 |
|
 | |
|
|
| |
 Step 1: How Much Debt Do You Really Have?
You can get one free report each year from each of the three credit bureaus—so three total. The smart thing to do is to get one every four months, that way you can make sure (for free) that you haven't been a victim of ID theft.
Part 2: Get Your Credit Score To get a free report, go to the website set up by the Federal Trade Commission, www.annualcreditreport.com. Print out the form, fill it out and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 Or call toll-free: 877-322-8228. If you can't get a free report, buy one from one of the three credit-reporting agencies:
It's very important to know your credit score. Once you start paying down your debt, your credit score will rise. A higher credit score means lower interest rates. Please note: This is general advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio. Harpo is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions. Reprinted from Pay It Down!: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day, by Jean Chatzky, by arrangement with Portfolio, a member of Penguin Group(USA) Inc. Copyright (c) Jean Chatzky, 2004.  |
||
previous