Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in. Today, I want to talk about something that’s affecting a lot of young adults out there, credit scores.
And why they’re often not so great.
But this isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about why we’re not seeing enough financial education to help young people understand credit and manage their money wisely.
Let’s start with a quick stat: did you know that about 54% of young adults in the U.S. have subprime credit scores?
This means many young people are considered risky borrowers, which can limit opportunities for loans, better credit card offers, and even some jobs. And with 1 in 3 young adults admitting they feel uninformed about their credit, it’s no wonder so many fall into the same traps—missing payments, maxing out cards, and taking on more debt than they can handle.
If you’re young and struggling with your credit score, you should read this.
The basics of financial management aren’t always taught in schools, and that makes it easy to fall into habits that hurt credit—missing payments, maxing out credit cards, and so on.
So, in today’s blog, we’ll dive deep into why financial education is so important.
Why it’s lacking, and what we can do about it. Read on.
Understanding the Basics of Credit
Alright, starting with the basics. What even is a credit score?
A credit score is a number that tells lenders—like banks or credit card companies—how trustworthy you are with borrowing money.
Your credit score can range from 300 to 850, and it’s calculated based on several factors:
- Payment history: Whether you’ve made your payments on time
- Credit utilization: How much of your available credit you’re using
- Length of credit history: How long you’ve had credit accounts
- New credit: How many new accounts you’ve opened recently
- Credit mix: The variety of credit types you use (like credit cards, loans, etc.)
If you’re just starting out, your credit score might be nonexistent or low simply because you don’t have much credit history. And if you don’t understand what a credit score is or how it’s calculated, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your score early on.
Why does your credit score matter? It impacts a lot—loans, apartments, and sometimes even job opportunities. If you don’t know how it works, you may unknowingly damage it, making it harder to reach financial milestones.
Here’s the thing: if you’re a young adult just starting out, your credit score is probably blank or pretty low. And if no one taught you what that number means or how it’s calculated, it’s easy to make mistakes that hurt your score early on.
So, why is this important? Well, your credit score affects a lot—loans, apartments, even some jobs might check it! But here’s the catch: if you don’t know how it works, it’s really hard to keep it healthy.
Why Don’t We Learn This in School?
If managing money is such an important life skill, why don’t schools teach it?
You’re absolutely right. And this is where I think the system lets us down a bit. Schools often focus on academic subjects like math, history, science, and English. And sure, those are all important. But when it comes to real-world, everyday skills, like budgeting or understanding credit? Not so much.
This lack of financial education is a big reason so many young people make mistakes with credit. If no one shows you how to handle a credit card, or what happens when you miss a payment, how can you be expected to make good decisions?
Think about it—when you’re young and get your first credit card, it feels like free money. You swipe the card, buy what you want, and worry about paying later. And, yeah, that’s exactly how a lot of people end up with maxed-out cards and damaged credit.
Common Credit Mistakes Young Adults Make
So, let’s talk about some common credit mistakes. These are things I see happening again and again, mostly because of that lack of financial education. I’ll break them down one by one, and if you’ve ever made one of these mistakes, don’t worry—you can still fix it.
When you max out a credit card, you’re using up all the available credit you have. Let’s say your card has a limit of $1,000, and you’ve spent $950. That’s a 95% utilization rate. Credit bureaus recommend keeping that rate below 30%, but if you didn’t know that, you might think spending up to the limit is okay.
Maxing out your card makes you look risky to lenders, and it can really hurt your score. And once that score drops, it’s hard to get it back up.
2. Missing Payments
Missing payments is one of the biggest factors that can hurt a credit score. Payment history actually makes up about 35% of your score. So if you miss a payment, that’s a big hit. But if no one taught you how big a deal it is to pay on time, you might not see the harm in skipping a payment now and then.
Imagine a teacher telling you, “Hey, this one factor—paying on time—is a third of your score!” That could make all the difference, right?
If you are interested to learn more about this, check out: How to Quickly Recover From Missed Payments: Your Ultimate Guide.
3. Opening Too Many Accounts at Once
Another thing a lot of young adults do is open multiple credit cards, often because they get a special offer or reward points. But opening too many accounts quickly can make it look like you’re desperate for credit, which can lower your score.
How to Build Credit the Right Way
Alright, now that we know some common mistakes, let’s talk about how to build credit the right way. And this is where financial education comes in again, because if no one tells you these things, it’s easy to make avoidable mistakes.
Tip #1: Start Small
One of the best ways to build credit is by starting small. If you’re new to credit, consider getting a secured credit card. This is a type of card where you pay a deposit, which becomes your credit limit. It’s a great way to build credit without risking too much.
Tip #2: Pay on Time, Every Time
If you take one thing away from this podcast, let it be this: always pay on time. Even if it’s the minimum payment, paying on time can save you from so much trouble down the road. If you’re someone who forgets easily, set up automatic payments.
Tip #3: Keep Balances Low
Remember that “credit utilization” I mentioned? This is where it comes into play. Try to keep your balances below 30% of your limit. For example, if your limit is $1,000, try not to carry a balance of more than $300.
If you're struggling with debt, it’s worth exploring strategies to tackle it quickly. A helpful guide on how to manage and reduce debt can be found in this step-by-step article from ASAP Credit Repair.
This resource breaks down effective steps for getting debt under control in a short period.
