This course explains how to access and understand credit scores and credit reports. Banks and lenders use FICO scores (a specific credit score) to measure the risk of lending to someone. Credit scores indicate the level of borrower risk: higher scores indicate lower risk and lower scores indicate higher risk. If the risk is too high, the lender may not approve the loan. This module covers what FICO scores are, their importance and how they are determined. 1. Key Concepts 2. FICO Score Background 3. FICO Score Considerations and Requirements 4. FICO Score Components 5. Where to Find Your Score 6. Why Your Score Matters 7. Credit Reports 8. Identity Theft 6. Strategies to Improve Credit Students should keep track of their cash flows and budgets; if they have an accurate budget they may find that they are able to use it to schedule the repayment of any debt. They can also use credit to buy the things they want and pay off the debt monthly to not incur interest expense. If applying for a loan is necessary, they already have an idea of where they stand in the eyes of a lender and can negotiate terms. Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.