3 Key Insights I Wish I Knew About Credit Sooner

If you were never taught about how credit works, you're not alone. Here are 3 things you need to know...

In the world of personal finance, understanding credit can be a game-changer. From buying a home to financing a car or simply managing everyday expenses, your credit score can significantly impact your financial well-being. Reflecting on my own journey, there are three crucial insights about credit that I wish I had known earlier:


1. Credit Utilization: The Silent Player in Your Score


One of the most underrated aspects of credit is the role of credit utilization. This term refers to the percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. What many people don't realize is that maintaining a low credit utilization ratio is essential for a healthy credit score. Ideally, you should aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit limit at all times (but most importantly right before your next statement comes out).


For instance, if your credit card has a limit of $10,000, try to keep your outstanding balance below $3,000. High credit utilization can signal to lenders that you may be overextended financially, which can negatively impact your credit score. By keeping your credit utilization in check, you can demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior and maintain a positive credit profile.


2. The Power of Payment History: Consistency is Key


Another critical factor that influences your credit score is your payment history. This aspect accounts for the largest portion of your credit score and reflects your track record of making on-time payments. Payment history is a reflection of your reliability as a borrower and plays a significant role in shaping your creditworthiness.


Missing payments can have detrimental effects on your credit score and may take years to recover from. On the flip side, consistently making on-time payments can help you build a strong credit history and boost your credit score over time. Prioritize timely payments on all your credit accounts, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages, to maintain a positive payment history and reap the benefits of a higher credit score.


3. The Importance of Credit Monitoring: Stay Informed and Empowered


Lastly, I've come to appreciate the value of credit monitoring in managing my financial health. Regularly checking your credit report allows you to stay informed about your credit standing and detect any errors or fraudulent activity early on. Many credit monitoring services offer free access to your credit report and score, making it easier than ever to keep tabs on your credit profile.


By staying proactive and vigilant, you can take control of your credit journey and address any issues promptly. Whether it's disputing inaccuracies on your credit report or identifying unauthorized charges, credit monitoring empowers you to safeguard your financial reputation and make informed decisions about your credit.
Empowering Yourself with Credit Knowledge

In hindsight, these three insights have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of credit. By prioritizing low credit utilization, maintaining a positive payment history, and embracing credit monitoring, you can empower yourself to achieve financial success. The banks would be happy to give you more credit when you're ready (if your income can support it).

Remember, credit is not just a number; it's a reflection of your financial habits and responsible behavior. By mastering these key principles and implementing actionable strategies, it can help pave the way for a prosperous financial future.

Creating Good Credit Habits: Actionable Steps for Success

In addition to understanding these key insights, it's essential to implement actionable strategies to create good credit habits. Here are some steps you can take to maintain a positive credit profile:

  • Set Up Payment Reminders: Use reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment deadline.
  • Monitor Your Credit Regularly: Check your credit report at least once a year and report any discrepancies or suspicious activity.
  • Keep Credit Card Balances Low: Aim to pay off your credit card balances in full each month to maintain a low credit utilization ratio.
  • Diversify Your Credit Mix: Consider having a mix of different types of credit accounts, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages, to demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior.

By incorporating these actionable steps into your financial routine, you can proactively manage your credit and pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Xo, 
Jess

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Girls' Trip: A Practical Guide

By Jessica Harry-Larocque • March 27, 2024
Planning a girl's trip can be an exciting...except we've all heard about the girl's trip where everyone comes back enemies. Amidst the excitement, it's crucial to approach the planning process with a strategic mindset to save your friendships! Here are five mistakes to steer clear of when organizing your next girl's trip: 1. Don't Ignore Budget Conversations One of the most significant mistakes you can make when planning a girls' trip is neglecting to discuss everyone's budge...and I mean explicitly . It's not enough to just say an amount you want to spend on the trip. You need to break it down, ubers, excursions, shopping, etc. It is essential to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their financial preferences and limitations. You want to ensure that everyone has full autonomy over their spending by openly discussing what they do and do not want to participate in. Having a clear understanding of everyone's budget will set realistic expectations and avoid any financial surprises along the way. We've all heard of those horror stories or girls travelling with only $100. Yikes. HOT TAKE: Don't go on a girl's trip with people you aren't comfortable talking budgets with. 2. Don't Skip the Actual Budgeting Phase While budgets may not be the most glamorous aspect of trip planning, they are undeniably essential. PRO TIP: Have one of the girls put everyone's budget on a spreadsheet. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Failing to map out your spending beforehand can lead to exceeding your budget and potential financial stress. Take the time to research the costs associated with your destination thoroughly . For example, if you're heading to a luxurious hotspot like Turks and Caicos, expect to pay a premium for dining and activities. Careful planning and realistic budgeting will ensure that you're prepared for any unexpected expenses that may arise. 3. Don't Avoid Talking About Bill Splitting When it comes to splitting bills during your trip, communication is key. In destinations like Turks and Caicos where there may only give one bill, it's essential to have a conversation beforehand about how expenses will be divided. Will you all take turns? Does everyone keep track of what they ordered? Designate responsible individuals to manage group expenses, and consider using a shared app to track spending. PRO TIP: Take a picture of the bill and upload it after each meal if everyone is taking care of their own food. Remember to account for currency conversion rates and appropriate tipping practices to avoid any misunderstandings. 4. Don't Forget to Learn About the Tipping Culture Tipping customs vary widely from one destination to another, so it's crucial to do your research beforehand. While some countries may not have a significant tipping culture like North America, others may expect gratuities for various services. Discuss with your group what is considered customary in your destination and ensure that everyone is aware of how to tip appropriately. Factor in tipping expenses when budgeting for your trip to avoid any awkward situations or misunderstandings. 5. Don't Underestimate Expenses Finally, always err on the side of caution and overestimate your expenses. If you anticipate that dinners will cost around $100 per person, budget for a slightly higher amount to account for unexpected costs or fluctuations in prices. Don't forget to include allowances for souvenirs or unexpected purchases along the way. By building a buffer into your budget, you'll ensure that you have the financial flexibility to enjoy your trip without worrying about overspending. Ensuring Happiness and Friendship Remember, everyone is happiest when these considerations are ironed out. Trust me; you want to come back from the girls' trip still friends. Finances can be stressful and uncomfortable, but in my opinion, you shouldn't be vacationing anywhere with anyone you can't be open about your budget with. That's a recipe for disaster! By avoiding these common mistakes and approaching your girls' trip with careful planning and open communication, you'll set the stage for a memorable and stress-free trip. So gather your girlfriends, start the conversation, and bon voyage! Xo, Jess

How business owners can pay for an international flight using points in under 1 year

By Jessica Harry-Larocque • March 26, 2024
Make Your Travel Dreams a Reality: Discover the Beginner's Guide to Traveling with Points Are you ready to turn your everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences? Explore the world using your hard-earned points. Check out my course, Points 4 Paradise and learn to use points to pay for flights! Perks of the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card In addition to its exceptional earn rate, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Card offers exclusive perks that enhance the travel experience. A unique benefit of this card is the ability to apply your points directly to business class or First Class flights at a fixed rate of 2 cents per point. This means you can indulge in premium travel without breaking the bank. Furthermore, with 100,000 Avion points, you can secure flights from major gateways in Canada/U.S. to destinations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and South America, with a maximum ticket price of $2,000. You have a lot of options with the flexibility and freedom! With a little strategic planning and the right guidance, you can get crazy value with your credit card! Xo, Jess
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