New Life University
10-Section Credit Building Course
Master your finances, honor God with your stewardship, and build a strong financial testimony.
Welcome Message from our Pastors
Obi & Franka Agada
Welcome to the New Life University Credit Building Course! We believe that **financial wisdom is a form of worship**. God calls us to be excellent stewards of everything He puts in our hands—including our credit. This course isn't just about scores and numbers; it's about unlocking your potential, removing limits, and confidently pursuing the future God has for you. Get ready for pragmatic, powerful steps wrapped in the principles of faith. We are excited for your journey!
Module 1 / The Foundation
Understanding God's View on Debt and Stewardship
Before we dive into FICO scores, let's talk about the spiritual angle. God's desire for us is freedom and abundance, not to be weighed down. Credit is a **tool** for leverage and stewardship, not a burden.
Biblical Principle: "The borrower is servant to the lender." We aim to be lenders, not perpetual borrowers.
Verse: Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
Module 2 / The Scorecard
What is a Credit Score, Really?
Think of your credit score (usually FICO or VantageScore) as your financial reputation. **The higher the score, the cheaper your life is.** We're aiming for that 740+ range.
Module 3 / The Blueprint
The 5 Pillars of Credit Health (FICO Breakdown)
- 35% Payment History
- 30% Amounts Owed (Utilization)
- 15% Length of Credit History
- 10% New Credit
- 10% Credit Mix
Module 4 / Access
Where to Download Your FREE Credit Reports
Pragmatic Step: Get Your Free Reports!
Stagger your reports (one bureau every 4 months) to monitor year-round for free.
Module 5 / 35% Weight
Payment History: The Obedience Principle
Set up **autopay** for every bill that reports to the credit bureaus. Paying on time secures that 35% portion of your score.
Module 6 / 30% Weight
Credit Utilization: The Stewardship Principle
The Magic Number: Keep Utilization Below 10%.
Pay the balance down *before* the bank generates your monthly statement.
Module 7 / Leverage
Introducing Tradelines: The Leverage Tool
A **tradeline** is simply any account listed on your credit report. Being an **Authorized User (AU)** on a strong, established account is a powerful, legitimate strategy.
Module 8 / Strategy
Credit Mix and Inquiries (The 10% Pieces)
The **Credit Mix** (Revolving vs. Installment) and **Hard Inquiries** each make up 10% of your score. Be strategic and avoid opening too many accounts quickly.
Module 9 / Acceleration
The Pragmatic Steps to 800+ Credit
Module 10 / Testimony
Protecting Your Financial Testimony
Guard your credit with wisdom and diligence. Freeze your credit if necessary to prevent fraud.
AI Tools Hub: Smart Financial Strategy
1. Score Impact Simulator
See how key actions might affect your current score. This is a simplified prediction based on FICO principles.
2. Debt Freedom Prioritizer
Apply the principle of faithful stewardship: prioritize debt by the **highest interest rate (Avalanche Method)** to save money and honor God with financial efficiency.
Enter Debts (e.g., Car Loan, 6.5% | Credit Card, 24%)
Final Course Quiz
Test your knowledge! Get 4/5 or higher to pass.
Faith Declarations & Prayers
Financial Affirmations
- I am a diligent and wise steward of every resource God has given me.
- My credit score is a testament to my financial discipline and integrity.
- I operate from a place of abundance and freedom, not lack or fear.
- I am attracting favor for opportunities, loans, and investments.
- I declare my debts are shrinking, and my net worth is increasing daily.
A Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for the wisdom gained in this course. We declare clarity over our financial decisions and discipline in our habits. We ask for the Spirit of Excellence to guide our budgeting and spending. Lord, remove the burden of debt and establish us as lenders who can bless others. We trust in Your provision and declare financial freedom in Jesus' name. Amen!
Certificate of Completion
Complete the Final Quiz with a passing score to unlock your certificate!