Authors: Culus Williams & Calandra Thompson
Life has happened to many of us and in the process our credit was wrecked. Often times we hear that our credit score makes us attractive to lenders. So, we must ask a question… “Will your mate be attracted to your credit score?”
Many of us avoid discussing credit profiles until marriage but we think it’s important to discuss this while dating. Your mate needs to know long before the “I do’s” what your credit report reflects. According to a survey form FreeCreditScore.com, about 30% of women and 20% of men stated they would not marry a person with a low credit score.
While you’re single this would be a great time to start rebuilding your credit if it’s been wrecked. Here are a few tips to get you started long before your mate comes along and brings up the topic.
CHECK
- Review your credit report. You are eligible to receive a free copy of your credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com
ARRANGE
- Set-up payment plans with the debts that are reflected on your credit report and pay them off. We would suggest starting with the smaller ones first, so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Also, negotiate with the debt collector to settle the debt for a lower amount.
PAY
- Keep paying your current bills on time. Most of us have cellphones and electricity bills. Paying these bills on time isn’t reflected on our credit reports but if we fail to pay and become delinquent this will be reflected on your credit.
The bible tells us in, Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (NIV)
In your single season work on building your credit so that you are attractive in your mate’s eyes but also so that you are attractive in God’s eyes by honoring his word. God doesn’t desire for his people to be in debt. We are supposed to be lenders and not borrowers. We are called to build God’s kingdom by using our finances to bless others. We can’t bless others if our finances are wrecked.
When God blesses you with a mate, your score may not be perfect but at least you can say. “I’m working on it.” That sounds way better than, my credit is a mess and I haven’t done anything about it.
We both have discussed our credit with each other and it has truly been a blessing to understand what we need to work on long before marriage. We are able to be honest and work on paying off debts while dating. How cool is that?! You can be open and honest about your credit profile and not feel ashamed.
Trust us that you will feel a boost of confidence, knowing that you’re headed in the right direction financially.
BIO:
Culus Ellerton Williams II and Calandra Thompson are both devoted to Jesus Christ and their families. They both recently accepted the call to preach the gospel. They have a passion to spread the gospel to all that will hear. They enjoy encouraging and inspiring people to know more about Jesus Christ. They’re both ministry leaders at Christian Chapel Temple of Faith in Dallas, TX. Their hobbies are writing, dancing, singing and spending time with family.