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1.
Never seen it or haven't seen your credit report in years?
If you have never seen a copy of your credit report, you definitely
should order one. The three national credit bureaus do not communicate
with each other, so you actually have three credit histories. It
is up to you to make sure that your credit histories are accurate,
so you should get all three of your credit reports.
2.
Mistakes do happen
Do you know who has had access to your credit report information?
Do you know if the information they saw is accurate? According to
a study by U.S. PIRG, 70 percent of the credit reports have errors
of some kind and 29 percent contained serious errors like false
delinquencies and judgments that don't belong to the consumer.
3.
You are applying for a credit card or loan
If you are considering applying for a car loan, bank loan, or credit
card, you will want to see your credit report and make sure all
information is accurate. Since each inquiry can count against your
credit rating, make sure that your application isn't rejected based
on mistakes in the credit report.
4.
Co-signed a loan
If you have co-signed a loan for a family member or friend, their
payment record will also appear on your credit report. Make sure
you know how your credit is affected.
5.
Mortgage shopping
Before you start shopping for a mortgage, take a look at your credit
report before the mortgage companies do.
6.
Renting
If you are going to be renting an apartment, especially in a competitive
market, it is wise to have a recent copy of your credit report with
you while apartment hunting. Most apartment owners or managers will
want to check your credit report before offering you a lease.
7.
Divorce
Your credit may be combined with your spouse, and there may be
certain transactions that you may not be aware of. If you get a
divorce, notify the three major credit-reporting agencies that your
status has changed to "single." Provide them with new
addresses for both you and your ex-spouse. Specify that all accounts
should henceforth be reported separately. Otherwise, transactions
may be reported on the wrong spouse's account. The records could
get confused, especially if one of you were to remarry. Occasionally,
one or both spouses may experience credit problems during the separation
period preceding the final divorce, especially if marital assets
are frozen during settlement negotiations. You will need a copy
of your credit report to review with your attorney so that you can
accurately evaluate how your divorce will affect you financially.
8.
Fraud monitoring
Someone may be committing fraud by using your identity and applying
for credit in your name. Credit reporting companies do not have
to inform you of suspect items, so it's up to you to be vigilant
about your credit. You should regularly check your credit report
to make sure that all new inquiries and accounts are not fraudulent.
Make sure all information is accurate and if you suspect fraud,
contact your credit reporting agency and ask that they put a fraud
alert on your file.
9.
Self-employed
If you have your own business, it is imperative that you regularly
monitor your credit condition. The stronger your credit, the greater
your ability to secure the financing you need to properly build
and maintain your company.
10.
Financial Planning
If you use a financial advisor, it is recommended that you check
your credit report at least once a year and review it with him/her
so your financial condition can be accurately assessed.
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