Twenties Economics | Credit Cards: A Crash Course for University Students
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well and you’re thriving!
In today’s episode we’ll be discussing credit—yes, that scary five-letter word. But here’s the thing: in your twenties, credit isn’t just about borrowing money. It’s about building a foundation for your future. Want to rent an apartment, finance a car, or get a lower rate on your student loan refinance one day? You’re going to need credit for that.
So let’s break it down—no stress, no jargon. Just the basics, served with strategy.
💳 What Is Credit, Really?
Your credit is tracked through your credit report—which is basically the CV of your financial life. It summarizes your payment history, accounts, balances, and how responsibly you’ve managed credit over time. All of this is then scored and simplified into your credit score, a number that represents how trustworthy you are to lenders.
The higher your score, the more trust (and better rates) you earn.
🏛️ What Are Credit Bureaus?
There are three major credit bureaus that collect and store your credit information:
Experian (my personal go-to and the most user-friendly for students)
Equifax
TransUnion
Each bureau may report slightly different data based on which lenders report to them. That’s why your credit score might vary depending on where you check it. Most credit card companies and banks report to all three, but not always.
💡 Pro Tip: I recommend using the Experian app to monitor your score—it’s a credit bureau itself and offers secure, real-time access to your FICO® score. And it’s FREE!
🧠 Why Credit Matters—Even as a Student
1. Credit Takes Time to Build
Good credit doesn’t happen overnight. Your score reflects your history, so the earlier you start (responsibly), the better. Think of it like your GPA—it compounds over time.
2. Employers Might Check It
Yep—some companies pull your credit report during background checks. Especially if the role involves financial trust (banking, government, etc.).
👉 Think of your credit report as the CV of your spending habits—a behind-the-scenes look at how you manage responsibility. Just like typos on your resume, missed payments or high debt can raise red flags.
3. It Can Unlock (or Block) Your Lifestyle Goals
From off-campus housing to car financing, your credit score often determines whether you get approved—and at what cost. A low score = higher interest or needing a co-signer. A high score = better deals, more independence.
💳 What Is a Credit Score & How Is It Calculated?
Your credit score is a 3-digit number (usually between 300 and 850) that represents how likely you are to repay borrowed money. Lenders use it to decide whether to approve you for a credit card, loan, or even an apartment lease.
Think of it as your financial GPA—only it’s shared publicly with lenders and sometimes employers.
💡 Pro Tip: Aim for a score above 700 to qualify for most good credit offers. A score above 750 usually earns the best rates.
This chart breaks down the five key factors that make up your credit score. Each section shows its weight in the overall score and what it actually means. From Payment History (35%)—whether you pay your bills on time—to New Credit/Inquiries (10%)—how often you apply for new credit—this visual gives a quick overview of what lenders look at when calculating your score. The design features bold white text over a deep red and green background for easy readability.
🔄 Revolving vs. Installment Credit (What’s the Difference?)
Your credit mix is one of the most overlooked but impactful parts of your credit score. It helps lenders see that you can handle different types of credit responsibly.
🔁 Revolving Credit
You’re given a set credit limit, and you can borrow, repay, and borrow again.
→ Think credit cards or retail cards📅 Installment Credit
You borrow a lump sum and pay it off in fixed monthly payments.
→ Think student loans, auto loans, or mortgages
💡 Why It Matters: Having both types—say, a credit card and a student loan—can give your credit score a healthy boost if you're managing them well.
💳 Recommended Credit Cards for Your Twenties
Whether you're just starting out or ready to upgrade your wallet, here are my top credit card picks—categorized for beginners and more experienced users.
Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards (Start Here)
Perfect for students or recent grads with limited credit history who want to build responsibly:
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards: 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in 3 months
Perks: No annual fee, free credit monitoring
Why It’s Great: Simple, flexible, and a strong first step into the Chase ecosystem
2. Capital One SavorOne® Student Cash Rewards
Rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, groceries, and streaming
Bonus: $50 after first purchase
Perks: No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great: Designed with student lifestyles in mind—fun and functional
For the Financially Ready (Experienced Users)
Already have a few years of credit history? These cards offer more travel and dining power, with premium perks to match:
1. American Express® Gold Card
Rewards: 4x points at restaurants, 3x on flights
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 6 months
Perks: Dining credits, no foreign transaction fees
Why It’s Great: A go-to for foodies, travelers, and point-maximizers
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Rewards: 2x on travel and dining, 1x on everything else
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Perks: Premium travel insurance, flexible point redemption
Why It’s Great: Best-in-class intro travel card that grows with you
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, travel protections
Why It’s Great: Easy-to-redeem miles, flat rewards, great for international use
🎯 Final Thoughts
Building credit isn’t about racking up debt—it’s about building your future. Start small. Be consistent. Track your progress. Credit won’t just help you buy things—it will help you access life itself on better terms.
By learning to manage credit now, you’re not just setting up your twenties. You’re future-proofing your thirties and beyond.
Have a favorite student credit card or a question about building credit? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Twenties Economics | Level 0 - Where to Park Your Cash Before You Invest
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well!
Let’s talk money—specifically, savings. As a university student, one of the smartest moves you can make is building strong financial habits early. And guess what? Opening a savings account is a great place to start.
Whether you’re saving for emergencies, a future apartment, or just trying to keep your wallet from crying by mid-semester, having the right kind of savings account can make a big difference. In today’s post, we’re diving into why savings accounts matter, which types every student should have, and how to get started—no finance degree required.
💸 So... What Even Is a Savings Account (And Why Should You Care)?
