Making Cents of Your Credit Score
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.
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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Investing in Your Family's Future with 529 Plans
Planning for a child or grandchild’s education is one of the strongest ways families can help them get started financially. 529 college savings plans offer a tax advantaged way for parents, grandparents, and other family members to save for education expenses, and can be a cornerstone of long term financial planning.
A 529 plan is a state sponsored savings account designed to help families invest for future education costs. Your contributions grow tax deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax free at the federal level. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and depending on the plan, certain apprenticeship and K-12 expenses.
Iowa offers the ISave 529 Plan, a college savings plan where contributions grow tax free and can be used for qualified education expenses. Iowa residents may also enjoy a state income tax deduction for contributions. Learn more and open an account at isave529.com.
Illinois families can choose between two Illinois 529 College Savings plans. These plans also offer tax deferred growth and, for Illinois taxpayers, a state income tax deduction. Bright Start is known as one of the nation’s highly rated 529 plans. Find plan details and links at illinoistreasurer.gov/college-savings.
How families benefit:
- Tax advantages: Contributions may reduce your state taxable income in both Iowa and Illinois.
- Flexible use: Funds can pay for college, vocational schools, and other qualified programs.
- Family involvement: Parents and grandparents can contribute, creating a legacy of support.
- Control: The account owner retains control of funds and can change the beneficiary if plans change.
Getting started is simple, and every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference over time. By taking advantage of the tax benefits and flexibility 529 plans offer, families can build a strong foundation for future education expenses while easing the financial burden down the road.
Investing in Your Family's Future with 529 Plans
Planning for a child or grandchild’s education is one of the strongest ways families can help them get started financially. 529 college savings plans offer a tax advantaged way for parents, grandparents, and other family members to save for education expenses, and can be a cornerstone of long term financial planning.
A 529 plan is a state sponsored savings account designed to help families invest for future education costs. Your contributions grow tax deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax free at the federal level. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and depending on the plan, certain apprenticeship and K-12 expenses.
Iowa offers the ISave 529 Plan, a college savings plan where contributions grow tax free and can be used for qualified education expenses. Iowa residents may also enjoy a state income tax deduction for contributions. Learn more and open an account at isave529.com.
Illinois families can choose between two Illinois 529 College Savings plans. These plans also offer tax deferred growth and, for Illinois taxpayers, a state income tax deduction. Bright Start is known as one of the nation’s highly rated 529 plans. Find plan details and links at illinoistreasurer.gov/college-savings.
How families benefit:
- Tax advantages: Contributions may reduce your state taxable income in both Iowa and Illinois.
- Flexible use: Funds can pay for college, vocational schools, and other qualified programs.
- Family involvement: Parents and grandparents can contribute, creating a legacy of support.
- Control: The account owner retains control of funds and can change the beneficiary if plans change.
Getting started is simple, and every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference over time. By taking advantage of the tax benefits and flexibility 529 plans offer, families can build a strong foundation for future education expenses while easing the financial burden down the road.
