New Year's Resolution – Get Your Credit in Good Shape!

Ever since the credit bureaus were mandated to provide one free credit report each year, I've made requesting and reviewing my credit report part of my New Year tradition. It's my opportunity (and responsibility!) to make sure that I haven't been the victim of identity theft and that the credit bureaus are reporting my credit history accurately.

I was especially motivated to do so this year because I recently discovered that one of the credit bureaus is reporting erroneous information – information that is causing my credit score to vary 50-75 points from the other two scores.

This year, make a resolution to get your credit and finances in good health. Remember, the ONLY place to get your credit report for free (per the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act) is https://www.annualcreditreport.com/... NOT freecreditreport.com.

You may also order your credit reports by calling toll-free to 877-322-8228, or by mail. To request your credit report by mail:

• Download the request form (You need an Adobe viewer to view the requested form. Download the free Adobe viewer)
• Print and complete the form
• Mail the completed form to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Here are some tips on ordering your credit report (courtesy of Bankrate.com):

Free is free: If you have to supply a credit card or checking account number, it means you're going to pay. You may get the initial credit report for free, but you may also be signing up for a continuing service at a price.

No junk mail: Don't respond to e-mail offers for free credit reports -- they're almost always spam.

Be secure: Always be sure you're on a secured Web site when entering your personal information.

Keep it secret: When phoning the toll free number (877-322-8228) for a free credit report, ask that only the last four digits of your Social Security number are displayed on the reports to be mailed to you.

Reduce solicitations: Don't give out your e-mail address to obtain a federally mandated free credit report -- it is not required.

Run from pop-ups: If you do choose to go online to https://www.AnnualCreditReport.com and see pop-up ads, or if the site is not secure, close your browser and start over. Secure sites will have a padlock logo in the corner, and the address will begin with https:// instead of just http://.

Check and uncheck: If you go online to https://www.AnnualCreditReport.com, be sure to look for any pre-checked marketing or newsletter offers. If you decide you do not want these offers, uncheck the box.