Credit Reports/Credit Scores

It was probably one of the more painful things I've done recently, but well worth it.

I spent an afternoon researching credit reports and credit scores to get the FACTS about them and then looked for info on how to best MANAGE mine. I knew bits and pieces, enough to be dangerous, but not the whole picture.

My story is classic: never gave a thought to credit since I was married in college in the early 70's subsisting on cash until then. (Imagine that!!) Everything credit-wise was in my husband's name. I didn't exist in the credit world and knew very little about managing finances since he was a banker and conveniently took care of it. Until 23 years later, mid-90's, we divorced, and I have no credit history or the financial wherewithal to deal with it.

It's taken 10 years, and a lot of hard work - my score is 802 and all is well. However, I learned - hell, was actually scared to death to learn! -that critical number can crash in a hurry without thorough attention and proper management. I've got a reminder in my calendar now to review my credit report every quarter to make sure it stays "well." The three credit bureaus that prepare your credit report and determine your credit score are run by people, after all, and people still make mistakes.

Word to the wise - this is one task NOT to put off.