Free Credit Report

In NJ (and other states) we are entitled to 1 free credit report from each of the three agencies every 12 months. I just got all mine. If you want yours go here.

They do not give you your credit score for free, there is a fee for that (so I didn't get that today.)

I just ordered and viewed all three of my reports online. I am happy to report that I only have one negative on each report (the same negative.) In 2006 I went bankrupt after acquiring debt from my ex through our marriage (you better believe somewhere in dating process in future I will be asking, "Can I see your credit reports?") Did you know when you get married you assume the debts of your spouse, and they can even stick with you after the divorce. Especially bad are the things he charges while you are married but you have no idea about. Anyway, I digress, it is not my goal to bash my ex, and I chose to willingly entire into that marriage (crazy little thing called love.)

Everyone should check their reports to make sure everything is correct and to see how they can improve (pay off amounts owed, and so on.)

I know in the grand scheme of things credit reports and scores are not that big of a deal, however they are being used for more than loans. You can be denied a job if you have bad credit. You can pay through the roof on insurance premiums. So it is in our best interest to make sure they are correct and try to keep our debt to income ratios low.

So go here and check your reports today.

-Becky

p.s. I am against debt and feel when we have debt we should pay it off. I went bankrupt after a bad situation and much prayer. I needed a fresh start that I was not getting even after my divorce. I did not want the divorce or bankruptcy, but sometimes in life we have to choose the lesser of two evils when faced in such a situation. My best advice would be to stay out of them in the first place. And learn from your mistakes when they are made.