If you’ve been working hard to achieve your financial goals—whether it’s buying a home, paying off debt, or starting your dream business—but things still feel out of reach, you’re not alone. For many women, the real barrier isn’t a lack of effort, planning, or budgeting. The hidden culprit? Your credit score.

It’s easy to overlook the role your credit score plays in your financial journey because, let’s face it, credit scores can feel confusing. But they hold more power over your financial health than most of us realize. In fact, your credit score can mean the difference between moving forward and staying stuck in your financial life.

As someone who works with high-achieving women to design their financial futures through programs like Sapphire Design, I’ve seen firsthand how poor credit can act as an invisible barrier to success. But once you understand how credit health impacts your money moves, you can take steps to improve it and finally see progress toward your goals.

Let’s dive into why your credit score might be the key reason your financial dreams feel out of reach and, more importantly, what you can do to fix it.

How Credit Health Holds the Keys to Your Financial Freedom

 Think of your credit score like a financial report card. It affects whether you’re able to secure financing for big purchases like homes and cars and even impacts the interest rates you’re offered. Here’s what most people don’t realize: even if you’ve been diligent with budgeting and saving, a low credit score can quietly sabotage your efforts. You could end up paying significantly more in interest over time, setting you back further from financial freedom.

For example, let’s take two women, Sarah and Jessica, apply for a 30-year mortgage of $300,000. Sarah, with a credit score of 780, secures a 3.5% interest rate, while Jessica, with a score of 650, gets a 5.5% rate. Sarah's monthly payment is $1,347, but Jessica pays $1,703—$356 more each month. Over 30 years, Sarah will pay $484,920, while Jessica will pay $613,080, costing her $128,160 extra due to her lower credit score.

Credit isn’t just a number—it’s a lever that affects your ability to build wealth. It impacts everything from how much you pay for insurance to whether you can invest in opportunities like rental properties or business ventures.

The Emotional Impact of a Low Credit Score

A low credit score doesn’t just affect your money—it impacts your confidence. When your credit score is holding you back, it’s easy to feel stuck or ashamed. But it’s not your fault. Many of us were never taught how to manage credit health, and credit scores can feel mysterious.

The good news? Taking control of your credit is empowering. You’ll find that as your score improves, so does your confidence. With better credit, you’ll have more options and fewer obstacles on the path to financial freedom.

5 Steps to Take Control of Your Credit and Your Future

1. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

Start by pulling your credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for errors—incorrect balances, outdated personal information, or accounts that don’t belong to you. Disputing inaccuracies can give your credit score an immediate boost.

2. Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio

Your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of credit you’re using—has a significant impact on your score. Aim to keep it below 30%, but under 10% is even better. By paying down credit card balances, you can improve your score more quickly.

3. Avoid New Credit Applications

Every time you apply for a new credit card or loan, a hard inquiry hits your credit report, temporarily lowering your score. Be selective and only apply for new credit when necessary to avoid these negative impacts.

4. Make On-Time Payments

Your payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score. Late payments can stay on your report for up to seven years, so it’s essential to stay consistent. Setting up automatic payments is an easy way to stay on track.

5. Seek Professional Help if Necessary

Credit repair can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. My sisters and I specialize in helping women rebuild their credit and design sustainable financial futures. Working with a financial coach can give you the guidance and confidence you need to succeed.

Your Money Life Coach Christiane