I do a personal financial review each year to make sure my finances are in order. My first step is to order a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the government sanctioned website, not the website from the commercials. There you will find information on ordering your report online or by mail – whichever is most convenient for you. If they ask you to pay a fee for your report, then you’re at the wrong site.
When you have the actual report in front of you, take some uninterrupted time and read what it says about you. Is it all correct, or is there something that does seem right to you? If you do find an error, gather the information you need to dispute the item so that it will be corrected.
Having misinformation on your credit report gives potential creditors the wrong impression. This can result in being declined for credit or being given less than favorable terms which will cost you more money.