As summer winds down and routines fall back into place, give your finances a reset, too. Start with your credit score.
Why? Because what you do in the next few months—spending, saving, borrowing—can have a lasting impact heading into the holiday season and beyond. Getting ahead starts with knowing where you stand.
What's a credit score, again?
Let’s keep it simple: your credit score is a three-digit number that shows lenders how likely you are to repay borrowed money. It’s based on your payment history, credit utilization (how much you’ve used out of what’s accessible to you), how old your accounts are, number of hard credit inquiries, and your credit mix. The higher your credit score, the more likely you’ll be approved for credit cards, loans, and even an apartment rental.
Why September is the sweet spot
- We’re heading into the biggest spending season of the year.
Before December hits, it’s smart to know if your score is in good shape—or needs a little TLC. You have enough time to do good things for your credit score. - You’ve used credit this past summer.
Did you travel? Enjoy patio season? A lot of purchases on credit mean your score may have shifted. A soft check helps you stay in the know and, of course, in control. - There’s time to course-correct.
If you spot a dip, you’ve got a few months to improve it before the end of the year.
How to check your score (and what to do next)
There are many financial apps and websites that allow you to monitor your credit score in the app, and some for free as well. No impact on your score. No waiting. Just tap, check, and get informed.
If your score isn’t quite where you want it to be, start with the basics:
- Pay at least the minimum amount required, and pay it on time
- Keep your credit card balances low (aim for under 30% of your limit)
- Avoid unnecessary new credit applications
Think of your credit score like a report card. September’s a great time to look at it before the high-stakes final semester (a.k.a. the holiday season) begins. A quick check now helps you stay one step ahead of your future self.
