Your Free Credit Reports

I just got a reminder from TransUnion that it's time to view my free annual credit report. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers are entitled to a free report every year from each of the major credit reporting companies. They'll even remind you to get yours if you sign up.

Of course, it's important to view your reports so that you can make sure there is nothing fishy going on -- errors can indicate identity theft and/or prevent you from getting loans, jobs, or insurance. I suggest ordering reports from each of the three major credit reporting companies throughout the course of the year (stagger them and order one every four months).

Further reading:

• Your Free Credit Reports
• The FICO Credit Score