MONEY SMART WEEK: How to achieve a good credit score 

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Credit impacts some of the most important parts of your life. Developing good credit may lead to more favorable financial options since having strong credit can make it easier to get a car loan, an apartment, a mortgage and even some jobs.& & Your credit score is a snapshot of your overall credit history. When lenders complete a credit check, they’ll use your score – which can range from a low of 300 to a high of 850 — to help determine how likely you are to repay a loan in the future. The higher the credit score, the better a borrower looks to potential lenders, often leading to lower interest rates on mortgages, car loans, car insurance premiums and more. Lower interest rates could save you a significant amount of money over the course of your life.& Achieving a good credit score isn’t always a straightforward process, so Chase has tips to help:& The basics of credit& Several factors contribute to your credit score, all of which are part of your credit history, including:& & Payment history: Lenders will see if you’ve consistently made payments on-time. Late payments, whether to your bills, credit...