How frequently do you check your credit report? Your credit report is the most important financial document of your life. You need to check it frequently to know how good your financial status is. But first accessing the report is essential. Under the federal laws, each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, must provide you with your free report on request. You can request for your report via phone, certified mail or through their website, Annualcreditreport.com.

The report will reach you within 15 days of placing the request. Remember that your credit score is not a part of your credit report. On receipt of your report, check it for errors and if you find any, initiate a dispute. You can request for your report from one bureau at a time and spread the three reports over the entire year or ask for all three of them at the same time.