Most companies are looking for assets or income. It's never been easier to get a loan for a home. Part of that is because Fannie Mae is becoming less stringent. People are very good about paying their mortgages. To have a credit record, have one credit card.
Most people have a car loan.
The average American has 5 credit cards. It's important to build your own financial identity. Women get married and if their husband is successful, they become complacent about their financial lives. If you get divorced, you have nothing. I think the generic publications on what people make are useless.