01/14/2026
Hot take: Building credit isn’t about being “good with money”… it’s about knowing how the scoring algorithm likes to be flirted with 😂
A few quick hacks if you’re planning to buy this year:
✨ Utilization is everything.
Under 30% is fine, under 10% is chef’s kiss.
✨ Don’t ghost your oldest card.
Length of relationship = brownie points.
✨ Mix it up.
Cards + installment loans + on-time history = a happy score.
✨ Big one:
If you’re house shopping soon, don’t go open a credit card at Ashley Furniture because they flash a $50 coupon. (That’s how the Credit Bureaus punish impulsive furniture shoppers 😅)
Small habits + enough runway = approvals get easier and interest rates get friendlier.
I’m happy to run a soft check and map out what needs tweaking before you step into the market — no commitment, no credit hits.