A Financial Tip

No, I can't help you on the stock market or with your mortgage rates. But I thought I'd pass along a web site that will give you access to your annual credit report. For free.

Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to obtain your credit report from all three of the major consumer reporting companies--Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You do not have to purchase a thing to get their reports. If you want your actual credit score, however, they will charge you a fee. If you are currently applying for a loan, you might be able to get that for no charge, too. But if you're just double-checking, curious, or filing for safe-keeping, you might like to see and print your report.

Bookmark the page and you can go back next year for an update. Thanks to the Federal Trade Commission and their "Avoid ID Theft" pamphlet that has this and other helpful tips on keeping your identity safe.