Financial literacy is the key to achieving financial freedom and avoiding debt. By learning how to budget, save, and prioritize needs over wants, people can prevent financial pitfalls and build stability. Tools like emergency funds reduce reliance on high-interest credit, while initiatives such as Kappa Alpha Psi’s GLAD program—giving undergraduates access to credit scores—help young adults make smarter financial choices early on.

Credit scores, shaped by payment history, debt levels, and credit length, impact loans, housing, and even job opportunities. Good scores lower borrowing costs, while poor scores create barriers and risks of predatory lending. Understanding how credit works—paying on time, keeping balances low, and managing accounts—empowers individuals to improve their financial future. Expanding education around these systems, especially for youth, ensures more people can build wealth and navigate opportunities with confidence.