Know your credit score before you need it, JN Foundation urges

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The JN Foundation is urging Jamaicans to pay closer attention to their credit profiles and borrowing habits as it prepares to mark 'Get Smart About Credit Day' on October 15. For many Jamaicans, the foundation said, a credit score is just a three-digit number they rarely consider until they need a loan, want to finance a major purchase or seek credit to grow a business. The observance, which promotes awareness of credit and responsible borrowing, comes at a time when financial decisions can have long-term implications for individuals, families and businesses, the foundation noted. To mark the day, the JN Foundation will host a Smarter Credit Day workshop on Thursday, October 15, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The session will be held in-person and streamed live. "Your credit profile is an important part of your financial story, yet many people do not fully understand what their credit report says about them or how their everyday financial decisions can affect their credit standing," said Sydoney Preddie, lead of the youth and education programme at the JN Foundation. "Get Smart About Credit Day is an opportunity to move beyond simply knowing your score and to understand the behaviours, decisions and responsibilities that can help you build and maintain a healthier credit profile," she added. The workshop will bring together credit and financial specialists to help participants better understand credit reports and scores, develop healthy borrowing habits, manage debt responsibly and identify practical steps to improve or rebuild their credit. It will feature presentations, audience polls, a knowledge quiz and a moderated question-and-answer segment. Preddie said the event will be livestreamed on the JN Group's TikTok page and the JN Foundation's YouTube channel. Interested persons are invited to register at http://www.jnfoundation.com. The workshop is targeting JN Financial Academy participants, families of JN Scholars, small business owners, young professionals and other Jamaicans interested in strengthening their credit profiles. Preddie said the foundation's emphasis on credit education forms part of its wider financial literacy work through the JN Financial Academy, which seeks to equip Jamaicans with practical knowledge to make sounder financial decisions. She is encouraging Jamaicans not to wait until they need credit to start paying attention to their credit profile. "Being smart about credit is not about avoiding credit; it is about understanding how it works and using it responsibly," she said. "When people understand their credit reports, know their obligations and make borrowing decisions based on what they can afford, they are better positioned to take control of their financial future." The JN Foundation lead on the youth and education programme said that the Smarter Credit Day workshop will provide participants with practical tools and information to help them take their first or next step towards smarter credit management.