Credit

Overview

People often borrow money for major purchases. Why? Because most people don’t have enough of their own money right now to buy expensive things they really need, like a vehicle, a home, or assistive technology. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t buy these things. Instead you can borrow what you need to purchase the item now, and then pay the money you borrowed back over time.

In this topic you will learn:

  • What credit is,
  • Why it is important to have good credit,
  • How to establish credit,
  • How credit cards work,
  • Important things to know about student loans and other financial loans, and
  • All about credit reports, credit scores, and credit bureaus, including how to review your credit report and file a dispute if you find an error.
A man sits in a manual wheelchair next to a modified van with the wheelchair ramp outstretched.
Craig needs a van to drive to work.

At the end of this topic, you will have the opportunity to see what you have learned and think about how you plan to use your new knowledge. Complete the quiz on the Let’s Review page to earn your Credit Badge.

Helpful Tip!

Assistive technology (AT) is any device that helps a person with a disability do the things they want to do – including work, go to school, live in their own home, communicate, play, and be active in the community. Examples of AT include an adapted vehicle, a ramp into a home, an iPad, hearing aids, and a wheelchair or scooter.

 

Learn more about assistive technology.

Cover of the book titled Cents and Sensibility - 7th Edition

Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management

This topic corresponds with Chapter 6: Borrowing Money in the book Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management. Learn more about Cents and Sensibility.