Free
What you'll learn
Basic concept - Credit is borrowed money that must be repaid, usually with interest. It's built on trust and financial responsibility.
Credit score importance - Their future financial opportunities (car loans, apartments, college loans) will depend on their credit history and score.
How credit scores work - Scores are calculated based on payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used.
Building credit early - They can start building credit as authorized users on parents' accounts, with secured credit cards, or student credit cards when they're old enough.
Dangers of debt - Understanding how interest compounds and how minimum payments can lead to long-term debt problems.
Credit vs. debit - The difference between using borrowed money (credit) and their own money (debit).
Protecting their credit - The importance of protecting personal information, checking credit reports, and avoiding identity theft.
Budgeting basics - How to only use credit for planned purchases they can afford to repay.
Common credit mistakes - Late payments, maxing out cards, and opening too many accounts can all damage credit.
