Understanding your credit report is crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score. Many individuals overlook the importance of regularly checking their credit reports, which can lead to significant errors that negatively impact their financial standing. Common mistakes include typos, accounts that don't belong to you, duplicate entries, incorrect account information, and outdated data. To start, you can obtain your free credit report from the three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, consider checking your report from Innovis, the fourth credit bureau. If you find any discrepancies, it's essential to dispute them promptly, providing documentation and tracking the progress of your dispute. Beyond credit reports, also be aware of your Employment Data Report (EDR) from Equifax, which can affect your job prospects. Freezing your EDR can protect your information from unauthorized access, ensuring you maintain control over your financial identity.
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