Credit touches nearly every part of your financial life — from getting approved for an apartment lease, to buying a car, to securing the best rates on a mortgage. Yet, most people were never taught how credit really works.
That’s where Make Sense of Money’s Free Credit Course comes in.
We’ve designed this free, step-by-step course to help you finally understand credit, take control of your financial future, and confidently build the kind of credit history that opens doors. Whether you’re starting fresh, trying to repair past mistakes, or simply want to raise your score to the next level, this course gives you the knowledge and tools to make it happen.
Inside, you’ll find 9 powerful lessons, each crafted to give you real-world strategies you can apply immediately. You’ll also get helpful freebies like cheat sheets, checklists, and trackers to make learning simple and actionable.
Here’s a peek inside what you’ll discover 👇
Lesson 1: What Is Credit & Why It Matters
If you’ve ever wondered what “credit” really means, this lesson breaks it down in plain English. You’ll learn what credit is, why lenders care about it, and how your credit history impacts more than just loans. Credit can affect insurance rates, job opportunities, and even where you live. By the end, you’ll understand why building good credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.
Lesson 2: Understanding Your Credit Report
Think of your credit report as your financial report card. But unlike school, nobody sits you down and teaches you how to read it. In this lesson, you’ll finally learn how to navigate your credit report like a pro. We’ll cover what sections matter most, what red flags to watch out for, and how to spot errors that could be dragging down your score.
Lesson 3: The 5 Factors That Make Up Your Credit Score
Your credit score isn’t random. It’s calculated using five major factors — and knowing how they work is the secret to raising your score. This lesson dives into payment history, credit utilization, length of history, types of credit, and new credit. You’ll see exactly how much each factor matters, and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
Lesson 4: How to Improve Your Credit Score (Fast & Long-Term)
Ready to take action? This is where strategy comes in. We’ll show you how to boost your score quickly for things like loan approvals, while also building sustainable habits that create lasting results. From lowering your utilization to using strategic credit-building tools, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap to better credit.
Lesson 5: Common Credit Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes, improving your credit isn’t just about what you do — it’s about what you don’t do. In this lesson, you’ll uncover the biggest credit pitfalls that trip people up, like closing old accounts too soon or applying for too many new cards at once. Avoiding these mistakes can save you years of frustration.
Lesson 6: How to Build Credit Without Getting into Debt
A lot of people think building credit means going into debt — but that’s simply not true. In this lesson, you’ll discover debt-free strategies like secured cards, credit-builder loans, and even smart use of existing accounts. You’ll learn how to strengthen your credit profile without creating financial stress.
Lesson 7: How to Check Your Credit Report for Free (and What to Look For)
Checking your credit report doesn’t have to cost a dime. We’ll walk you through where to get your reports, how often to check them, and what to look for once you have them in hand. You’ll also learn how to dispute errors that could be holding your score back. This lesson alone can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars in savings over time.
Lesson 8: What’s a Good Credit Score — and How to Improve It Fast
Is 650 good? What about 720? This lesson clears up the confusion around what makes a credit score “good,” “very good,” or “excellent.” You’ll see how lenders interpret your score, and more importantly, the specific actions you can take to climb the ladder quickly.
Lesson 9: Understanding Credit Inquiries and Their Impact
Every time you apply for credit, it leaves a mark. But not all inquiries are created equal. In this lesson, you’ll learn the difference between soft and hard inquiries, how much they affect your score, and smart ways to minimize their impact. You’ll also see how to plan credit applications strategically, so you don’t accidentally hurt your chances of approval.
Why This Course Is Different
Lots of blogs give credit tips, but this course goes beyond theory. We combine clear, easy-to-follow lessons with actionable tools like:
✅ Credit Terms Cheat Sheet (so you never feel lost in jargon)
✅ Credit Report Review Cheat Sheet (to quickly understand what’s on your report)
✅ Credit Inquiries Cheat Sheet (to keep applications from hurting your score)
✅ Credit Score Fast-Boost Cheat Sheet (for when you need quick results)
✅ Credit Report Review Checklist (to catch errors and red flags fast)
✅ Credit Building Tracker (to measure your progress step by step)
✅ Credit Mistakes to Avoid (to sidestep the pitfalls that cost people points)
✅ Credit Score Tracker (to watch your score rise over time)
✅ Know Your Score Quick Reference Guide (so you always know what “good” really means)
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll have a guided path that helps you take control one step at a time.
Who Is This Course For?
This free credit course is perfect if you:
- Are just starting out and want to build credit from scratch
- Have made some financial mistakes and need to repair your score
- Want to qualify for better loan rates, lower insurance costs, or rental approvals
- Are focused on financial independence and want credit to work for you, not against you
Why We Created This Course
At Make Sense of Money, we believe financial literacy should be simple, accessible, and practical. Too many people are left in the dark when it comes to credit — and that lack of knowledge can cost thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
This free course is our way of helping you take control of one of the most important parts of your financial future. With the right understanding, anyone can build strong credit and unlock more opportunities.
Start Today — For Free
Your financial future is too important to leave up to guesswork. With this free credit course, you’ll finally have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make smart credit decisions.
👉 Get started today, and get instant access to all 9 lessons plus your free cheat sheets, checklists, and trackers.
Don’t wait for your next loan application to find out what your credit really says about you. Take control now — and start building the future you deserve.