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EP129 Adulting 101: Equifax's Julie Kuzmic on What's a Credit Report & Should I Care?

Release Date: 03/03/2020

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

Today we're celebrating Young Money’s incredible journey. Together, we’ve created 334 episodes, reached listeners in over 40 countries, and surpassed 360,000 downloads! It’s been a privilege to inspire financial fitness through fun, educational content and host amazing guests who’ve shared their insights to help you navigate your financial journey. As I reflect on this milestone, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the hurdles I’ve overcome (like losing access to Apple Podcasts!), and the community that made it all possible. From loyal listeners to supportive colleagues and...

EP333 Financial Fitness Lessons Learned in Nashville

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

In this episode I’m wrapping up Financial Literacy Month with a musical twist, drawing inspiration from a recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Known as a prime bachelorette destination and the heart of country music, Nashville also provided valuable financial fitness lessons applicable to everyone, especially young entrepreneurs and those at the start of their financial journey. Listen in as I share personal stories and insights from my travels, exploring the parallels between the vibrant life of Nashville's music scene and practical financial strategies. You'll learn about the importance of...

EP332 What Finfluencers Overlook with Co-operators

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

As Financial Literacy Month continues, we're diving into the crucial but often overlooked role of insurance for young Canadians. Today we're joined by Jessica Baker, Executive Vice President of Retail Wealth at Co-operators, a trusted, Canadian-owned company providing insurance and financial services since 1945. Listen in as Jessica explains how insurance isn't just about protecting possessions—it's about safeguarding your financial future. She busts common myths, like the idea that insurance is too expensive or unnecessary for healthy young people, and offers valuable insight that could...

EP331 Financial Literacy Month with FCAC

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

In this Financial Literacy Month special of Young Money, we're joined by Rana Abu-Naameh, Director General of Supervision at the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). With her extensive background in public service and financial oversight, Rana sheds light on how FCAC protects consumer rights and enhances financial literacy across Canada. Listen in as Rana dives into the critical aspects of FCAC’s mandate, focusing particularly on the streamlined consumer complaint handling process. She explains the steps consumers should take if they have grievances with financial products or...

EP330 Small Business Path to Impact with Pouya Zangeneh, Scotiabank

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

As we celebrate Small Business Month in Canada, I'm delighted to speak with Pouya Zangeneh, the Senior Vice President of Small Business Banking at Scotiabank. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Pouya shares his insights from Scotiabank's recent report, "Path to Impact 2024: Navigating the Future Succession and Success in the Digital Era." Listen in as Pouya discusses the trends impacting small businesses, including the imminent 'succession tsunami' where many business owners plan to transition their businesses in the next decade. He explores the importance of...

EP329 Canadian Holiday Spending Outlook with PwC

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

In this episode, I’m joined by Elisa Swern, a national retail and consumer leader and partner at PwC Canada. With over 25 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors, Elisa brings her extensive expertise to discuss the findings of PwC's Canadian Holiday Outlook Survey for 2024. Listen in as Elisa dives into the expected increase in consumer spending this holiday season, despite economic challenges. She also highlights the spending behaviors across different generations and provinces and shares insights into the growing importance of sustainability in consumer choices. You'll...

EP328 More Than A Number with Meridian Credit Union

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

Are you feeling overwhelmed by rising living costs and seeking better financial guidance? In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kauth, Vice President of Wealth at Meridian Credit Union, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the financial industry. Shawn discusses the results of Meridian's 'More Than a Number' survey, revealing critical perspectives on financial insecurity among Canadians. Listen in as Shawn addresses the concerns different demographics face, including the anxiety experienced by Gen Z and the challenges women face regarding long-term financial futures. You will...

EP327 Student Loan Repayment Explored with NerdWallet Canada

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

Are you or someone you know dealing with student loans or getting ready to navigate the world of repayment? In this episode, I sit down with Clay Jarvis, NerdWallet Canada’s mortgage and real estate expert, to discuss essential strategies for managing student loans and making smart financial decisions. We'll dive into practical advice for students just starting their loan repayments, adjusting payments to fit your financial situation, and what to do if you’re struggling to make payments. Clay also highlights the importance of budgeting and why parents should have financial conversations...

EP326 NerdWallet's Guide to the Costs of Fertility Treatments

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

Have you ever wondered about the true costs of fertility treatment in Canada? In today's episode, we sit down with Shannon Terrell, a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, to explore the financial realities many Canadians face when seeking fertility treatments. With one in six Canadian couples experiencing infertility, understanding the costs and financial options available is crucial. Shannon shares insights from a guide she developed, offering a comprehensive look at the various methods of fertility treatments and their associated costs. Listen in as we discuss where Canadians can...

EP325 Spotlight on V.I.L. Landscaping founder Charlie Kerrigan

Young Money with Tracey Bissett

In this episode, I’m joined by Charlie Kerrigan, the founder of V.I.L Landscaping and host of The Hard Lessons Podcast. Starting his business in 2016 with just a push mower, Charlie has grown V.I.L Landscaping into a thriving enterprise and aims to become one of the top landscaping companies in Canada. Listen in as Charlie shares his journey, from being a young entrepreneur knocking on doors to running a company with multiple locations and a dedicated team. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors, the necessity of cash flow management, and building a strong team...

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Julie Kuzmic is the Director of Consumer Advocacy at Equifax Canada, a credit scoring and reporting organization. Julie is recognized as an authority on consumer credit and is passionate about financial literacy and creating metaphors to explain the nuances of credit scores. She is a speaker on the topic of credit lifecycle, speaking to consumers, clients, and industry groups.

Julie joins me today to share what a credit report is and why you should care about yours. She shares how credit information is collected and used and reveals which credit inquiries affect your score. Julie also shares the most important things you can do to improve your credit score and explains why having no credit history can be a problem when you apply for significant credit, such as a mortgage.

“Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes - and that includes with our money and financial decisions.” - Julie Kuzmic

This Week on Young Money:

How Equifax collects credit information to create your credit report and score
How a genuine curiosity, taking a human approach, and tailoring the message has helped Julie find career success
How small steps can help you move towards where you want to go
The differences between soft inquiries and hard inquiries and how they impact your credit score
The monthly information collected by credit bureaus
The three-digit range of credit score numbers
Why paying your bills on time is the most significant factor in calculating your credit score
Why the number of times you apply for credit affects your score
How no credit history can negatively impact your credit score
How to build up your credit score

Key takeaways:

Your sources of credit affect your credit score
You can rebuild your credit score
You can have modest debt, live within your means, and have a good credit score
Do not base your self-worth on your net worth

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Julie Kuzmic:

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