America’s financial health isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about people. It’s about our families, our communities, and the future of our democracy. And right now, far too many Americans are stuck in a financial system that wasn’t designed to serve them. That’s why I believe raising credit scores is one of the most powerful ways to stabilize our nation and unlock opportunities for millions.
I recently wrote for TIME Magazine about why a 700-credit-score America should be our goal. The difference between a 500-credit-score reality and a 700-credit-score future isn’t just financial—it’s transformational. Higher credit scores mean lower borrowing costs, more homeownership, better jobs, longer lifespans, and stronger communities. They mean less financial stress, less division, and more economic empowerment.
We’ve spent too much time fighting over the wrong things, allowing division to distract us while others profit off instability. The truth is, economic struggle isn’t just an issue for one community—it affects all of us. A poor family in rural America and a struggling family in an inner city have more in common than they realize: both are navigating an unfair system that makes being poor even more expensive. It’s time to change that.
So, how do we move from where we are to where we need to be? It starts with making financial literacy a national priority, expanding banking access, and ensuring that corporate America and policymakers play their part in leveling the economic playing field. These aren’t just ideas—they’re tangible solutions that we can work toward and realize in our lifetimes.
If we truly want to build a stronger America, we have to start by helping people take control of their financial futures. That begins with understanding credit, improving financial access, and ensuring that opportunity isn’t just reserved for the few. That’s what we do at Operation HOPE.
I invite you to read my full piece in TIME and join me in the movement to create a 700-credit-score America.
Read my full piece on TIME Magazine: Are Credit Scores the Key to Healing Our Economy and Democracy?