SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) - Whether you're buying a new car, a new house, renting an apartment or even applying for a job, your credit report (and what's on it) can be a deal breaker.
March is "Credit Education Month" and all this week we're helping you stay on top of your credit report. First, it's helpful to know exactly what information is on a credit report and just how far it goes back. Second, it's important to know how much your credit score can affect - beyond the obvious (buying a new car, house, or renting an apartment). Third, it's important to stay on top of your credit report to look out for mistakes or fraud.
So how often should you check your credit report? "At the bare minimum, once a year. You can go to AnnualCreditReport.com and get your free one each and every year. I recommend checking it once a month, that way you can check any glitches happening. If you've missed a payment, you can catch it early enough to limit the damage it does or if there's a fraud on your account, you can catch it before it hurts your credit," says Justin Culper, a personal finance contributor from ThePennyHoarder.com.
Apps/websites mentioned in story that provide free credit monitoring and notifications: Credit Karma and Credit Sesame
For more helpful tips - check out: Credit Sesame vs. Credit Karma: Which App is Better For Your Credit Score?
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