If you have not yet checked your own credit report this year – 2009, it is time.  

No, it won't cost you anything.

Yes, it will take a bit of your time.

Yes, it can be inconvenient in the middle of all the other things you have to do.

It IS the best way to be sure that there are no errors on your credit file, that items haven't been reported that you don't know about, and that your personal information has not been fraudulently used by somebody else.

EXAMPLES:
Our client traded in a vehicle at the dealership, so their credit report showed two car loans: the traded in car and the new one.  The traded in loan still showed a balance due on the account, with late payments, months after the trade in happened.

Another client went to refinance their mortgage and found out there was an $11 library collection from a few years ago sitting on their credit report that almost stopped the loan process.

A couple we worked with discovered two new accounts on their credit reports that they had never opened.  Turns out someone had fraudulently opened them in their name, didn't pay them off and left a mess for the couple's credit rating.

WHAT TO DO
1. Get a copy of your credit report.
You're entitled to three per year, at no cost – one from each of the credit bureaus.  Go to the official site: www.annualcreditreport.com

You can look at one, two or all three.  If you want to monitor throughout the year, just check one now and mark your calendar to check another one four months from now, and the third one four months after that.

If you want to know your credit score, go right to the source and get your real FICO scores.  They are on the right-hand side under My FICO Products, listed as FICO standard.  The discount code FICOHELP25 is good through July 31st for 25% off.  Contact us for other discounts after July 31st.

2. Review your credit report.
Look for any accounts you don't recognize.  Keep in mind that closed accounts can stay on your report for up to ten years.

Check for any negative items: late payments, collections, public records.  If there are any, determine if they are accurate.  If not, dispute them with all three credit bureaus.

3. Make this part of your financial routine.
Make sure the credit bureaus respond to your dispute letters in the time allowed by law.  Schedule the next credit report check in your planner or on your calendar. 

This little bit of maintenance and monitoring can make a BIG difference in your personal financial fitness, helping your credit scores grow.   Don't delay, do it today.

Our credit consulting services are available to anyone in the U.S. or Canada.  We can provide your Credit Check-up with a complete analysis and credit building plan starting at only $100.  Contact us today for more information.