^[2] First, get a copy of your credit report

To get a free credit report, simply go to www.annualcreditreport,com ^[3]. There, you can request a copy of your credit file from each of the three agencies that maintain credit reporting data on consumers like you and me.

• Equifax ^[4]
• TransUnion
• Experian

Here’s a hint: Since you can get a copy of your consumer credit report from each of these agencies one time each year, set up a reminder system to get a copy from one of them every four months. This gives you the ability to keep tabs on your credit more evenly throughout the year.

Okay, now that you’ve gotten your copy, what next?

How to Review Your Credit Report

Review your credit report carefully when you receive it. Why?