Let's talk about the wins that don't feel like wins in the moment — negotiating. Maybe you called a creditor and asked for a goodwill adjustment. Maybe you settled a collection for less than owed. Maybe you just asked "is there anything you can do?" and it worked. Those conversations are uncomfortable. Most people never make the call. If you've ever picked up the phone and advocated for yourself with a creditor or collector, I want to hear about it 👇 What did you say? What happened? Stay Wavy 🌊

Let's clear up one of the most misunderstood words on a credit report: "charge-off." A charge-off does NOT mean the debt disappears. It means the original creditor gave up trying to collect and wrote it off as a loss internally... for THEIR accounting. You still legally owe it. Here's what trips people up: after a charge-off, the debt is often sold to a collection agency. That agency can then report it AGAIN as a new collection account. Same debt. Two negative marks on your report if you're not careful. What to check on your own report this week 👇 Do you have a charge-off AND a separate collection that looks like the same original debt? That's worth understanding before you pay anything. Have you ever come across this on your report? Tell us below. Stay Wavy 🌊

Here's something most people don't think about until a lender points it out: your score isn't just about paying on time. It's also about what KIND of credit you're managing. That's called credit mix. A blend of revolving credit (cards) and installment credit (loans, auto, mortgage). It's a smaller slice of your score, but it's often the difference between "fine" and "excellent" once your other habits are solid. Someone with only credit cards and no installment history often plateaus below someone with a healthy mix, even with perfect payments. So tell me 👇 What does your credit mix look like right now. Mostly cards? A mix? Or are you just getting started? No wrong answer, just want to know where this community stands. Stay Wavy 🌊

One more wave rider just joined us! 🌊 Hello! @Amata Sauni Welcome. You made a smart decision today. Wave University isn't just a place to learn about credit and finances—it's a place where people show up for each other and actually mean it. Here's what to do next: 📌 Pinned Welcome Message — start here, it's your guide 📚 Classroom — all the resources on credit and financial education you need 📅 Join us LIVE every Monday & Thursday 7–8 PM PST — our credit experts break it all down for you 📲 Download the Skool app — get tagged, stay connected, stay in the know Now tell us about you 👇 💡 What's one financial goal you want to achieve? We're here for the long haul. Let's make some waves together. 🌊

7–8 PM PST. Tonight's focus: the number lenders quietly weigh almost as heavily as your credit score — your debt-to-income ratio. You can have a great score and still get denied because too much of your income is already spoken for. We're breaking down what DTI actually is, what lenders consider "safe," and how to lower it without paying off everything overnight. 👉 Join here:https://meet.google.com/brc-fnbe-ejz Drop a 🙋 if tonight's topic hits close to home. Stay Wavy 🌊