Why Your Credit Score Isn’t Everything (But Still Matters)

Credit scores are like report cards—important, but not your entire story. Understanding how they work helps you use them wisely without obsession.

What really affects your score:

1.     Payment history (35%)

2.     Amounts owed (30%)

3.     Length of credit history (15%)

4.     New credit (10%)

5.     Credit mix (10%)

Simple ways to keep it healthy:

·       Pay on time, every time.

·       Keep credit card balances under 30% of the limit.

·       Don’t open too many new accounts at once.

·       Check your free credit report yearly at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Why it’s not everything:Lenders, employers, and landlords look at other factors too—income, stability, history. A score is a snapshot, not your identity.

Focus on good habits, and your score will follow automatically. Let it reflect your behavior, not dictate your life.