Your credit score is the foundation of you financial well being. Your credit score influences many of the aspects of your life. Good credit is needed for employment, housing and investment opportunities. The reason for this is that your credit score represents how trustworthy are you for financial institutions. The credit bureaus compile all your payments and credit information for the passed 7-10 years and based on this information they determine your credit score. This is the reason why employers and landlords logically use your credit score to measure your trustworthiness and character. Is unfair to assume that your credit score is a reflection of your character however is mostly the case that a good credit score is associated with responsible individuals with consistent good financial habits.