I have always been interested in how credit and credit scores work.

Like most undergrad students I was inundated with credit card offers. When I had to worry about government contractor security clearances and my credit card charging habits I made sure I understood how it worked.

When I decided to leave Boeing to accept the position with GE, I explained to the hiring manager that part of the reason I wanted to leave Boeing was to increase my salary. I also explained that I had more credit card debt (~$2500) than I wanted, college loans (~$2500), and an auto loan/insurance.

The hiring manager asked if I had a problem with a life style polygraph. I said no and accepted the position when the offer letter arrived.

These numbers (my debt) seem small today, however, back then it bothered me. I lived at home the four years I was in college and my parents paid for a lot of things including my auto insurance through the family plan. This even though I had a part time job.

Other big expenses for me? My career wardrobe. That said, I have always spent money on fashion. The other, after leaving home- apartment rent and things for my apartment.

When I left home a year after my college graduation and about a year after accepting the position with Boeing, I really had no real experience with personal finance. About all I can say- I paid my bills.

Today, I continue to track my credit scores. Last Thursday, May 2, 2024, one of my credit cards sent an email stating my FICO score had been updated.

I did expect a change. I thought it would go down because of the new Mastercard and it did.

I was a little surprised by how much the score changed in that my business bank (Wells Fargo) indicated only a 9 point drop because of the new Mastercard.

I do anticipate my credit score numbers will go back up. Last year after opening a new credit account, it took less than a year.

Was the $50 reward for opening the account worth the drop in credit scores? In my opinion, yes.