You have been eyeing that sports car in the window of the dealership for months now. You don’t even hide the drool anymore. This baby will complete your life. All you need is a loan to take it out.

So you go to the bank and ask for a loan. The buffed bodybuilder bank teller looks at his computer, looks at you, and looks back at the computer. He starts to giggle. And then chuckle. And now his face is red, tears are streaming down his cheeks, and he is literally in full on ROFLCOPTER mode. In between his laughs, he says in a thick German accent, “Your puny credit score disgraces my presence! Come back in when you have self-respect!”

You sit on the curb outside and pout. “Why can’t I get a loan?” you think. “I’m a decent human being. What’s a credit score anyway?”

Well, friend, you are being watched. Yup. Every time you have taken out loans, paid taxes, leins, or used credit cards, information was recorded and put in a credit report. That report is used to make a credit score, and that score determines how easily you can get new credit cards or take out new loans. Thought you were done with grades? Get a hot drink and relax in a chair because you are in for a reality check.