College grads: Top 5 financial mistakes – and how to avoid them

5. Being blasé about your credit health

Equifax Inc./PRNewsFoto/File
Equifax, one of three large credit reporting agencies in the United States, allows consumers to check their credit score online, as seen in this 2009 file photo.

As word got around that I worked at Credit Karma, my friends started bombarding me with questions about credit – what a credit score is, what kind of credit card to get, what an APR is. I realized a vast majority of my friends were new to credit, especially its impact on their financial lives.

Everyone, younger and older consumers alike, should monitor their credit health regularly. Checking your credit score, which you can do for free, is a great way to keep track of ups and down in your credit situation, and figure out ways to improve it. It’s crucial for consumers’ financial well-being and a way to open doors in their financial future.

Justine Rivero is the credit advisor for Credit Karma, a credit management and education company for consumers and based in San Francisco.

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