Credit cards promise freedom, convenience, and even rewards—but the reality is far more sinister. Millions of people fall into the trap of thinking of credit as “free money,” only to realize too late that the system is designed to keep them in debt.

Your credit score is more than just a number—it’s a powerful financial tool that determines whether you get approved for loans, how much you’ll pay in interest, and even whether you qualify for an apartment.

Most people know their credit score matters, but few truly understand how it works. Credit scores aren’t just random numbers; they are calculated using a specific set of factors that can make or break your financial future.