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Making Cents of Your Credit Score

  • Did you know your credit score could be costing you thousands of dollars without you even realizing it?

    I’m Alvaro and in this video I’m going to go over what makes up your credit score… what hurts it… how to improve it… and how it can affect your finances.

    Let’s start with the basics.

    What actually makes up your credit score?

    A credit score is a number between 300-to-850… given to a borrower… that gives lenders an idea of how much they can trust a debt to be repaid.

    It's used when you apply for a mortgage, car loan or credit card… but it goes much further beyond lending… which I’ll explain later.

    There are five key factors that determine your score:

    • Payment history
    • Credit usage
    • Credit age
    • Mix of credit
    • And hard inquiries.

    Now…your “payment history” is the biggest factor… making up 40-percent of the score.

    This measures your on-time payments and any late or unpaid payments… regardless of the amount.

    One missed payment can take two years to recover from… but recent payments matter more than older ones.

    Once a debt is paid off or negative information is reported… it can stay on your credit report for seven-to-ten years.

    Next… we have “credit usage” which makes up 23-percent of your score.

    It measures how much of your available credit you’re using. 

    Most experts say to stay below 30-percent usage.  This means if you have nine-thousand dollars of credit available to you, try to use three thousand or less.

    If you max out your credit lines… your score will likely drop.

    The next factor is your “credit age.”

    It is the average of all open credit lines you have… and makes up 21-percent of your credit score.

    Closing out long-standing accounts… or opening too many new ones will lower your overall average which in turn… can lower your score.

    Moving onto your “mix of credit.”

    This affects 11-percent of your score… and is based on the type of credit lines you have open.

    The two most common are installment and revolving credit.

    Installment loans are like mortgages or car loans… where you have a set payment amount for a specific length of time before it’s paid off. Such as a twenty-year mortgage or a car loan for 48 months.

    Revolving loans are like credit cards or lines of credit… where you can add debt at any time and there’s not a set payoff date.

    Having a mix of installment and revolving credit types is better for your score.

    The last factor which makes up five-percent of your score is “hard inquiries”.

    A hard inquiry is when a creditor checks your credit report because you have applied for a new credit line. 

    Each hard inquiry will negatively affect your score…  regardless whether you are approved or not.

    There is also what’s known as a soft inquiry… which does not hurt your credit. 

    A soft inquiry is often used by landlords, insurance companies or potential employers to review your credit report… without actually applying for credit.

    Now, let’s do a quick recap of what makes up your score:

    Payment history is 40-percent

    Credit usage is 23-percent

    Credit age is 21-percent

    Mix of credit is 11-percent

    And hard inquiries make up the last five-percent.

    Now that we know what makes up your credit and some actions that can hurt it… let’s answer the question: How do you improve it?

    If you are just starting out and need to establish credit… you can apply for a low-interest rate credit card through a credit union.

    Use that for small purchases like groceries or gas… and pay it off each month.

    This shows creditors that you can be trusted to not over-spend and make your payments on time.

    Paying it off in full… also saves you money by limiting the amount of interest that accrues.

    If you need to repair or improve your credit… look into free financial coaching.

    Ascentra credit union offers coaching services at all nine branches…

    This service is even offered in spanish.

    Our coaches do a soft-inquiry on your credit… so it doesn’t affect your score… then walk through the report to create a custom action plan.

    Our coaches can also help with budgeting, debt reduction, long-term financial planning and more.

    You can also use credit monitoring tools like savvy-money on the Ascentra app.

    It allows members to view their credit report… and shows them where they’re doing well, where they can improve… and how.  This free service to ascentra members, has so much more to offer beyond

    Don’t pay for credit services… and be aware of the fine print… you never know, some of these service could sell your information to third-parties.

    Annual-credit-report-dot-com allows you to pull a full report once a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies… Transunion, Equifax and Experian.

    Make sure to check for any inaccuracies… and if you find any… report them to the relevant credit bureau so they can be removed and not counted against you.

    Consolidation loans through your credit union can help you in a number of different ways.

    Consolidation let’s you combine multiple loans and/or credit card payments into one… offering a lower interest rate… helping you build your credit and save money.

    Consolidations improve your payment history because one payment is easier to keep track of and pay on time… rather than several due dates throughout the month.

    It helps your mix of credit by moving revolving credit to installment credit… and improves your credit usage by freeing up the credit lines the debt is moved from.

