A credit score might seem like just a number, yet it can raise or lower the cost of everything from a car loan to your monthly insurance bill. Joining me is Valerie Lentz, Senior Vice President at Performance Pro Consulting and a self‑described credit nerd who has spent more than two decades teaching credit‑union teams how to read reports line by line and spot the stories hidden in the fine print. 

Valerie breaks down what those three digits really measure, why on‑time payments and low card balances carry the most weight, and how even a single late fee can be repaired with smart moves like share‑secured loans or starter cards. We also tackle the biggest misconceptions; income and a wallet full of new cards do not boost your score, and we share practical tips for building credit from scratch, checking all three bureaus before big purchases, and steering clear of soaring variable‑rate cards. 

If you have ever wondered how to crack the code on credit and keep more money in your pocket, this conversation will make the mystery feel a whole lot smaller.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:45] Valerie can read a credit report better than anybody I've ever seen.

[02:00] A credit score is a number ranging from 850 to 300. Credit scores predict the rate you will pay and can even determine if you get a job.

[03:03] Landlords use credit reports to qualify you to rent and to determine your security deposit. Auto insurance companies also pull a copy of your credit report to determine premiums.

[05:20] Misconceptions about credit scores include shopping for credit can actually hurt you. Stick with two to three new counts a year. Credit score is not based on your income. Being an authorized user can help you or hurt you depending on the credit of that account.

[07:40] Credit monitoring using services like Credit Karma.

[09:05] Building a good credit history from scratch.

[10:57] Start building credit before you need it.

[12:49] Recovering from credit mistakes like a missed payment. Strategies include to start making payments on time and continue making them on time. A secured loan with on time payments could also help.

[15:34] If you see something inaccurate you can go to the credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax and report it.

[17:55] Payment history and how you handle credit card limits affect your score. Keep it around 30% to maximize your credit.

[20:21] Keep in mind the type and amount of interest that you are paying on your credit cards.

[22:24] Make sure you read the disclaimers and disclosures on your card.

[23:03] We learn who has inspired Valerie the most when it comes to her use of credit.

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• Performance Pros Consulting
• Valerie Lentz - Performance Pros Consulting
• Valerie Lentz - LinkedIn
• Credit Karma