Get A Free Copy Of Your Credit Report And Credit Score

Sadly, we’re all judged by numbers– the number on a scale, the amount of numbers on our paycheck and even the number assigned to our payment history.

The three numbers assigned to you on your credit report can either help or hinder you.  If your numbers are high, you’ll be eligible for better interest rates, which can save you money, but if they’re low, it could end up costing you… lots.

Did you know that your credit score affects your auto and home insurance rate or whether or not your will have to pay a deposit on your cell phone plan?  Your credit score can even affect whether or not you get a job.  That’s right, many employers now run a credit check on prospective employees.

If you’re wanting to clean up your credit or get on-track to being financially fit, the first thing you need to do is find out what’s on your credit report.

You can now check your credit report once a year, at all three of the main credit reporting bureaus, for free:

*Equifax

*Experian

*Trans Union

If you notice something amiss on your credit report or a business is still reporting a delinquency, even though you’ve settled the account, all three agencies have dispute forms.  Filing a dispute is a very effective way to have unfair or settled negative credit removed from your credit report.While it’s great to know what’s on your report, your free yearly reports from the credit bureaus don’t give you your actual credit score.A free website called CreditKarma will give you your actual credit score, send you updates when your score changes and offer tailored suggestions on how to improve your score.  Credit Karma has been featured on The Today Show, Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, CNN and USA Today.Now that you know what your credit score is, here are some easy tips to improve your credit score:Pay your bills on time.

Don’t apply for new credit.

Pay more than your minimum payment, if you can.

Don’t max out your credit.

If your payment is going to be late, call your creditors and see if you can arrange a new payment due date.

Once you’ve paid off an account, don’t close it.  Closing accounts will affect your credit/debt ratio.

Cleaning up your credit and getting on top of your finances is one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself.  Best of luck to you!