Credit Vocab
Going Into Debt
Budgeting
100

A three-digit number (ranging from 300-850) based on an individual's credit history detailed in a credit report

Credit Score

100

A legal proceeding carried out to allow individuals or businesses freedom from their debts, while simultaneously providing creditors an opportunity for repayment

Bankruptcy

100

A budgeting method that allocates 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment

50/30/20 Rule

200

The cost you pay each year to borrow money, including fees, expressed as a percentage

APR

200

An attempted recovery of a past-due credit obligation or debt by a collection department or agency

Collections

200

A budgeting method where money for monthly spending is taken out in cash and placed in labeled envelopes according to budget categories. Spending occurs only from the corresponding envelopes.

Cash Envelope Budget

300

A document with information about a person’s credit activity and history

Credit Report

300

A declaration by a creditor that an amount of debt is unlikely to be collected; occurs when a consumer becomes severely delinquent on a debt

Charge-Off

300

A strategy where you save a specified amount of your paycheck before doing anything with the rest of your money

Pay Yourself First

400

A credit card service that allows cardholders to withdraw a certain amount of cash, either through an ATM or directly from a bank, typically at a high interest rate or for a fee

Cash Advance

400

A type of bankruptcy for people and businesses with limited incomes, which sells off their assets to repay their debts. It is also known as “liquidation bankruptcy”

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

500

A person who has permission to use and/or carry another person's credit card, but isn't legally responsible for paying the bill

Authorized User

500

A type of bankruptcy for people who can afford monthly payments, which allows them to keep their assets. It is also known as “reorganization bankruptcy”

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy