1) Why should I monitor my credit?

Checking your credit report regularly is a vital step to establishing good credit, especially if you anticipate making a major purchase such as a car or a home. If your credit report contains errors, and many do, this could prevent you from being offered the best credit terms from a lender.

You can also monitor your credit for signs of identity theft. More than 10 million cases of identity theft were reported to the FTC last year alone! (For steps on how to prevent ID theft, see the free e-book offer at the end of this article).

2) How do I check my credit report for FREE?

The FACT Act required the three major credit reporting agencies to set up an internet site where consumers can request their reports at no charge annually. That site is