UW-Extension Highlights a Simple Way to Check Your Credit Report for Free

The UW-Extension office wants to make it easier to save money and improve your financial well-being.  They are continuing the  "Check Your Free Credit Report Campaign on June 6, 2013. This reminds people to view their three free reports each year on Feb. 2, June 6 and Oct. 10.  Here's how:

They chose 2/2, 6/6,10/10 because it's an easy-to-remember set of three dates.  Each of the days, set aside five minutes to pull one credit report from one credit bureau.  Your responsible for checking the accuracy of your credit report. If you stick to those three dates, chances are you will consistently monitor your credit and avoid any unpleasant situations.

The new website introduces visitors to the “Check Your Free Credit Report Campaign: 2/2,6/6, 10/10,”  and explains why it’s important to check  credit reports.  It will also walk users through the process of pulling and reading their reports.

The information found in credit reports can play a role in whether you’re offered a job or eligible for a loan.  That makes credit reports very important, but only about 16 million free reports are ordered each year out of more than 200 million people in the U.S. with credit records.

Note that there are many imposters and only one legitimate source for a free credit report.  Other websites claim to offer free reports, scores or monitoring, but they often charge significant one-time or ongoing fees. Unsolicited e-mails, pop-ups or phone calls offering free scores or reports are not official.

Checking one free credit report every four months lets people do their own credit monitoring without having to pay $10 or even $20 a month, which are typical amounts charged for these services.

For more information, contact Bruce at the UW-Extension Office in Douglas County at 715-395-1547.