OPR's Financial Literacy Series presents: "Understanding Your Credit" part I, w/Miss Schivette Hill

"Credit scores are a key enabler of wealth, but credit scores today are used in a way that denies minority and underserved communities access to the financial services and products they need. Credit scores -- more so than simply race or income or other variables --are the key factor, and minority communities are disproportionately affected," said Mississippi state Rep. Mary H. Coleman, the immediate past president of The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). Credit is the tool that allows you to purchase things without paying for them up front. Though fiscal responsibility and managing your debt is highly important it is often infeasible to buy high dollar items and services such as a car, house, or schooling without having the ability to pay for it over time. But your ability to secure these credit lines depends on your credit worthiness. Having good credit is a KEY element in closing the racial wealth gap. So learning how to read your report PROPERLY and fixing any errors therein is paramount to Blacks and Latinos getting a piece of this "American Pie." This is why we're being joined by Miss Hill so she can help US help ourselves! Miss Hill is a Broker/Realtor in Charlotte, NC. She has extensive knowledge on a variety of financial topics that include but is not limited to budgeting, credit report analysis, home buying, etc. She volunteers her time to teach financial management at her church and other local community organizations and she is dedicated to educating and empowering people to become debt free.