    But it’s important to not use those credit lines again and go further into debt… fight any urge to use them by not carrying them around in your purse or wallet…just be sure to keep them in a safe place in your home… and remember that closing them will hurt your credit usage and your credit age.

    Improvements should show on your credit report within a month or so…
    and remember… more recent positive changes are much more important than negative impacts from the past.  Let’s look at a timeline that gives us the appoximate credit weight for each year. Because what you have done lately - both good and bad, carries more weight. 

    Here's the break it down….40-percent of your score is based on what you’ve done in the past year… 30-percent is based on the prior 13-to-24 months and 20-percent on the prior 25-36 months.

    That means 90-percent of your score is graded off of the past three years.

    There’s no instant-fix to repairing your credit score… but with a little patience and work, mixed with some guidance… you can do it. 

    But why should you do it?

    Improving your score can make a big difference on your finances. 

    Let’s say you’re looking to rent an apartment and the landlord conducts checks credit.

    They may offer it to the person with the higher score… giving you less options for housing.

    When you apply for a loan… a good credit score not only helps determine if you get approved… but also what interest rate you’ll get.

    The higher the score you have typically means you’ll pay less in interest.

    For something expensive like a mortgage… that can mean the difference of tens-of-thousands of dollars… say you plan on buying a home for 250 thousand-dollars and a bank promoting a 5.75% interest rate says you can qualify, but since you are not in the top credit bracket, your interest rate will go up to 6.75%. 

    This is refered to as a “loan level price adjustment” – a policy that many lenders use that raises your interest rate or charges more fees.  Side note: ascenta does not punish people with “loan level price adjustments” on fixed rate mortgages– if you qualify for a mortgage, you get the best rate. 

    Now, one percent may not sound like a lot, until you do the math.  For this example we will use the online caculator that lets you compare two mortgages.  We will keep it simple and not include closing costs and fees, and real quickly we see for a 30 year loan, that one-percent rate bump will cost you over 58-thousand dollars in the life of the loan. 

    Imagine saving about 160 dollars every month for 30 years!!

    Now, low credit scores can also increase your auto insurance premiums by as much as double the cost.

    Research shows drivers with lower credit scores statistically have a greater likelihood of filing claims… which leads to higher rates.

    (https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/does-credit-score-affect-car-insurance)

    Essentially…  having a good credit score helps save you money… but it can also help you earn money.

    Some employers do a soft inquiry of your credit before offering you a position…

    So if you don’t have good credit… you could be limiting your job opportunities and the pay that comes with them.

    (https://money.cnn.com/2013/08/12/pf/bad-credit/)

    While your score can impact your earning potential… it’s important to know that how much you earn does not affect your credit…

    Here are other factors that do not affect your credit score. 

    A debt-to-income ratio compares how much money is coming in to what’s going out towards paying debt… and is one of the most common misconceptions about credit score influence.

    There are many people that make a lot of money and have bad credit… and people who don’t make much money… living paycheck-to-paycheck… but have great credit.

    The length of time you’ve worked at an employer… or how long you’ve been living somewhere also have no impact on your score.

    all of these things may impact whether you qualify for a loan or how much a lender will offer… but have no bearing on your credit score.

    Remember… the areas you want to focus on are your:

    • Payment history
    • Credit usage
    • Credit age
    • Mix of credit
    • And hard inquiries.

    Put in some time… some work… and remember… improving your credit score isn’t about perfection… it’s about progress…

    And if you’re not sure where to start… ask for help.

    Ascentra Credit Union is here to support you with tools, coaching and personalized guidance to help you reach your goals.

    Your credit journey is just that… a journey… so take the first step… and keep moving forward.
    Making Cents Jul 29, 2025

    Making Cents of Credit Scores

Did you know that your credit score could be quietly draining your wallet without you even realizing it?

Whether you’re applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or shopping for car insurance, your credit score plays a significant role in your financial future. Understanding how it works can empower you to take control and save a substantial amount of money.

In this article, we will break down what your credit score consists of, what factors can negatively impact it, how to improve it, and why it matters more than you might think.

Your credit score is calculated based on five main factors:

  • Payment History (40%) - This is the most important factor, tracking whether you pay your bills on time. Just one missed payment can take up to two years to recover from. Even after paying off a debt, it may remain on your report for 7–10 years.

