2) Credit & Financial Identity
Preparing credit for future milestones
You aren't just building credit for fun—you are building it for Big Moves like buying a car or a house. Auto Loans: To get a 0% or 2% interest rate on a car, you usually need a score above 720. Mortgages: When you eventually buy a home, a high credit score can save you $100,000+ in interest over 30 years. 12 months before a big purchase, stop applying for new cards. Keep your utilization at 1% to 'peak' your score right before the bank checks it.
You aren't just building credit for fun, you are building it for Big Moves like buying a car or a house.
- Auto Loans: To get a 0% or 2% interest rate on a car, you usually need a score above 720.
- Mortgages: When you eventually buy a home, a high credit score can save you $100,000+ in interest over 30 years.
- 12 months before a big purchase, stop applying for new cards. Keep your utilization at 1% to "peak" your score right before the bank checks it.
Free Resource: How To Prepare Your Credit Score To Buy A Home
3) Taxes & Compliance
In the U.S., taxes are self-reported. This means the government doesn't just send you a bill; they expect you to calculate what you owe and send it to them by April 15th every year. For international students and workers, this is the most dangerous part of your finances. If you file incorrectly, it can actually lead to visa denials or problems when you apply for a Green Card later.
Think of tax compliance as a cleanliness check for your visa. Here is your guide to staying perfect in the eyes of the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.