Case files for adult life · new files every week
The stuff nobody taught you.
Rent, credit, first job, debt, taxes. Each problem explained in plain English, with the real numbers and the fix.
Latest · FILE 005 · Money · 27 minStart here
What’s happening in your life?
Start from the moment you’re in. Each one gathers the files, tools and checklists for it, in order.
HOMECAREERMONEYMONEYCARS & BIG PURCHASESTECH & SCAMSLIFE ADMINDon’t see your moment yet?New files land every week. Get each one by email.The Weekly File · our weekly email
Moving outFILE 001 · Rent Calculator
First jobFILE 003 · Tell Me About Yourself Builder
Building creditFILE 004 · First Card Calculator
Fixing debtFILE 004 · First Card Calculator
Buying a carFile coming soon · get it by email
Staying safe onlineFile coming soon · get it by email
Taxes & paperworkFile coming soon · get it by email
FILE 005 · MoneyMONEY
What’s a file?
Every topic is a file: one real problem, checked against the sources, with the fix and a free tool.
FILE 005 · 27 MIN
OPENOPEN
How do you build credit from zero?
Video coming soonLatest file
How do you build credit from zero?
No score isn’t a bad score. It’s a blank one. Here’s how the number works, why you have more than one, what a good score is in the US and Canada, what one late payment costs, and how to build credit from nothing, the honest way.
What’s in the file- 01No score isn’t a bad score. It’s a blank one: a first FICO score needs 6 months.
- 02You have many scores. Check your reports free, and checking never hurts.
- 03Wrong? Dispute it, free. Right? Ask nicely, then let time work.
How it works
Step 1
We pick a real problem
OPENThe stuff nobody taught you.
Step 2
We check every number
VERIFIEDOfficial sources first, linked on every page.
Step 3
You get the fix + a free tool
THE FIXRun your own numbers in seconds.
Free tools
Run your own numbers
Tool 01 · pairs with FILE 005Rent CalculatorFind the rent that fits the money you actually have. Instant verdict as you type: SAFE, STRETCH or DANGER.Run your numbers Tool 02 · pairs with FILE 005Renters Insurance CheckupAdd up your stuff room by room, then check your policy in 10 seconds: covered, gaps, or not covered.Run your numbers Tool 03 · pairs with FILE 005Tell Me About Yourself BuilderFive prompts, one 60-second answer to the first interview question, timed and ready to practice.Run your numbers
51%Jordan’s numbers
DANGEREvery number sourced.Official data first.
Not sponsored by lenders.No payday loans or predatory offers, ever.