New year, new you! Get familiar with some resolutions and strategies you can employ in 2021 to achieve greater financial independence and stability.

You’ve definitely heard about credit scores, the all-important number that has a profound impact on our ability to make financial decisions. Beyond just those decisions, credit scores are also used by employers, landlords and more, meaning that that little number is also your gateway (or wall)

If you have made any kind of big purchase as an adult, you know your credit matters. Whether you are buying a car, renting an apartment, buying a house, or even trying to land your dream job, someone is going to take a look at your credit report.

If you have good credit, you probably don't give your credit score much thought. Everything just works, whether you want a personal, auto, or mortgage loan. But for the 22% of Americans with no credit and the 30% with bad credit, things are much different.

If you’ve watched TV at all in the last 15 years, you’ve no doubt seen an episode of a makeover show. It’s the genre that includes the likes of The Biggest Loser, Kitchen Nightmares, and of course, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. 

You’ve got the degree and the job to boot. You’re now one of millions of hardworking Americans lacing up their shoes every morning to go out and earn that paycheck.

If you’re just beginning to navigate the financial world, understanding your credit score can be confusing. Even for seasoned veterans, the details surrounding credit scores can fall into a gray area.

It’s easier than ever before to find out your credit score. But it can be confusing to learn you have multiples scores depending on where you look.