After years of using debit cards and only recently venturing into credit cards, Ana Miles with her occupation in marketing, admits she did not fully understand the complexities of credit management.

That changed after enrolling in the JN Financial Academy Smarter Credit course, a financial literacy programme designed to help Jamaicans better understand credit, loans and debt management strategies.

“I thought a credit card was as simple as using it and making a payment,” Miles shared. “What I didn’t understand was how easily balances can roll over, how interest works, and how quickly things can get out of hand if you’re not careful.”

Miles said her decision to sign up for the course came at a critical time. She recognised the need to take a more proactive approach to manage her credit obligations and to better understand effective financial strategies, rather than learning through trial and error.

One of the most impactful lessons for her was learning about structured debt repayment methods, including the snowball and avalanche approaches.

“I had heard about these concepts before, but the course really broke them down in a way that made sense,” she said. “It helped me see that managing debt doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.”

Since completing the course, Miles has adopted more disciplined financial habits. She now keeps a written budget, tracks her expenses, and prioritises making payments on time. She also maintains regular communication with creditors, rather than waiting for collection calls.

“I’m organising my finances in a way that works for me,” she noted. “I’m staying on top of payments, even if they’re small, and that alone has made a difference in how confident I feel.”

While she has not yet made major credit-based purchases, Miles believes the knowledge gained has better prepared her for future decisions.

“It’s about getting ahead of the game. Now I know I need to educate myself before jumping into anything, whether it’s another credit card, a loan, or eventually buying a home.”

PRACTICAL TOOLS

Miles encourages others who may be unsure about their financial knowledge to consider the Smarter Credit course.

“If you want to go beyond just swiping a piece of plastic and really understand how credit works, this course is worth it,” she said. “There are so many things happening behind the scenes that affect your credit, and you need to know where to find that information and how to manage it properly.”

Rose Miller, financial education consultant with JN Foundation, said that the Smarter Credit course empowers participants with practical tools to build healthier financial habits and make informed credit decisions.

She highlighted the upcoming January 2026 cohort, encouraging participants to start the new year by focusing on building strong credit habits. The first of three webinars is scheduled for January 28 with the remaining two slated for February 11 and 25. Members of the public are invited to enroll to take the course by registering on the JN Financial Academy website at jnfinancialacademy.com.

“The Smarter Credit Course is a free, self-paced, practical, easy-to-follow programme designed to help you manage your credit and make smarter financial decisions,” she said.

“Whether you want to improve your credit score, better understand credit reports, or position yourself for future opportunities, this course provides you with the tools and guidance you need. You will benefit from expert insights from industry professionals, real-world examples, and practical strategies you can apply immediately,” she added.

Miller disclosed that participants will get immediate access to course material once enrolled for the course.