She logged into her Citi online account (the issuer for Best Buy cards) and navigated to the section under the "Services" tab. Within minutes, she entered his legal name, birthdate, and Social Security number. The Perks: More Than Just Credit

Sarah decided to add Leo as an . She knew this wouldn't require a credit check for him, but it would start reporting her positive payment history to his credit files, giving him a head start.

In the quiet suburb of Willow Creek, 19-year-old Leo was facing a modern dilemma: he had no credit history. His mother, Sarah, a savvy shopper and longtime holder, knew exactly how to help him "piggyback" off her good habits. The Plan: Building a Future