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Credit to
Cash Flow
Build Your Score. Reduce Debt. Increase Income.
Jerrica Brumfield
Financial Coach and Realtor · 180 Money Reset
Live Class · July 30, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET
Your Credit Is Not Your Identity
Your credit score is a financial number. It is not your identity, worth, or final story.
Your score can change.
Your habits can change.
Your financial story can change.
Where Are You Right Now?
Type your number in the comments.
Financial Stress Can Affect Every Area of Life
How does financial instability affect a person's ability to pursue purpose, build wealth, and reach the next level?
Tonight You Will Leave With a Plan
Understand what affects your credit
Identify possible report errors
Create a debt reduction strategy
Build positive credit and added income
The Report Is the Record. The Score Is the Calculation.
Credit Report
The detailed history of accounts, balances, payments, inquiries, and collections.
Credit Score
A number calculated from information contained in a credit report.
You can have several credit scores because lenders use different scoring models, versions, and credit bureau information.
Most FICO Scores Range From 300 to 850
Lenders establish their own approval requirements.
Two Categories Make Up About 65% of the Common FICO Formula
These weights describe general importance in common FICO models. They do not guarantee any specific score increase.
Payment History Is the Largest Category
Pay every account on time
Bring open accounts current
Set automatic payments or reminders
Call creditors before missing another payment
Ask about hardship programs when needed
One missed payment can cost more than a late fee.
Your Reported Balances Matter
Reported credit card balance
Divided by credit limit
Equals credit utilization
$300 balance ÷ $1,000 limit = 30%
$100 balance ÷ $1,000 limit = 10%
Lower reported utilization is generally better.
These Two Dates Are Not the Same
Due Date
The date the required payment must be received to avoid being late.
Statement Closing Date
The date the billing cycle ends and the balance may be reported.
Paying before the statement closes may reduce the balance that is reported.
You Do Not Need to Pay Interest to Build Credit
Use the card lightly.
Pay on time.
Pay in full when possible.
Keep the reported balance low.
Carrying a balance is a cost, not a strategy.
Do Not Work From Only One Credit Report
AnnualCreditReport.com
Consumers can request free online credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Assignment: Pull all three reports and compare them line by line.
Audit Every Line, Not Only the Score
Names and addresses
Accounts you do not recognize
Incorrect late payments
Duplicate collections
Incorrect balances
Incorrect credit limits
Wrong account status
Outdated information
Accounts caused by identity theft
Dispute Facts, Not Frustration
Identify the exact error
Gather supporting documents
Write a clear dispute
Contact the credit bureau
Contact the company reporting the information
Track the investigation and results
Credit reporting investigations are generally completed within 30 days, although some situations may take up to 45 days.
Accurate Negative Information Usually Cannot Be Removed
Challenge information that may be:
Inaccurate
Incomplete
Duplicated
Obsolete
Unverifiable
Connected to identity theft
No company should guarantee a specific deletion or credit score increase.
Know the Laws That Protect Consumers
State laws may provide additional protections.
Validate the Debt Before You Negotiate
Request:
Current creditor
Original creditor
Itemized balance
Date of first delinquency
Proof that you are responsible
Written validation notice
Consumers generally have 30 days after receiving validation information to dispute a debt in writing.
Old Debt Has Two Different Clocks
Credit Reporting Period
How long an item may generally remain on your credit report.
Statute of Limitations
How long a creditor or collector may generally sue over the debt.
In some states, making a payment or acknowledging an old debt may restart the time allowed for a lawsuit. Research the applicable state law before acting.
Start With the Facts
“Before discussing payment, please provide written validation of the debt, including the creditor, itemized balance, date of first delinquency, and information showing I am responsible.”
Say it calmly. Say it once. Then stop talking.
Pay for Delete Is a Request, Not a Right
A consumer may ask a collector to remove its collection account in exchange for payment, but the collector is not legally required to agree.
Validate the debt first
Negotiate an affordable amount
Request deletion in writing
Require a zero balance
Require no further collection or resale
Review the agreement before paying
Get Every Promise in Writing
“I can offer $_____ as full settlement if your company confirms in writing that the account will have a zero balance, no further collection or sale, and your company will request deletion from every credit bureau to which it reported.”
Do not send payment until the written agreement has been reviewed.
A Settlement Can Create Other Consequences
Credit score results vary
Scoring models treat collections differently
Forgiven debt may be taxable
A Form 1099-C may be issued
Written documentation is essential
Settle with your eyes open.
You Cannot Eliminate What You Have Not Listed
Creditor
Balance
Interest Rate
Minimum Payment
Account Status
Date of First Delinquency
Bureau Reporting
Planned Action
Fill one row per debt. Print it and keep it where you can see it.
Choose the Method That Matches Your Goal
Snowball
Pay the smallest balance first for motivation and quicker wins.
Avalanche
Pay the highest interest rate first to reduce interest costs.
Continue paying the required minimum on every other account.
A Credit Goal May Require a Hybrid Plan
If you are preparing to apply for a home or another important financial goal, lowering highly utilized credit cards may become the first priority.
Protect every due date.
Protect every essential household obligation.
Then attack the highest utilization first.
Add Positive History Carefully
One manageable account is better than several unaffordable accounts.
Secured credit card
Credit-builder loan
Rent or bill reporting
Responsible authorized-user relationship
Local credit union credit-building products
Sites to Research
Official Resources
AnnualCreditReport.com
Experian.com
myFICO.com
ConsumerFinance.gov/complaint
IdentityTheft.gov
NCUA Credit Union Locator
FDIC BankFind
Products to Research
Experian Boost
Capital One Platinum Secured
Chime Credit Builder
Self Credit Builder Account
Local credit union credit-builder loans
These are examples to research, not endorsements. Terms, fees, eligibility, and reporting can change.
Research Before You Apply
Does it report to all three bureaus?
What is the total cost?
Is there a hard credit inquiry?
Can I afford every payment?
What happens when the program ends?
If you cannot answer all five, you are not ready to apply.
Stop These Five Credit Mistakes
Applying for several accounts at once
Carrying interest just to build credit
Submitting false disputes
Buying tradelines
Closing old accounts without a plan
Protect what you are building.
Your Skills Can Accelerate Your Debt Plan
List 10 to 20 things you do well.
What do people ask you to help them do?
What problem can you solve?
What have people praised you for?
What could you sell this week?
What knowledge can become a service or product?
One Skill Can Produce More Than One Income Stream
A one-on-one service
A digital product
A workshop
A group program
Recurring support
Examples: budgeting, organization, writing, cooking, technology, accountability.
Your 30-Day Credit Action Plan
Pull and review all three reports.
Stop new late payments and calculate utilization.
Prepare legitimate disputes with supporting proof.
Reduce balances and contact creditors.
Validate and address collections.
Add one positive strategy and review progress.
Do Not Leave With Information Only
Pull all three reports
Complete the credit audit
Calculate utilization
Choose a debt payoff method
Make one creditor call
Create one income offer
Report your progress
Seven days. Seven actions.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
Credit report organization
Situation-based letter library
Dispute response tracker
Debt payoff planner
Collector negotiation scripts
Credit action calendar
Accountability support
Clear Education. Practical Tools. Real Accountability.
I do not promise a magic score or the removal of accurate information. I provide education, organization, situation-based tools, and accountability to help you take informed action.
Individual results vary.
The Plans of the Diligent Lead to Abundance
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5
Credit growth is usually not one dramatic move. It is a pattern of accurate information, wise decisions, and consistent follow-through.
What Will You Complete Tonight?
Write your first action in the comments.
You matter.
You are capable.
Your financial story is not over.