Consumer tip: Order your free weekly credit report

Increasingly, many lending institutions like your credit history to be spotless. There are many ways to enhance your ability to get credit, but one of the simplest is reviewing your credit reports for errors. It can also help you spot signs of identity theft if, for example, it shows unauthorized lines of credit opened in your name.

In short, a credit report is a record of your credit, loan and payment history as reported by business owners to the three credit-reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Federal law says you can get a free credit report once a year. However, the credit-reporting companies allow consumers to get free copies of their credit report weekly. You can request your reports at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. To verify your identity, you will be required to give personal identifying information. Credit reports will not contain your credit score but the information they contain can affect your credit score.

More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495