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$ $ AACreditUnion.org | | 17 redit can be a confusing and uncertain topic for any consumer, let alone the individual who is just starting out and wants to leverage credit without negatively impacting his or her fi nancial future. But why is it important for students to know about credit security in the fi rst place? Two reasons. In the immediate: your credit score. It's tied to your fi nancial foundation — past and present … and future. In the long term: Knowing more about credit now will save you money (and headaches) in the future. "When I was in college, credit was the last thing I thought about because it just didn't seem like it mattered. But it defi nitely does matter," says Kristin Wong, a personal fi nance writer who has written on the topic for NBC News and Creditcards.com. "Your credit score is based on years of history, so the sooner you start thinking about it, the better." C Start building Start building a credit history a credit history Start building Start building a credit history Start building Start building immediately immediately a credit history a credit history immediately a credit history a credit history . 1. 1. 1. Your credit score, and thus your credit history, will be one of the most important numbers in your fi nancial life. "Start by applying for a credit card designed for fi rst-time borrowers, since it will have lower credit standards, and use it responsibly," says Jim Wang a personal fi nance expert and founder of WalletHacks.com. But be advised that some may charge fees. may charge fees. may charge fees.