The Good Credit Game – Hickman/Carlisle Counties (2018) 

Credit is an integral part of our society, but unfortunately many people do not understand how credit scores and credit reports can affect our day-to-day lives.  What goes on a credit report, how that report becomes a credit score and what behaviors can improve or lower that score is often a mystery to most people.  Credit impacts the lives of many people regardless of age, education, and financial means. To address this concern, the Hickman and Carlisle County Cooperative Extension Service utilized the The Good Credit program to help reduce the barriers and stigma associated with certain financial topics, especially credit. Assisting an individual in increasing his or her knowledge and attitudes toward credit, can provide insights that can change the way an individual manages his or her money, approach career and relationships, and reach life goals. Emphasis was placed on providing participants with an understanding of how credit works, understanding how actions can help or hurt a person’s credit, and dispelling myths about credit, credit reports, and credit cards. 104 people participated in 2 adult workshops and 1 youth workshop. Participants were surveyed following the class, with 102 responding. Statistically significant mean differences were reported in regards to knowledge gained in how credit affects daily life, how to manage credit to reach financial goals, and confidence in handling credit. Furthermore, as a result of the program, 80% of participants reported planning to request a copy of their credit report, while 92% plan to implement at least one strategy to improve their credit score. Finally, as a result of the knowledge gained through the workshop, 81 participants indicated they were more likely to pay their bills on time. One participant stated, "I will use this information to start rebuilding my credit.  There is so much that I did not know."