Tell me the specific things to do (and not do) to ace my credit score?

You look at what makes up a total score and then make the best decisions you can in each slice. You can’t control your score down to a science though, because the scoring isn't always the same (across companies that score you) so it’s not as if you do X your score goes up exactly by 10 points.

Payment history

Don’t miss a bill. If you’re a day late once or twice, not world-ending. What you don’t want is to consistently wrack up late-fees. Or skip paying altogether. That can be a 100 point ding! (Has happened, by the way, to a MoneyGirls founder once at 26!)

Credit usage

When you’re ready (have a steady income; leading a somewhat organized life), start building credit. Maybe a starter credit card, and cap your spend to a few hundred dollars a month, or whatever amount is WAY lower than your monthly income (from a job, or parents).

Length of history

Not much you can do to bend time. 🤷‍♀️Just know the longer you’ve been borrowing the better (when you’re ready to make smart decision, aka have a confident grasp on spending/saving/paying).

Types of credit

Not a lot you can/should do to add variety here other than just do life. Meaning, if you don’t need a car, don’t go get a car loan just to spice up credit types.

New credit

Old credit trumps new credit so don’t go canceling your oldest credit card when you turn 35 even if you no longer use it much.

We give you SERIOUS CRED for getting this! Do you know how many people stumble into their 20’s and 30’s having no clues on what you just followed? Too many. You are awesome.