It's usually... debt. This is why Dave Ramsey teaches and preaches the way he does- saying don't use credit cards. It's because most of us need guard rails against going into debt and getting into trouble. Our society is being taught to borrow for everything- your furniture, your cell phone, and now, even your groceries with Buy Now Pay Later Loans. I am going t...

Student loans were in forbearance for several years but now, for most people with student loans, the expectation and requirement is to repay those loans with scheduled monthly payments. But approximately 24% of those with outstanding balances are not making payments! Yikes! This is wrecking havoc on credit scores and profiles, not to mention potentially keeping people from getting approved for aut...

Are you dreaming of buying your home one day but your credit hasn't been cooperating? Well great news! In a historic decision, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the parent authority over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has recently announced they are accepting VantageScore 4.0 to be accepted! Up until now, only FICO models were acceptable. This change could help millions more show up on paper in...

Millions of people are struggling financially. Listen in as your coach shares some guidance to help with some practical steps to create a spending plan (budget) . Questions@creditkristi.com

If you carry forward a large balance on your credit card month after month, there is a good chance that you have received a letter from a company such as Credit Associates LLC or National Debt Relief offering "Credit Card Debt Forgiveness" and stating you may be "entitled to a reduced settlement of your outstanding credit balance." It's a trap that will cost you, not only a...

So we hear these APRs getting thrown around but how does that translate to payments and interest paid over time. Your Credit Coach compares a mortgage payment (good credit vs. bad) and a car payment and shows what the result is of additional interest paid over 5 years. The costs may surprise you. But what would YOU do with that money you didn't pay to interest and was able to save? Questions@C...

Ever wonder what a "good" credit score is? And how is that even measured? According to FICO and Experian, a good credit score is... Well check out the episode to learn more! And ways to get a good score and how to get to a GREAT credit score! Questions@creditkristi.com

In today's episode, Credit Kristi will share some essential facts about credit for those yearning to learn more about credit basics. Your coach shares some truth from her continuing education course for her Certified Credit Counseling certification where you can learn more about FICO® and credit basics in general. Questions@creditkristi.com Buy the Finish Financially Free Book from Amazon here...

Have you ever had an inquiry on your credit or got a call from a creditor asking questions about your credit application - but you didn't apply for a new line of credit? What do you do? Listen in as your credit coach shares how to add language of fraud to your profile, freeze your credit and even introduce you to identity theft protection. If you want to have protection of your identity, Legal...

Are you getting a tax refund this year? I see where many people go splurge the few thousand they get back from overpaying in federal income taxes.... but what if you could make a really powerful move with your money? What if you paid off some debt, started that emergency fund or even started a retirement account?! What could this mean for the future version of you? Will they be ecstatically thanki...

What is Financial Independence? And is it possible for me? Listen in as your credit coach explains the 6 steps to financial independence. Hint: it does include debt management, and that is a BIG part of what keeps people from achieving their goals, because they are paying debt rather than saving and building. Questions@CreditKristi.com

Many people have not discovered their relationship with money. Often created at a very young age through our environment and experiences. But what if you had a traumatic event in your life? Your parents lost their home to foreclosure? A divorce left you penniless? A job loss or illness struck- numerous things can cause a traumatic experience and now be related to money. Listen in as Priya Kumar of...

Want to make REAL change in your financial life this new year? Let's go! Listen in as your credit coach gives some ideas and suggestions on how to make real and lasting change in your credit. Make more than a dent- smash that debt this year and let 2025 be the year you got OUT of credit card and consumer debt and make big strides towards your bigger goals. Questions@creditkristi.com

Social media makes anyone able to present themselves as an expert on any topic they select. Unfortunately, there is a TON of really poor information out there that simply isn't true. Not knowing might waste time or cost you money or unnecessary stress. Share a little time with your credit coach to bust some myths, learn what is TRUE about credit and better understand the rules. Questions@CreditKri...

Unfortunately, companies like National Debt Relief are spending a ton of money getting in front of people that carry debt to manipulate and deceive you into believing their debt settlement program is the relief you have been seeking. They are the last resort- please don't work with a debt settlement if you can try other options first. Your credit coach explains 3 other options to try prior to debt...

What other time of the year takes so much out of us- financially and otherwise?! Don't let gift giving pull you down! Make plan, be ready, take some precautions and DON'T max out your credit cards! Questions@CreditKristi.com