When it comes to credit, many people feel stuck—buried in debt, unsure where to start, and overwhelmed by what they don’t understand. Rod Griffin gets it.
As the Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, he’s spent more than 25 years helping people build confidence around credit and financial wellness.
During his interview on The Chundria Brownlow Show, Griffin didn’t just talk numbers. He brought heart to the conversation, offering practical advice and reassurance for anyone feeling discouraged by their financial situation. Speaking about common misconceptions people have about credit, he said, “They think about credit as a barrier or a financial obstacle, I think. And that’s kind of the wrong mindset. You need to think about credit as a financial tool.”
Tools That Put Power Back in Your Hands
One of the biggest takeaways from Griffin’s conversation was the importance of viewing credit as something you can work with, not against. He pointed to Experian Boost, a free tool that allows users to add positive payment history—like rent, utility bills, streaming services, and even car insurance—to their credit reports. “We’ve seen an average increase of 13 points for most people, and closer to 19 for those with thin credit files,” he said. “It helps you get in the race to win.”
For communities that have been historically underserved or misrepresented in the financial system, Boost can be a game-changer.
Fraud, Scams, and Protecting Yourself
Griffin also shared how Experian is doubling down on credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and dark web scans—all available through their app. He emphasized the importance of staying alert. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he warned. “No one can legally remove accurate negative information from your credit report—not even for a fee.”
He encouraged viewers to check their credit reports often (free weekly reports are available at annualcreditreport.com) and to avoid services that promise quick fixes in exchange for payment.
Rod’s Financial Wisdom in a Nutshell
- Know your numbers. Track your income, spending, and credit regularly. Budgeting isn’t glamorous, but it’s empowering.
- Talk about money. Be open with partners and family members. Avoid financial secrets—they cause more harm than good.
- Start early. If you’re 18 or just getting started, remember: credit and debt aren’t the same. Take care of your credit like you would your health.
- Watch out for stacking debt. “Buy now, pay later” services like Klarna and Afterpay can sneak up on you. A few $25 payments can easily add up to hundreds.
- Use your resources. From Experian’s free tools to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), there’s no shame in asking for help.
“You should own your money—don’t let it own you,” Griffin said. “When you take control of your credit and finances, your stress goes down and your opportunities go up.”
Learn More
Visit Experian.com or download the Experian app for free tools, credit monitoring, and fraud protection.
Catch the Full Interview
Watch Rod Griffin’s full appearance on The Chundria Show for more insights on taking control of your credit and creating the financial future you deserve.
The Chundria Brownlow Show 
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