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 to throw a lot of info at you on this one, but take in the debt numbers and realize that as a country, we are in ...
Aug 15, 2025•11 min
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 auto or home loans. If you are one of the MILLIONS of people with student loans now back in repayment, ...
Jul 22, 2025•9 min
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 a way that leads to loan approval, where in the past they may have experienced scores too low or credit...
Jul 11, 2025•10 min
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
Jun 28, 2025•9 min
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 25% fee but wreckage of your credit profile for years following. Listen in as your coach reads you the contents of the lett...
Jun 11, 2025•17 min
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@CreditKristi.com
Jun 01, 2025•8 min
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
May 22, 2025•10 min
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: https://a.co/d/04MdykF
Apr 19, 2025•10 min
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 Shield has an identity protection for a very low cost and protects you up to $3million: https://andrewn...
Mar 31, 2025•8 min
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 thanking you for being wise and thoughtful?! Glean a few ideas from your Credit Coach on how to improve yo...
Mar 18, 2025•12 min
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
Feb 19, 2025•21 min
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 Pivot my Profit shares from her knowledge and expertise. priya@pivotmyprofit.com Questions@CreditKr...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min
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
Jan 14, 2025•23 min
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@CreditKristi.com
Dec 30, 2024•18 min
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 settlement, including Credit Counseling agencies. Check out National Foundation for Credit Counseli...
Dec 10, 2024•21 min
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
Nov 27, 2024•14 min
Is your significant other's credit profile and score causing some tension in the relationship? In addition to the obvious of having to pay higher interest or not qualify for financing at all due to lower scores, there could be an emotional component to your partner having poor credit profile that is bringing you down in multiple ways. How do you have a conversation about money and credit and behaviors and actions? Carefully- that's how! Listen in as your coach gives you some practical guidance o...
Oct 29, 2024•22 min
Have you heard of the term "credit sweep" or credit washing? I hadn't either until recently. Not only does it sound too good to be true- it's illegal! Please be careful with "quick fixes" as they often aren't what they might appear to be. If someone is saying they can remove derogatory items from your credit report- be cautious! Questions@creditkristi.com
Oct 08, 2024•8 min
The Big Credit Bureaus are selling your information - and they are making bank by doing so! Listen in as you Coach shares 2 ways to protect your information from being sold to companies who want to know your profile and solicit to you. Questions@creditkristi.com for questions or show ideas https://www.optoutprescreen.com/ to opt out To freeze your credit: Experian.com Equifax.com Transunion.com https://www.innovis.com/
Sep 25, 2024•8 min
Have you wondered, what is worse? Bad credit or no credit? Listen in to learn what "the decision makers" when it comes to extending credit want to see. Questions@creditkristi.com
Sep 12, 2024•12 min
Let's listen in to some additional details regarding zero percent balance transfers on credit cards. Questions@creditkristi.com
Aug 17, 2024•11 min
Credit card balances are at the highest level in history. In fact, over $1.115 TRILLION is the current outstanding credit card balances for Americans! 1 in every 5 credit card holders are "maxed out" meaning they have greater than 90% of their limit as a balance. APRs are also the highest we've seen, ever! What is going on and what can we do about it? Questions@CreditKristi.com
Jul 29, 2024•12 min
There is a very important term in finance called Debt Ratio. You should have an understanding of what it means, what it says about you and your spending/debt load, and why it's important to keep it in check. Whether you are thinking about and preparing to buy a home or just want to figure out your debt levels and adjust what's not working in your life, understanding your DTI (Debt To Income) Ratio is an important one to know! Questions@creditkristi.com
Jul 09, 2024•16 min
As a mortgage broker, I see the entire financial picture of someone applying for a loan. That is what drove me to start this podcast over 4 years ago, is because time and time again I would spend time coaching people on what to do to improve their credit so they can qualify for a mortgage. The #1 reason for mortgage declines is insufficient credit. Listen in as your credit coach breaks it down as to what is needed, how to improve your credit and what underwriters for the lender is looking for to...
Jun 05, 2024•24 min
Have you applied for a credit card and then found out... you were denied?! There are various reasons that could be the culprit, so listen in to your credit coach as Kristi shares some of the top reasons for not being approved if you applied for a credit card. Questions@CreditKristi.com
May 13, 2024•14 min
I am hearing from a lot of people that they are carrying large credit card balances forward each month, not intentionally, but because the cost of living is so high. Listen in (if this is you, you are not alone) and hear some suggestions on what to do about it. Check out this cost of living calculator: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/ Questions@creditkristi.com...
Apr 29, 2024•6 min
Looking for some quick tips to improve your credit ASAP? I got you! Listen in to learn best tips to improve (or build) your credit profile quickly. Some of the places Coach Kristi references: To pull your free credit report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ Self.inc for the credit builder account: https://www.self.inc/blog/what-is-a-credit-builder-loan Reporting rent through Self.inc: https://learn.self.inc/lpg/mpa/rent-bills-landing/?_gl=1*1igfd3o*_gcl_au*ODQ1NTA0NzY3LjE3MTE5ODY3NDE. Experia...
Apr 01, 2024•11 min
As a matter of protection, I recommend you freeze your credit. What does it mean to have your credit frozen? How does it benefit me? What if I need to access my credit? What if I am a victim of fraudulent activity? Listen in as your credit coach breaks it all down for you. To freeze your credit, set up an account with each credit reporting bureau and once set up and logged in, look for "freeze my credit" to place the freeze. That's it! Equifax.com or 800-349-9960 Transunion.com or 888-909-8872 E...
Mar 16, 2024•9 min
Are you desiring to grow and expand your business? Needing financing opportunities and a great business credit profile? Listen in as your Credit Coach interviews business credit expert Christi DiCenso of JGalt. This knowledge can help your business optimize cashflow, manage growth and create a great business credit score so you don't have to personally back lines of credit (which can hinder business growth and potentially hurt your personal credit). christialie@jgalt.io for email jgalt.io/Christ...
Mar 01, 2024•41 min
So many people reach out to me asking how to start credit, how to improve their credit, or tell me they don't understand what it takes to have a great credit profile. Let's fix that today! Listen in to learn the rules of the game and to win at this thing called credit profile. You want to show up with a high credit score so you can qualify for the best interest rates available when it comes time to finance the purchases you may be looking to get a loan for like a car or a home. Questions@creditk...
Feb 16, 2024•23 min