How Financial Education Could Change the Game
Imagine a world where every young adult learns these basics in high school. What if financial literacy was as important as math or science?
Think about how different things could be. Instead of figuring out credit the hard way, young people would start off with the knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions. And honestly, it’s not just about avoiding debt or boosting scores—it’s about peace of mind. Knowing how credit works takes away so much stress.
I really believe financial education could be a game-changer for young adults everywhere. If we want to see a generation that’s financially healthy and responsible, we need to start teaching these skills early on.
The Emotional Side of Financial Health
Let’s get real for a second. Dealing with money—especially when it comes to credit—can be stressful. I mean, young adults today are not just managing credit; they’re juggling student loans, rent, bills, and often trying to save on top of all that. The pressure can feel intense, and it’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed by it all. In fact, many young adults are turning to anxiety treatments or therapy to help manage this stress.
Financial stability brings a sense of peace that’s hard to overstate, and on the flip side, financial instability can seriously affect your mental health.
If you’ve ever worried about making a payment or stressed over how to handle a credit card balance, it’s a normal feeling. That anxiety is real, and it can make managing credit feel even more daunting.
Sometimes, just acknowledging these emotions can be a step toward taking control. Realizing that you’re not the only one who feels this way can make it a little easier to tackle those numbers and make a plan that works for you. Financial health isn’t just about the numbers; it’s also about reducing that stress and feeling secure.
The Role of Parents and Mentors
One more thing that often gets overlooked is how valuable it can be to talk about finances with people you trust—whether that’s parents, older siblings, or a mentor. A lot of people don’t like talking about money; it can feel personal, even uncomfortable. But opening up those conversations can make a huge difference.
Think about it: parents and mentors have been through this before. They’ve likely made their own financial mistakes and learned a lot from them. Reaching out for advice can help you skip some of those pitfalls. Maybe it’s just asking how they manage their budget, or what they wish they’d done differently with their first credit card. A simple conversation like this can give you insights and a sense of direction.
So, if you’re feeling a little lost with credit or finances, try turning to someone who’s been there. It might just be one of the best steps you take.
Must Read Resources: Student Credit Cards Made Easy: Your Ticket to Financial Fun!
Resources for Financial Education – Where to Start Learning
Now that we’ve talked about the importance of financial education, let’s look at where you can actually start learning.
There are tons of resources available online—books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and blogs—where you can learn the basics of credit and financial management. A good place to start is ASAP Credit Repair’s blog, which covers topics like budgeting, managing debt, and understanding credit scores.
Below are also some tried-and-true options:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
This government website offers a wide range of free tools and resources specifically designed to help people understand credit, manage debt, and make informed financial decisions. They even have dedicated resources for young adults just starting out.
Financial Literacy Programs
Many nonprofits and organizations offer financial literacy programs aimed at young adults. For example, Junior Achievement and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) provide resources to schools and communities. These programs cover essential topics like budgeting, credit management, and saving for the future.
Online Courses and Apps
There are affordable and even free courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy, covering topics like credit, budgeting, and investing basics. For more hands-on management, apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) are popular tools that can help you get a handle on your finances, track spending, and set savings goals.
Books and Podcasts
For those who like to learn through stories and expert advice, there are books and podcasts dedicated to financial education. Some popular books for beginners include “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi and “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey. Podcasts like The Dave Ramsey Show, Afford Anything, and BiggerPockets Money provide practical advice for building healthy financial habits.
Credit Counseling Services
If you’re already facing credit issues or debt, credit counseling services can offer personalized help. Nonprofit agencies, like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), provide low-cost or free counseling to help you understand your credit report, manage debt, and plan for financial goals.
These resources can make a huge difference by providing clear, step-by-step guidance.
Whether you prefer reading, listening, or using interactive tools, you can find an approach that works for you.
Taking Action – What Can You Do?
So, what can you do if you didn’t learn any of this in school?
First, there are tons of resources out there—books, podcasts, YouTube channels—where you can learn about credit. And start small. Focus on paying on time, keeping balances low, and understanding your score.
Here’s one more idea: share this info with the people in your life. If someone you know is struggling with credit, pass on what you’ve learned here. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference, especially if they’re not sure where to start.
Good Read: Proven Methods To Improve Your Credit Score.
Bonus Tip: Try Digital Banking Tools to Stay on Track
And since we’re all about taking small steps, let’s talk digital tools. A lot of us are already using apps for everything else, so why not for our finances too? I mentioned budgeting apps earlier and you can use them to your advantage!
Imagine getting a reminder about an upcoming payment so you don’t accidentally miss it—that’s the kind of backup these apps can offer.
They’re simple additions to your routine, but they can make a real difference. Budgeting, staying on top of credit usage, and even checking your credit score regularly becomes a lot easier when it’s all in one place, right on your phone.
So, as you’re working on these first steps, consider adding a digital tool to help you out. It’s like having a little financial coach in your pocket, keeping you on track as you build strong habits.
Final Thoughts: The Need for Financial Education
Alright, so to wrap it up—financial education is crucial. Without it, young adults are left to figure out credit on their own, often making mistakes along the way. But with the right knowledge, everyone can build a strong financial foundation.
Thanks for listening! If you found this helpful, share it with someone who might need a little credit advice, too. And remember—it's never too late to start making smart choices with your credit.
Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and take control of your financial future.