Financially Fit Fridays: What Credit Actually Is — And What It Is NOT
If you’ve ever checked your credit score and thought,
“How did they even come up with this number?”
you’re not alone.
One of the biggest reasons credit feels intimidating is because it’s often talked about in extremes.
Either it’s framed as something you should never touch…
or something you should somehow master overnight.
Neither is helpful — especially if you’re new to credit or rebuilding after a hard season.
So today, let’s clear the noise and get grounded in truth.
Because understanding what credit actually is — and what it is not — removes so much unnecessary fear.
What Credit Actually Is
At its core, credit is simply a record of borrowing behavior over time.
It tracks:
whether payments are made on time
how much available credit is being used
how long accounts have been open
how often new credit is requested
That’s it.
Credit is not mysterious.
It’s not emotional.
And it’s not personal — even though it often feels that way.
Think of it like a report card for patterns, not a verdict on your worth.
What Credit Is NOT (This Matters More Than You Think)
Let’s gently dismantle some common misconceptions.
Credit is NOT:
a reflection of your intelligence
proof that you’re irresponsible
a measure of your value or discipline as a person
a permanent sentence
Many people with “bad” credit weren’t reckless — they were surviving.
Medical bills.
Job loss.
Divorce.
Caring for others before yourself.
Credit systems don’t account for context — but we can.
Why This Distinction Is So Important
When people believe credit defines them, they tend to:
avoid checking it
delay learning about it
make decisions from fear instead of clarity
But when you understand credit as a neutral system, something shifts.
You stop asking:
“What’s wrong with me?”
And start asking:
“How does this work — and what’s my next best step?”
That shift alone creates momentum.
Credit Is a Tool — Just Like Anything Else
Just like:
food can nourish or harm depending on how it’s used
exercise can strengthen or injure without guidance
boundaries can protect or isolate depending on intention
Credit can either support stability or create stress — depending on understanding and use.
The goal of financial wellness isn’t avoidance.
It’s informed, intentional use.
Why Beginners Often Feel Conflicted
Many people are told:
“Never use credit”
“Credit cards are dangerous”
“Debt is always bad”
But the truth is more nuanced.
Credit isn’t inherently good or bad.
It’s leverage — and leverage requires wisdom.
Avoidance doesn’t build credit.
Blind use doesn’t either.
Education does.
Your Only Action Step This Week
Again — just one.
This week, notice how you talk to yourself about money and credit.
Pay attention to:
shame-based thoughts
“I’m bad with money” narratives
fear-driven avoidance
And gently interrupt them with:
“I’m learning. I’m allowed to learn.”
That awareness creates space for better decisions later.
Faith & Financial Understanding
Wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Scripture — not instant perfection.
Learning how systems work is not a lack of faith.
It’s stewardship.
And stewardship includes:
patience
humility
grace with yourself
You are not late.
You are not failing.
You are becoming informed.
What’s Coming Next
In the next Financially Fit Fridays post, we’ll break down:
How credit scores are calculated — in plain English.
No jargon.
No overwhelm.
Just clarity.
Because once you understand the pieces, the system stops feeling so intimidating.
If this post brought clarity, save it or share it with someone who’s been afraid to even start.
And if you’re ready to continue learning, explore the free and low-cost resources available here at The Relentlessly Empowered, designed to support your whole life — not just one piece of it.