Credit 101: The Basics

Understand your credit. Build better habits.

Credit shouldn’t feel like a language nobody bothered to teach you. This beginner-friendly e-book breaks down the essentials so you can understand your reports, make informed decisions, and build a practical credit routine.

Created by Dawn Sullivan, Realtor and Certified Credit Specialist, this 21-page guide covers:

• Credit reports versus credit scores
• The factors that influence your score
• Payment history and credit utilization
• Credit card due dates, statement dates, and interest
• Hard and soft inquiries
• Building credit when you’re starting out
• Collections, charge-offs, and reporting errors
• Common credit myths—and the facts behind them

You’ll also receive practical examples, a plain-language glossary, an action checklist, and a fillable worksheet to organize your next steps.

Whether you’re preparing to buy a home, rent an apartment, or simply understand your finances better, this guide gives you a foundation to build on.

Digital PDF download | $9

Read digitally or print for personal use. No physical book will be shipped.

Educational information only. No specific score increase, deletion, or approval is guaranteed.