Step 4. Get Proactive - Protect Your Credit

This is a very important step. Without it you can find your self going in circles rather than making progress. When we say "protect your credit" we are not talking about Identity Theft. We are talking about you being in control of what your credit looks like. The first step in being able to control anything is knowing what is going on and being aware of all of your options. You already took a big step by going to the Credit Score School, but once you leave us, you will need tools to help you on your quest to good credit.

As we keep pointing out, going to the source is your best bet. You will save money, you will get the best product, and you will not be providing your private information to a fly by night company that may later sell your data to a SPAM company. Below is an overview of some very good products that we are comfortable endorsing. Feel free to explore and find something that you feel is the best fit for your needs.

Equifax Credit Watch Gold 3-in-1

• Comprehensive credit file monitoring and automated alerts of key changes to your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit reports
• Wireless alerts and customizable alerts available
• Free 3-in-1 Credit Report and unlimited access to your Equifax Credit Report™
• Up to $20,000 Identity Theft Insurance with no deductible (certain limitations and exclusions apply) at no additional charge to you
• Knowledgeable Customer Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Equifax Score Watch

• Continuous score monitoring and notification when a change in your FICO® score impacts the interest rate you are likely to receive
• Detailed explanations for key score changes and specific tips for understanding your score
• Daily monitoring of your Equifax Credit Report with email notification of key changes (email / wireless alerts)
• Two Free Score Power® reports, plus discounts on additional Score Power® reports
• Detailed "Bottom Line" of what your most current score means, comparison with national averages, and a graph of how lenders view you
• Access to friendly and knowledgeable Customer Care available 7 days a week

FICO Score Watch - 30 Day Free Trial from MyFico

• Monitors important changes to your FICO® score and Equifax Credit Report™
• Provides timely alerts when important changes are detected
• Easy-to-read view of how lenders see you and items affecting your score
• Alerts you when you might qualify for better interest rates on loans