     

  • Credit Usage (23%) - Also known as credit utilization, this measures how much of your available credit you're using. Experts recommend keeping your utilization under 30%.

     

  • Credit Age (21%) - This refers to the average age of your open accounts. Closing long-standing credit lines or opening too many new accounts can reduce this average and negatively affect your score.

     

  • Mix of Credit (11%) - Lenders prefer to see a variety of credit types, including installment loans (like mortgages or car loans) and revolving credit (like credit cards). A healthy mix can boost your score.

     

  • Hard Inquiries (5%) - Each time you apply for credit (credit cards, loans, etc.), a hard inquiry is made, which can negatively impact your score, even if you’re not approved. Soft inquiries, like those made by landlords or employers, do not affect your score.

When you understand what makes up your credit score, you can start building or repairing your credit. 

If you’re just starting, consider applying for a low-interest credit card from Ascentra Credit Union. Use it for small purchases and pay it off each month to establish consistent, positive history  and avoid interest charges.

Free financial coaching is available to help you through the process. At Ascentra Credit Union, we offer coaching services at eight branch locations, including Spanish-speaking support. Our coaches review your credit with a soft inquiry, ensuring it doesn’t affect your score, and create a personalized action plan to assist you with budgeting, debt reduction, and long-term planning.

Online services like SavvyMoney, available through Ascentra’s Digital Banking, let you view your credit report and receive tips on how to improve it. Avoid apps that sell your data; stick to trusted sources like AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can obtain a free report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian once a year.

You may also want to consider a consolidation loan that combines multiple debts into one lower-interest payment, which can help with your payment history, credit usage and credit mix. Just be careful not to use the paid-off credit lines and don’t close them, as doing so could hurt your score.

Taking these steps is a fantastic start to building or repairing your credit. You may begin to see positive changes on your credit report within a month.

Most of your credit score (90%) is based on activity from the past three years:

  • 40% from the last 12 months
  • 30% from the previous 13–24 months
  • 20% from the previous 25–36 months

So, although there is no instant fix, progress is certainly achievable with time and effort.

Your credit score doesn’t just determine whether you get approved for a loan; it also impacts how much you’ll pay. 

  • A higher credit score could save you tens of thousands of dollars on a mortgage.
  • Lower scores can double your car insurance premiums.
  • Employers sometimes run soft credit checks during hiring, and poor credit might limit job offers.
CreditScore-Callout-1200x1200-2

However, keep in mind that your income, rent payments or how long you’ve been employed do not affect your credit score. While they may influence loan decisions, they are not factored into the score itself!

Improving your credit score isn’t about achieving perfection but about making consistent progress.

You can do this by focusing on your payment history, credit usage, credit age, mix of credit, and hard inquiries. If you’re unsure where to start, ask for help! Ascentra Credit Union is here to support you with coaching, tools, and guidance tailored to your specific goals.

Your credit journey is just that, a journey. Take the first step today and keep moving forward.

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Protecting Yourself from Scams and Spam

  • Jun 5, 2024

There’s nothing quite like receiving multiple spam emails, calls and texts each day. Cisco Systems, Inc. estimates that over 320 billion spam messages are sent every day.

Spam is, at the very least, an annoyance. At its worst, it can be a scam tactic or digital attack. Learning how to tell what spam is and what is a safe message can be a helpful tool to increase your cyber-safety and protect your information.

Learn How to Spot Spam

There are many ways to determine if an email, phone call or text is spam. Here are a few common ones to help you sort through your inbox.

  • Check to see if the sender or caller is legitimate and recognizable by reviewing the email address or area code.
  • Review the contents of the email or text for an abundance of misspellings and grammar errors or links that do not seem safe.
  • Determine if they are making an urgent request for Personal Identification Information (PII), such as your social security number, driver’s license number, taxpayer identification number, patient identification number, financial account numbers or credit card number.

Reducing the Amount of Spam You Receive

There is no surefire way to reduce the amount of spam you receive to zero. Instead, increase your awareness of spam tactics and take steps to make it harder for spammers to get to you.

  • Keep your PII close. Giving out your email and phone number frequently increases the likelihood of receiving spam messages.
  • Don’t open messages that appear to be spam. Delete and report these messages.
  • Don’t respond to spam. Responding to spam teaches your system that the message isn’t spam and that you want to receive more of it.

There are many more ways to tell if an incoming email, phone call or text is spam. The best way to prevent yourself from being spammed or scammed is to be aware!

