Get your financial ducks in a row in 2009
Steve O’Day | Mortgage Professional,
Northstar Mortgage (770)995-8078
Atlanta, GA
www.northstarmortgageservices.com
January 13, 2009
The custom of making New Year's resolutions dates back more than 4,000 years, when the Babylonians started the year by returning borrowed farm equipment.
You could continue that tradition by resolving to return your neighbor's leaf blower. Or here's a better idea: Resolve to take some time to make sure your credit report is accurate. Here’s a suggestion for 2009:
- Order your free credit reports. You're entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus. You can order credit reports, either online or through the mail, at the following websites and phone numbers:
Don't be misled by other Web sites purporting to offer free credit reports. These companies often require consumers to sign up for credit monitoring or other services -- for a fee -- to receive a credit report.
Checking your credit reports is critical this year. Interest rates on home mortgages and car loans have dropped to record lows, but you need spotless credit to qualify for the best rates.
Once you receive your credit reports, review them carefully for omissions that could hurt your credit score.
If you find an error, such as an inaccurate account balance or an account that doesn't belong to you, contact the credit bureau. All three credit bureaus provide a way to dispute information on your report and some allow you to do this online. |