19.1 Image Hotspot – Dissect a Credit Report

Objetivos de aprendizagem da lição:

  • Credit Report Basics – Recognize that a credit report is your financial “report card,” listing loans, payment history, balances, and inquiries lenders use to judge risk.

  • Credit Score Impact – Understand how on-time payments and low credit utilization build a higher credit score, lowering interest costs on future loans.

  • Smart vs. Risky Credit – Learn to use credit for long-term goals (education, housing) and avoid high-cost options like payday loans that trap borrowers in expensive debt.

  • Rights & Recovery – Know your legal protections (e.g., Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and the steps to rebuild credit after mistakes.

Informações importantes da lição:

  • Good Reports Save Money – A strong credit history can cut loan interest from 19 % to 4 %, saving hundreds on the same loan.

  • Red Flags of DebtLate payments, maxed-out cards, and using credit to pay credit signal trouble—seek help early.

  • High-Cost CreditPayday loans carry sky-high APRs (300 % +); compare total costs and choose safer, lower-rate products.

  • Fix & Protect – Review your free annual credit report, dispute errors, pay on time, keep usage under 30 %, and understand your rights against harassment.

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