Common Types of Scams

Scams are a dangerous type of spam message that specifically seek to harm you, often by stealing your money or PII.

  • Charity Scams: A thief poses as a real or fake charity and asks for donations.
  • Loved One Scams: A family member calls you out of the blue to ask for a wire transfer or gift card due to an emergency or bad situation.
  • Friendship Scams: A new person enters your life and builds a friendship with you, only to ask for money (once, or even repeatedly).
  • Mail Scams: A piece of mail arrives asking you to reply with money or PII in exchange for something.

Don’t fret - not every instance of contact from a charity, loved one, friend or mail item is a scam! In fact, most aren’t. But it’s important to be skeptical and take precautions when a request comes that you aren’t expecting and seems out of the norm.

Ascentra’s Promise

Ascentra Credit Union recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy and PII of our members and it is our goal to protect that information in every way we interact with you, whether it be in a branch, at one of our ATMs, on the telephone or online through the Internet.

It's important to know that Ascentra, or any other bank, financial institution, or tax authority should not ask you for PII through any type of communication. This includes asking for your debit or credit card PIN, a Secure Access Code (SAC) or your user ID and password to Digital Banking. If this occurs, call or stop into any of our branches or reach out to our Compliance and Fraud department by calling (563) 355-0152.

Ascentra encourages you to continue to do research about preventing spam and protecting yourself from scams. After all – you are your own best defense! 


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Protecting Yourself from Scams and Spam

  • Jun 5, 2024

There’s nothing quite like receiving multiple spam emails, calls and texts each day. Cisco Systems, Inc. estimates that over 320 billion spam messages are sent every day.

Spam is, at the very least, an annoyance. At its worst, it can be a scam tactic or digital attack. Learning how to tell what spam is and what is a safe message can be a helpful tool to increase your cyber-safety and protect your information.

Learn How to Spot Spam

There are many ways to determine if an email, phone call or text is spam. Here are a few common ones to help you sort through your inbox.

  • Check to see if the sender or caller is legitimate and recognizable by reviewing the email address or area code.
  • Review the contents of the email or text for an abundance of misspellings and grammar errors or links that do not seem safe.
  • Determine if they are making an urgent request for Personal Identification Information (PII), such as your social security number, driver’s license number, taxpayer identification number, patient identification number, financial account numbers or credit card number.

Reducing the Amount of Spam You Receive

There is no surefire way to reduce the amount of spam you receive to zero. Instead, increase your awareness of spam tactics and take steps to make it harder for spammers to get to you.

  • Keep your PII close. Giving out your email and phone number frequently increases the likelihood of receiving spam messages.
  • Don’t open messages that appear to be spam. Delete and report these messages.
  • Don’t respond to spam. Responding to spam teaches your system that the message isn’t spam and that you want to receive more of it.

There are many more ways to tell if an incoming email, phone call or text is spam. The best way to prevent yourself from being spammed or scammed is to be aware!

Common Types of Scams

Scams are a dangerous type of spam message that specifically seek to harm you, often by stealing your money or PII.

  • Charity Scams: A thief poses as a real or fake charity and asks for donations.
  • Loved One Scams: A family member calls you out of the blue to ask for a wire transfer or gift card due to an emergency or bad situation.
  • Friendship Scams: A new person enters your life and builds a friendship with you, only to ask for money (once, or even repeatedly).
  • Mail Scams: A piece of mail arrives asking you to reply with money or PII in exchange for something.

Don’t fret - not every instance of contact from a charity, loved one, friend or mail item is a scam! In fact, most aren’t. But it’s important to be skeptical and take precautions when a request comes that you aren’t expecting and seems out of the norm.

Ascentra’s Promise

Ascentra Credit Union recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy and PII of our members and it is our goal to protect that information in every way we interact with you, whether it be in a branch, at one of our ATMs, on the telephone or online through the Internet.

It's important to know that Ascentra, or any other bank, financial institution, or tax authority should not ask you for PII through any type of communication. This includes asking for your debit or credit card PIN, a Secure Access Code (SAC) or your user ID and password to Digital Banking. If this occurs, call or stop into any of our branches or reach out to our Compliance and Fraud department by calling (563) 355-0152.

Ascentra encourages you to continue to do research about preventing spam and protecting yourself from scams. After all – you are your own best defense!