IT’S EASY TO GET YOUR credit score for free these days. Your bank or credit card issuer may offer it, and there are other options as well. Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, supplies a free score and credit report at www.free creditscore.com. Credit Karma (www. credit karma .com) also offers a free score, as well as credit reports from the other two major credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion (you must create an account to get your score).
FICO, which invented the credit score, and the three credit bureaus offer monthly plans that provide your credit score and other features, such as credit monitoring, for prices ranging from $10 to $40 a month, depending on the level of service. But you probably don’t need to sign up for a subscription service or pay for a credit score.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH FINANCIAL PLANNING
Through her pro bono work, this CFP provides free help with budgeting, saving and more.
THE ALLURE OF SHOULDER SEASON TRAVEL
SHOULDER season can be a great time for a vacation.
A TOOL 10 ADD 10 YOUR ID THEFT ARSENAL
Credit-monitoring services can help you detect fraud quickly.
Give the Gift of Life Insurance
Show your love for your sweetheart by protecting against disaster.
WATCH OUT FOR NUDGES THAT STEER YOU TO TRADE TOO MUCH
ANYONE who has shopped for groceries with a toddler knows to be on high alert for the impulse items the store has thoughtfully placed at a child's eye height.
Lessons for Retirement Success
CHRISTINE Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement (see a related podcast at Morningstar .com).
GET THE RIGHT ADVICE IN RETIREMENT
If you've saved up a decent-size nest egg with a financial services firm, chances are good it has offered you financial advice-for a price. Is it worth it?
SHIELD YOURSELF FROM FRAUD
RECENTLY, one of my clients shared a harrowing experience.
CHECK YOUR COLLEGE'S FINANCIAL HEALTH
Declining enrollment has forced a growing number of small colleges to shut down.
ESTATE PLANNING - Protect Your Wishes and Your Legacy
NO one likes to imagine getting seriously ill, injured or worse, but these occurrences are a reality of life.