A savings account is a secure place to stash your money while earning a little interest on the side. It encourages consistency, discipline, and goal-setting. For students, this means:
Saving for future goals (study abroad, first car, graduation trip)
Preparing for emergencies (like surprise medical bills or a laptop meltdown)
Building healthy money habits before post-grad life hits
💡 The 3 Savings Accounts Every University Student Should Consider:
1. Long-Term Savings Account
This is your "big picture" account—used to save for future milestones like a car, house, or even retirement. (Yes, it’s early—but trust me, compound interest is your bestie.)
Types include:
High-yield Savings Accounts: Think Discover Bank or American Express or Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
Roth IRAs: Great if you’ve got a part-time job and want to start retirement savings early.
529 Plans: If you're saving specifically for education costs.
2. High-Yield Savings Account
This is perfect for stacking cash with a little extra interest. While rates fluctuate, these accounts usually pay more than your average savings account—without tying your money up for years.
Pros:
Higher interest
No monthly fees (usually)
Easy online access
Consider: Discover Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Ally, or American Express.
3. Emergency Fund
Your “break glass in case of crisis” account. Ideally, this should hold 3–6 months of living expenses—but even $100 is a start. The key here is consistency, not perfection.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up automatic transfers (even $5–$20 a week!) and avoid dipping into it unless it’s truly an emergency—like rent, car repairs, or medical costs.
Good places to keep it?
High-yield online accounts
Local credit unions (which often have low fees and better service)
💼 Sinking Funds: The Secret Weapon for Stress-Free Spending
A sinking fund is like a savings side quest—it’s money you set aside over time for specific, expected expenses. Think of it as the opposite of an emergency fund: instead of reacting to a crisis, you’re planning for it.
Some sinking fund examples for students might be:
Semester textbook costs 📚
Travel home for breaks ✈️
Summer internships or relocation
Concerts, birthdays, or holiday gifts 🎁
Future tuition or exam fees
You can either open separate sub-savings accounts (many online banks like Ally or Marcus offer this feature), or keep a spreadsheet or budgeting app that tracks each sinking category.
💡 Pro Tip: Automate a small weekly or monthly transfer. $10/week = $520/year toward spring break or back-to-school shopping—without stressing your wallet last minute.
🏦 Best Savings Accounts for Students
Here’s what to look for:
Online Savings Accounts
Higher interest, lower fees
24/7 access
Great for tech-savvy students
Credit Union Accounts
Community-focused
Lower fees, higher returns
Often more flexible and educational
Student-Specific Savings Accounts
Tailored perks: fee waivers, free ATMs, or GPA rewards
Often bundled with student checking
✅ Before choosing, compare interest rates, fees, ATM access, and how easy it is to transfer money. And don’t forget: accessibility matters. You want saving to be a habit, not a hassle.
🧠 Quick Qs, Real Answers (Mini FAQ)
What if I don’t have much money to save?
Start small. Even $1 a week is better than nothing. Habit beats amount.
Can I withdraw from savings?
Yes, but keep it purposeful. Withdraw for emergencies or pre-planned goals only.
Will a savings account affect my FAFSA or aid?
Only large balances might. For most students, small savings won’t impact your aid significantly—plus, you’re learning smart money habits.
💻 Saving Without a Job? Here’s How.
No steady paycheck? That’s okay. You can still save from:
Financial aid refunds
Birthday/holiday money
Side hustles
Selling clothes/books
Scholarships or stipends
Even $5 every two weeks counts. Just get in the habit of paying yourself first.
💳 Final Thoughts
Building savings in college isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. Whether you’re saving $5 or $500, every deposit is a vote for your future self. And the earlier you start, the more options you give yourself later.
Here’s the truth: your 20s aren’t just about surviving—they’re about strategically stacking. Emergency funds, sinking funds, high-yield accounts—they’re not just buzzwords, they’re real tools that make your money work for you.
Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: you're not behind—you’re getting ahead. I hope this guide helps you take that first step toward financial confidence. Your future self will thank you.
💰 Referral Disclosure: I may earn a referral bonus if you sign up for a Marcus by Goldman Sachs account using my link. It’s at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend services I use and trust.
Twenties Economics
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well! Today’s episode is introducing the series: Twenties Economics: Making Cents of This Messy Decade
So welcome to Twenties Economics — the series where I break down the chaos of adulting, one financial awakening at a time. Whether you're navigating student loans, figuring out how credit scores actually work, trying to understand what “net worth” means beyond social media, or simply trying to make it to payday without overdrafting — this space is for you.
Why Twenties Economics?
Because no one warned us.
We got the glow-up routines, the vision boards, the degree plans — but where were the real convos about taxes, cost-of-living anxiety, or building wealth while eggs cost $12?
This isn’t about hustle culture. It’s about understanding the real economics of your 20s: the emotional, psychological, and systemic layers that shape how we move through money and career choices. This is where transparency meets strategy and vulnerability meets value.
What To Expect:
Budgeting Realness – Not just spreadsheets, but the mindset behind your money.
Career Moves & Side Hustles – Navigating work with intention (and boundaries).
Wealth Talk for the Rest of Us – Generational wealth, investing, credit repair, debt payoff plans.
Emotional Economics – The psychology of spending, guilt, and financial trauma.
Financial Literacy Made Soft – For the students, freelancers, creatives, and everyone in between.
This series won’t be preachy. It’ll be personal. Sometimes chaotic. Always honest.
🎥 YouTube Integration
The Twenties Economics YouTube series will bring these ideas to life — from $30 grocery hauls and building a business budget to breaking down my debt payoff goals and navigating lifestyle inflation. Think: financial vlogs, transparent reflections, and real-time strategy.
So let’s make cents of this decade — together.
📣 Let’s Keep This Conversation Going
💬 What financial reality are you currently facing in your 20s? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
