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Some Use It - But I Decided to Own It

Updated: Jul 16


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Note: Before reading the article, there are affiliate links within the text below. If you buy something using the affiliate links, you will not only get a start on your financial freedom but, you’ll also be supporting MFG as I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you.



Visa.

Mastercard.

American Express.


Most people use these companies every day—but I decided to own them.


💳 The Credit Game Most People Play


From the moment you get your first bank account or credit card, society tells you to build a credit score. You obsess over it like a badge of honor:


“Gotta get that 800.”

“What’s your score?”

“Oh, you’re at R2? That’s risky.”

“Use your card to build your score—but pay it off immediately!”


But in that chase, we forget who’s profiting.


We work hard, swipe harder, and owe even more—just to get a number that proves we can be trusted with money we don’t even own.


⚠️ Here’s what’s really happening:


You’re paying interest to companies who make billions off your habits.

You’re lending your financial freedom to people who are already financially free.


I realized it’s not about the score—


It’s about what you own.


🔍 What Makes Up a Credit Score?


Understanding the game helps you play—and beat—it.


Your credit score is made up of:


Factor Weight Description

Payment history 35% Do you pay on time?

Credit utilization 30% Are you maxing out your credit?

Credit age 15% How long have you had credit?

Credit mix 10% Do you have various types (credit card, loan, mortgage)?

New credit/inquiries 10% How often are you applying for credit?


Most people don’t even realize that every tap, every swipe, and every missed payment is part of a bigger system they’re feeding.


🤔 Common Types of Credit You Use (Without Realizing)


Even if you don’t have a credit card, you’re still in the game:


  • Car loans

  • Student loans

  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

  • Cell phone contracts

  • Mortgages


You’re likely using credit—but is it helping you? Or trapping you?


💰 These Companies Make Money Off Your Credit Habits


Here’s how they profit:


Company How They Make Money

Visa / Mastercard / Amex They don’t lend—they charge interchange fees to every store you buy from.

FICO Licenses its score to banks and lenders who use it to decide your worth.

Equifax / TransUnion Sell your credit data to lenders, landlords, and insurance companies. Yes—they monetize you.


So while you’re paying interest, they’re collecting profits.


📈 Flip the Game: Invest in the Companies You’re Paying


Instead of owing them, own them.


You can buy stock in these financial giants:


Company Ticker Symbol Market

Visa V NYSE

Mastercard MA NYSE

American Express AXP NYSE

Equifax EFX NYSE

TransUnion TRU NYSE

FICO FICO NYSE


These companies are part of major indexes and pay dividends or offer long-term growth. Every time someone swipes their card, you could be getting paid.



🛠️ Use Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps to Escape the Credit Trap


Dave Ramsey teaches 7 Baby Steps that help people escape the debt cycle and build wealth the right way:


  1. Save $1,000 for a starter emergency fund

  2. Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball

  3. Save 3–6 months of expenses

  4. Invest 15% of your income for retirement

  5. Save for your children’s college fund

  6. Pay off your home early

  7. Build wealth and give


Most people never get past step 2 because they’re too busy flexing a credit score.

But imagine if you paid off your debts and owned stock in the very companies that once owned you.


That’s true power. That’s peace.


📲 Start Investing with These Broker Platforms


Here are the platforms I use. Sign up using my links below—we both benefit:



🧠 Final Word: It’s Not One or the Other


You can build credit and build wealth. But the truth is:


A perfect score with zero assets is still zero leverage.

Ownership > Access.

Freedom > Flexing.


So ask yourself:


Are you still chasing a credit score?

Or are you ready to own the system?

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