Credit scores are used by several groups to determine your financial patterns, habits and in some cases even your character. They're also used to predict the likelihood of your repeating these patterns in the future, for better or for worse. In general credit scores range from 300 (low) to 850 (very high) and everywhere in between. There is still some mystery about how a score is calculated and what factors are involved; but here is very basic overview. Make a few late payments your grade is lowered, pay your bills on time and it’s chances of being higher are greater. Credit scores have the power to be the Varsity letter you wear proudly on your jacket or the Scarlet Letter you wear shamefully on your chest. Given the weight it has on so many aspects of your life you may want to consider doing the following.

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Did you know that more than 70 percent of employers WILL evaluate your credit report when considering you as a candidate for a job? You didn't? Well, neither do the majority of job seekers. You've worked hard to get where you are in life, unfortunately no one ever told you that your credit report (and credit score) would mean more than your resume to your future boss. Believe it or not, one of the quickest ways to kill a career before it gets off the ground isn't being under qualified, unprofessional or even dishonest.

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The good, the bad and the truth (which isn't all ugly) about being a student is that there will be an overwhelming desire for most of you to want to live like a college graduate long before that day has come. As a college student I made quite a few money mistakes that cost me tons of money and loads of headaches. Keep reading to learn few things you should know about and avoid.

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Thanks for taking me up on my offer to help you answer your questions about money, credit, debt, romance and finance and landing (or keeping) a job. For all of you who were courageous enough to ask your questions I applaud you and for those of you who still have questions that need answering I hope what follows will offer you some insight and direction. Parts of this article appeared in the March / April edition of Young Money

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