My primary job for almost 10 years in Corporate America was financial counseling. Through the years of working with families, it became abundantly clear to me that no matter the age or income, if you were never taught how to manage money, budget, obtain credit, then you simply never learn. I want to take an opportunity to share with you a few tips on how to manage your credit score.
First things first, why is it important? Many young college students have ruined their credit early in life, not realizing its significance. Did you realize that your credit score can impact your future employment? Many employers pull CBRs (credit bureau reports) to determine a potential employee’s integrity. Homeownership (or the lack thereof) is significantly impacted by one’s credit history. Certain employers require “bonding” which is specific to the financial field — but again, cannot happen with poor credit history. These are just a few of the many, many reasons why understanding and maintaing your credit is crucial.
- Too many credit checks, also known as inquiries, negatively impacts your score. When shopping for a car, house, or credit card, it is important that you do not allow excessive numbers of pulls on your report. Less is best.
I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Julia Espey recently and learned about her book, “If I Were Your Daddy, This is What You’d Learn.” The title is so intriguing I could not wait to get my hands on a copy. I have had the opportunity now to review Julia’s book and all I can say is “Awesome, Relevant, and Useful!” 
I’m gonna take you back today. One of my all-time favorite songs is “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. I cannot listen to that song without crying. Michael Jackson died on my birthday a few years ago, and I remember spending the day watching endless Michael Jackson videos — partly sad that he had passed away and partly reminiscing about years gone by, what I was doing when I first heard this song or that one. The song is so beautifully written. I love the message. 
It seems like only yesterday when I sat down to pen this book. I labored over every word. What could I say that would accurately portray to others how I felt as a young single mom? How would I write about the single moms that I have worked with, how they have felt? What words could I use? How do you feel the hurt of a divorcee, if you have never been there? 
