By Dr. Erika Rasure, Ph.D.
We’ve been taught to measure our financial health in numbers, but too often, those numbers feel like a judgment of our self-worth. As a financial therapist and the Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, I work with hundreds of clients each week to overcome financial stress. One pattern shows up again and again. People internalize their credit scores like a personal grade. But here’s the truth: your credit score is not a character assessment.
Below are five truths I share with clients to help break the cycle of credit shame and reclaim peace of mind:
Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
1. Your credit score is a tool, not a reflection of who you are
Credit scores were created to measure creditworthiness, such as your payment history. This metric wasn’t made to judge your intelligence, work ethic or value as a person. With constant access to credit apps and alerts, many of us start to view that number as a personal scoreboard. Let’s stop giving it that power.
2. Debt doesn’t mean failure; it means life happened
Job loss, medical emergencies, inflation, and caregiving can impact your ability to stay ahead. Yet our culture teaches us that financial strain is a personal shortcoming. That’s not true. Your story is more than your balance sheet.
3. The credit system is flawed, and that’s not your fault
Credit scores often reward taking on debt rather than saving or building long-term wealth. If you’re focused on paying down balances, saving for emergencies, or investing in your future, that might temporarily ding your score. It’s crucial to remember you’re playing the long game when it comes to financial wellness. Don’t let that number sway you from healthy financial practices.
4. Taking a break from credit tracking can protect your mental health
If checking your score creates anxiety, turn off alerts, delete the apps, and stop comparing your finances to others. Your financial wellness isn’t a competition. It’s a journey that deserves compassion, not criticism.
5. You’re not alone, and help is available
Financial shame thrives in silence. Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or financial wellness expert. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to simply say out loud, “I’m struggling.” That’s the first step toward healing not just your finances, but your relationship with them.
Your credit score can be useful, but it is not a summary of your worth. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can build a healthier and more resilient financial future.
As an internationally recognized leader in holistic financial wellness, Dr. Erika Rasure is passionate about helping people bridge the gap between money and personal empowerment. With over two decades of experience in financial therapy and coaching, she’s dedicated her career to reshaping the way we think about financial well-being- making it more accessible, practical, and deeply personal.
In her role as Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, Dr. Erika has led key initiatives to create innovative, real-world solutions for those looking to improve their financial health and transform their relationship with money.
She holds a PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University and is a Certified Deep Transformational Coach, bringing both academic expertise and coaching experience to her leadership at Beyond Finance.
Outside of her work in financial wellness, you can usually find Dr. Erika on the yoga mat at Maryville University, where she shares movement and mindfulness with students, faculty, and staff as a registered yoga instructor.