Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for your financial well-being. Your credit score can affect your ability to get loans, lower interest rates, secure housing and even land a job.

The best way to ensure your credit stays in good shape is to frequently check your credit report. Regular checks can help you spot errors or signs of identity theft early, allowing you to address issues before they cause significant damage.

What’s in my credit report?

When you review your credit report, there are several key pieces of information to focus on. Here’s a list of what you should look for:

• Personal information: Check your name, birthdate, Social Security number, current and previous addresses and phone numbers.
• Credit accounts: Review the details of your credit accounts, including account numbers, types of accounts, credit limits and payment history.
• Public records: Look for negative items like repossessions, collections, foreclosures or bankruptcy filings.
• Inquiries: See who has accessed your credit information, including creditors and marketers as well as any credit checks you’ve performed.

Regularly checking your credit report can help you identify mistakes and outdated information that could harm your score. Additionally, you can see whether you’ve been impacted by data breaches involving your personal information.

How do I get a copy?

You can obtain your credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The best way is through AnnualCreditReport.com, where you can access free reports every week. This service allows you to stay on top of your credit.

You can maintain healthy credit and safeguard your financial future by diligently checking your credit. Make it a habit to review your reports regularly and address any discrepancies immediately. This proactive approach will help you catch any issues early and keep your credit in the best possible shape.

How To Take Action

If you believe that you have been harmed by data breaches due to companies with inadequate cyber security measures, an experienced consumer protection lawyer can help safeguard your financial well-being.