When you think about your finances, you might not immediately consider your credit report as one of the most important tools you have to manage your money. But your credit report plays a major role in your financial health and your ability to achieve long-term goals. It’s the report card for how you handle credit and debt, and it impacts everything from your eligibility for loans to the interest rates you’ll pay.

If you’re struggling with high-interest debt or wondering why your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, understanding your credit report is a key step toward improving your…