If you’re trying to improve your credit, or going to be applying for a new credit card, personal loan or mortgage in the near future, now is a good time to begin monitoring your credit score. As your credit score is an assessment of your risk to lenders, it’s important to be sure that it is accurate and prevent it from dipping too low.

With a plethora of television and Internet ads for credit score services, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when deciding which to choose.

Many services advertise that they are free, but most have strings attached. As most will charge a fee if you stick with them beyond a free trial period, it is best to ensure that you get the most value for your money.

So, what should you look for in a credit score service? How much will your credit score REALLY cost you? Let’s take a look at some of the premium credit score services and filter out the best from the rest. Also, we’ll take a look at the three major credit bureaus that are used by lenders the US.

If you’ve read anything about personal credit, you know that it takes credit to get credit. What that means is: Start with a credit card, any card, even if it’s secured, charge expenses, pay them off before the due date to avoid accruing any interest, and repeat. With time, you’ll build a credit score and credit history worthy of platinum credit cards and more.

But what if you don’t want a credit card? Some people (rightfully) fear that they won’t know how to manage their credit. Others just don’t want the hassle.

But some day, at some point in your life, you may want to buy a house, get a brand new car, or do something else that, unless you are in the category of the uber-rich, requires good credit to get a good deal. Can you really build your credit without ever having a credit card?

The answer is: Yes, but it’s not easy.

You may have heard about Suze Orman’s new Approved card. With all the bad press about prepaid debit cards, you may wonder why a well-known financial guru like Suze Orman would lend her name to such an item. After all, prepaid debit cards just rip off the consumer, right?

Let’s take a look at how the Approved Card compares to other prepaid debit cards and whether it is a worthwhile card to use or not.

The approved card has a maximum value of $9,000. This shouldn’t cause any problems, as you probably don’t spend more than amount at one time very often.

Adding money to the card via direct deposit or transfer is free, assuming that the amount is at least $20. Also, for 30 days after each of the mentioned ways of adding money, you’ll have free access to ATM withdrawals from Allpoint ATMs. If you’d like to add money to the card by using cash, you can do so through MoneyGram Express Payment or Western Union. Just remember that you may have to pay their fees to do so.

With this card, you’ll also have the option of receiving daily or weekly texts or emails to notify you of your balance. Also, you’ll receive texts or emails when you make purchases or deposits.

So, you’re in the market for a new home. Chances are that you’ll need to borrow at least some money to get that home. Therefore, you’ll have to take out a mortgage.

With the economic mess that we’re currently in and the housing disaster, getting a mortgage is much more difficult today than it was just a few years ago. Back in the mid-2000s, a social security number and proof of employment had you well on the way to getting a mortgage. Now, things have changed.

Lenders are paying more attention to credit scores than they did in the past. With the economic turmoil in the US, they are being more selective with their customers. In other words, a low credit score will jeopardize your dreams of getting a new home, as you may not qualify for a loan at all.

With this in mind, you may wonder what credit score you need for a mortgage. Let’s take a look at the answer to this question and some other factors that may help you along the process of purchasing a home.

We’ve all seen the ads for free credit reports and scores. However, when we get to the website, we often find that there are strings attached and it doesn’t go as simply as planned. Eventually, many people give up and figure that they are all scams.

Well, you just may be able to find a credit score service that is actually as advertised – free. Let’s take a look at whether or not such services really are free, what you should look for, some of the services that are out there and which one is the best to go with.

Many of you may wonder if using such sites is really free. The answer, surprisingly, is yes.

I’m used to there always being strings attached to anything that is labeled as “Free.” “Free for how long” is what I usually wonder. However, there really are free credit score sites out there.

So, how do they make their money?

If you’re paying high interest payments on your credit card, paying several different cards off or just want to cut down on expenses, restructuring your credit card debt can be a great option for the new year. Doing so will give you lower payments and less hassle in your financial life.

A great way to restructure your credit card debt is to transfer your balance(s) to a balance transfer card. This is just a credit card that is designed for those who wish to complete a balance transfer and, therefore, consolidate their debts and cut down on interest payments.

Which balance transfer card is for you? Let’s explore some of the cards on the market to help you decide.

If you’re in the market for any kind of debt, lenders will want to see your credit score and credit report. Aren’t these basically the same thing? Not really.

While there is some overlap between credit scores and credit reports, they are used differently by prospective lenders, employers and others with a financial interest in your life. Let’s examine credit scores and credit reports to better understand what each of them entails.

A credit score is basically just a snapshot of your financial standing. Most lenders use the FICO score to determine your creditworthiness.

Scores range from 300 to 850. Scores below 600 put borrowers on shaky ground and, it today’s economy, may disqualify them from certain loans – such as mortgages. Scores above 800 are considered to be “Excellent.” The higher your score, the easier time that you’ll have in getting credit and you’ll do so on better terms.