💵 Financial Literacy & Money Management *coming soon
Course overview
Lesson Overview

6.4 – Understanding Credit Inquiries and Score Drops: A credit inquiry happens when someone looks at your credit report to decide whether to approve you for credit. Hard inquiries can slightly lower your score because they show you are seeking new borrowing. Too many within a short time may signal financial stress, which lenders avoid. Soft inquiries, like when you check your own score, do not affect anything. When shopping for loans like a car or home, multiple checks in a short window may count as one inquiry, keeping your score safe. Being careful about applying only when needed can prevent unnecessary drops. Before you apply, make sure you are likely to be approved by checking your score first. If your score dips, it can bounce back by paying bills on time and lowering balances. Understanding how inquiries work helps you plan smarter. Small changes matter when your goal is to protect and grow your credit long-term.

About this course

Practical skills to manage money wisely, build financial stability, and make informed financial decisions.

This course includes:
  • Budgeting templates and expense tracking tools
  • Credit building and debt reduction guides
  • Introductory investing and savings strategy resources

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