2) Credit & Financial Identity

These are the levers you can pull to increase your score quickly.

• The 30% Rule (Utilization): If your limit is $1,000, never let your statement show a balance of more than $300. Keeping it under 10% is even better for a "perfect" score.
• The "Oldest Card" Rule: Never close your first credit card. The Age of Credit is based on your oldest account. If you close it, your "age" drops, and your score will fall.
• The "Payment" Rule: Always pay the Statement Balance in full. If you only pay the "Minimum," the bank charges you 20-30% interest, and you will fall into a debt trap.