Why I deliberately dropped my 813 creditworthiness

When I finally joined it 800 Credit Score Club I was proud in 2020. As the first gene Latina, which grew up in a household, where Money was not discussed – But where it clearly accepted “no Bueno”, reaching a score of 813 was clearly a big deal. Although I didn't grew up with financial competence, I did it. I was “good with money”.

This is the reason why I as a money and self-care trainer, that I deliberately lowered my creditworthiness into the 700s, a little nerve-wracking.

But I did it – and I stand by this decision. Because the version of me, who thought to understand a creditworthiness of 800, did not understand the financial freedom, what it actually means to be financially secure.

This version of me does it.

Cashflow about credit score

After five years I finally saved Bought a house for the first time At the age of 38. In addition to the down payment and final costs, I also had 15,000 US dollars in A High-yield savings account For new furniture. This money was planned and I was proud of how financially I went to home.

But instead of emptying the account to buy furniture immediately, I encouraged my husband to open A 0 percent APR credit card And added to me as an authorized user. I knew Loan And lower my creditworthiness – but I also knew that I didn't need more than 800 points.

I didn't plan to Apply for new loans And the mortgage was already secured. I also knew that my money in the bank could continue to earn interest, and we could even earn more by using a welcome bonus. The $ 300 Welcome bonus And knowing the satisfaction of making my money was more important to me than I slept than protecting my creditworthiness.

The business card that backfired backwards

At about the same time I opened a 0 percent APR Business Credit Card To cover the cost of a 12,000 dollar -Mastermind business coaching program. My plan was to do what I had previously done for other great costs: charge the full amount in advance and my business money sits in my savings account.

But this time I was only approved for a limit of 5,000 US dollars, a Much smaller border than the over 12,000 US dollars that I have received in the past. That completely threw my plan. Instead, I had to register for the payment plan, which now calculates me 2,000 US dollars a month – money that would have expired up to the advertising material if everything had gone as intended. In between the new mortgage and the Hard inquiries My creditworthiness has scored a noticeable goal from both loan applications. And not only that, it wasn't even the credit line that I originally wanted to afford it.

It stuck – not only the decline in points, but also the hit on my ego. I was used to being seen as someone who dominated her finances. But I remembered: the dip was temporary. While my score sank, my savings always grew. These $ 15,000 earned passive income on a high-ranking savings account, and for me it was a more powerful sign of financial security as any number of credit.

Do you know what really influences your score

Although my total use was only 14 percent – far below the recommended 30 percent – the high use of two individual cards was a major influence. The credit card we used for furniture had a usage rate of 82 percent, and the business card was 40 percent of the payment of the monthly rate before paying it out.

Nevertheless, my payment story was flawless, all of my accounts were in good reason and my general loan profile remained strong. My score fell to 730, which is still considered to be considered Good creditworthiness.

And since I already put the money aside for the payment before the end of the 0 percent APR, I know that my creditworthiness will recover. This is just a dip, no downfall.

Let strategy drive, not the ego

I would lie if I said that the dip didn't hurt. As a marginalized money trainer, I carried the weight of the unspoken expectation that I should be the example – the highest creditworthiness, the lowest guilt and the Best household habits.

But I have learned that financial trust is not rooted in perfection, but is rooted in the intention.

I met consciously to prioritize flexibility, protect my cash flow and concentrate on long -term planning. A temporary decline in my creditworthiness does not play as important to me as Build real assets – And that's my real priority.

Redefine what it means to be “good with money”

This strategy is not for everyone. If I had been on the market for another one Loan to a low interest rate Or no savings, I would not have taken this step. But I had one strong emergency fund. I still contributed to retirement. I had the cash for the payment of each card before the interest on the interest. I used every tool in my financial toolbox to increase my net assets and at the same time protect my financial well-being, even at the expense of my creditworthiness.

This is financial security.

So, yes, some may judge this choice – but not me. Because I know the full picture: the systems that I built, the habits I have maintained and the peace I cultivated.

Sometimes it's not about tracking the perfect creditworthiness. It is about knowing when you don't need it – and to have confidence in acting accordingly.