Yeah, you remember that whole permanent record thing with which teachers and principals used to threaten us when we were in grade school? Well, that’s largely a mythical thing about which no one in the world of work cares.

However, there is in fact a permanent record about which everyone cares when it comes to your personal finances. Moreover, the information it contains can determine whether you get a place to live, a car to drive, insurance and in some cases, even a job.

That’s what a credit report is — and how it can influence the quality of your life.…