A clear, practical guide to what credit scores are, how they're calculated, where to get your reports, and how to learn more - without the jargon.
Credit Score Explained
Adverse Credit
Adverse credit is negative information on your credit report that lowers your credit score and can lead to loan denials or higher interest rates. Common causes include late payments, collections, public records, bankruptcy, and identity theft. You can check reports, dispute errors, and take steps to rebuild credit.
Getting A Car Loan
Practical steps to budget, compare financing, and buy a new or used car - focus on total cost, credit, pre-approval, and shorter loan terms.
Beacon Score
A practical update on FICO (sometimes called Beacon in older materials): what it measures, how scores are calculated, and how to check and correct your credit report.