JN Financial Academy course helps Jamaicans manage bills and credit

Dawn Griffiths already knew how to budget, but the JN Financial Academy’s Smarter Credit course changed the way she handles bills and credit. The paralegal said the lessons made her more conscious of meeting financial commitments on time and choosing suitable borrowing options.

She initially joined to learn how credit bureaus operate, what they consider when assessing consumers and which habits can damage a credit rating. One lesson surprised her: a payment made within the same month could still affect a credit profile if it arrived after the due date.

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The course made me more aware of how to go about planning financially.

“I normally pay my bills on time, but sometimes if I have something else, then, you know, it’s two days late, it’s not an issue,” Griffiths said. “But then I realised that if it’s later than the due date… it affects your credit rating.”

The course also strengthened her understanding of loans and the importance of matching financial products to specific needs. Griffiths said it made her more financially aware and disciplined, and she believes financial education should start early.

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But then I realised that if it’s later than the due date… it affects your credit rating.

“I think everybody should do it,” she said. “I think even a youngster in school should be aware of it. As I said, it does change how you go about handling your finances.”

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I think everybody should do it. I think even a youngster in school should be aware of it. As I said, it does change how you go about handling your finances.

The JN Financial Academy plans to start another Smarter Credit cohort on September 9. The programme will cover credit bureaus, factors that influence credit ratings, responsible borrowing and the importance of meeting financial obligations. Sydoney Preddie, the JN Foundation’s lead for Youth and Education Programmes, urged people to sign up.

“Understanding credit is an important part of making sound financial decisions, whether you are preparing to apply for a loan, managing existing obligations or simply building a strong financial foundation,” Preddie said. “We encourage persons to sign up for the Smarter Credit course and gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their everyday financial lives.”

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Understanding credit is an important part of making sound financial decisions, whether you are preparing to apply for a loan, managing existing obligations or simply building a strong financial foundation.