FREE CREDIT REPORTS: GET YOURS!

Every 12 months Americans are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies, Equafax, Experian and TransUnion. You can order all three at once or over the course of a year. Not many people really want to deal with their credit, or face their spending habits and mistakes of the past. If we don't face the truth, we can never change it. Besides, you may find a mistake on your report, or a bill listed that you have already paid off. In those cases, there is an address on the report where you can send in proof of payment or write a letter to dispute the charges. It's important to know exactly where you stand, so that you can form a plan to get to where you want to go (open that business or buy a house). In my experience, creditors will work with you, once you get them on the phone. They will reduce your APR (finance charges), remove late fees, or set a different due date, at your request. Just ask. So, before you spend all your money trying to impress people on Christmas, handle your business at www.annualcreditreport.com. Thank me later.

Uptown Girl