You might not think you need credit.
But most people don’t consider that today, your employer, cell phone provider, auto insurer and landlord are all looking at your credit report and assessing you by your score.
It might mean not getting that dream job or being out in the cold on your favourite flat.
Do you know your score? And spoiler alert – it’s doesn't hurt your score if you check it.
If you’re at least 18 years old and have ever applied for credit – a loan, credit card or more, you have a credit report with both Equifax and Transunion. These are the two credit reporting agencies in Canada. Based on your good or not so great payment habits, level of existing debt and more, these credit agencies assign you a proprietary score. The higher your score, the better. Watch my video on this topic here.
To learn more about what’s on your credit report, how to improve and check your credit score, check out my new book, Talk Money to Me: Save Well, Spend Some, and Feel Good About Your Money, in stores December 17th and available at Amazon and Chapters for pre-order now.
As the Consumer Advocate for FP Canada, I know that financial literacy is paramount to your well-being. Equally important to your long-term success is working with a qualified professional. To find a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional in your area that will help guide you on all matters of money, check out this Find Your Planner tool.
FP Canada is a national professional body working in the public interest (formerly known as the Financial Planning Standards Council). FP Canada is dedicated to fostering better financial health for Canadians by certifying professional financial planners and leading the advancement of professional financial planning in Canada.
For more on financial planning and how to get started, watch What is a financial planner? and What is a financial plan?