Understanding Credit

Based on the Get $mart!™ workshop titled "Are You Credit-Wise & Credit-Safe?", explore the links below for more resources on understanding credit. The hand-outs and a video disc from this session can also be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.

AnnualCreditReport.com - This is a centralized service for consumers to request free annual

credit reports. It was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies:

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only service authorized by

these companies for this purpose. Please note that, as a security precaution, consumers should never provide their personal information to any other company or person in connection with

requesting free annual credit reports under the FACT Act. AnnualCreditReport.com will not approach consumers via email, telemarketing or direct mail solicitations.

Financial Awareness Basics - This is the first episode in a series of podcasts from Educational Credit Management Corporation that targets the importance of reviewing your credit report and how to access this information.

Managing Credit Cards: Planning to Prosper - This video and text presentation provides valuable information about credit cards and credit reports.

WiseBorrower^sm Curriculum Credit Series - This Access Group web site provides you with tutorials on Credit Basics, Credit Reporting, Credit Scoring Basics, Maximize Your Credit Score,

Good Credit, Credit Cards, and Credit Repair.

Credit Education Center - This section of the myfico.com web site provides information on credit scoring and credit reporting.

Understanding Credit Scoring - Learn about the five areas of credit scoring and what you can do to improve your credit score with this free booklet.

Credit Score Estimator - F.I.C.O. and bankrate.com jointly developed this credit score estimator. Your credit score range is estimated based on answers to ten questions about credit use and payment behavior.

Your credit report only (not your credit score) can be obtained once a year free of charge by residents of certain states (including Massachusetts) from the three credit bureaus:

Equifax

Experian

TransUnion

National Foundation for Credit Counseling - NFCC, through its Consumer Credit Counseling Service member agencies, provides credit counseling, debt reduction services, and education for financial wellness.