| Everyone knows that they should keep track of their | | | | access your personal and financial information. You |
| credit scores, so they can maintain control over their | | | | may be asked to provide the approximate amount of |
| personal finances. For many people, though, | | | | your mortgage balance, the name of one of your |
| remembering to check reports can be a hassle. | | | | lenders, or the date you took out a certain loan. |
| Fortunately, there are many reporting services that | | | | Although providing this information may seem like a |
| can give you your scores instantly, and keep you up to | | | | hassle, it can save you from the horrors of identity |
| date on changes in your consumer record. | | | | theft. |
| The way a reporting service works is simple. You just | | | | Knowing your scores can help you plan for the future. |
| enter your personal information, pay for a subscription, | | | | If you have had past credit problems, you will know |
| and get your scores. Then, you will receive a | | | | what you need to work on to improve your financial |
| notification each time new information is added to your | | | | strength. Perhaps you need to focus on paying down |
| consumer report, and each time your credit score | | | | revolving debts, or maybe you need to catch up |
| changes by more than a few points. Typically, you will | | | | payments on a loan to help repair your score. |
| receive these notification via email, so you won't have | | | | Having this information will also help ensure that you |
| to worry about remembering to order your report | | | | are not turned down for a high paying job. Employers |
| every few months to make sure your financial | | | | frequently use consumer reports to evaluate |
| strength is intact. | | | | applicants - if your score is low or you have a |
| The reporting service may ask you for certain pieces | | | | severely negative item on your record, you may not |
| of information to provide an additional level of security. | | | | be able to get the job that could improve your financial |
| This protects you against having unauthorized people | | | | situation. |