There’s something you ought to do 3 times a year…
There’s something you ought to do 3 times a year.
Everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year from each of the 3 major credit reporting companies, Equifax,TransUnion and Experian. My suggestion is that every 4 months you check one company report starting with January, then May another company and finally September the last company I recommend these months because they fall at times of the year that usually don’t involve alot of personal events.
Why would I want to check my credit report? Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission says:
“Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan – and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. You want a copy of your report to:
Make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
Help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information – like your name, Social Security number or credit card number – to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to get a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance or even a job.”
The 3 major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You ask for your free report from each of them by using one official government website, https://www.annualcreditreport.com.
You can get all of the information about it (as well as a toll free number and a mailing address if you’d prefer) at the Federal Trade Commission website, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm (there’s only ONE official web site you use to get your free reports; be sure to read the FTC warning about “Imposter” websites).
Whether you apply online or by using either of the other two methods, you’ll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.
Hope you find this information useful. I’ll remind you again 4 months from now.
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