Breaking Even, Inc.

The Credit Reports Are In...

Remember waaay back when I ordered my credit reports? Well, I have them all in and have gone through them with a fine toothed comb. It shows every credit inquiry and account opened (because who hasn't opened a Filene's card to get 10% off?). By the way, going through them doesn't take long. They are surprisingly readable. It only took me long because it's been a crazy fall for me. . .

The good news with my credit reports? Nothing unusual on any of them. But I will keep ordering them every year because 1) I'm entitled and 2) You never know.

I'm wondering if anyone out there has ever had a dispute with their credit report, and how they resolved it. If you're in or have been in this boat, I'm sorry to hear but I hope you can share your advice. . .

Credit Reports: Lame But Worth Listening To An Automated Voice For

About a month ago, when I really wanted to rent a Lindsay Lohan movie but couldn't bare that anyone see me rent it, I rented a documentary about credit instead called Maxed Out. I kicked myself all the way home, thinking I had went too far in the wrong direction but it ended up being a very interesting movie that made me want to order a copy of all my credit reports finally. Apparently the average consumer has lots of errors in their credit report and since I've never checked mine, I figure now is the time to find any errors and start disputing them.

All three credit companies Transunion, Experian and Equifax all want to sell you something, whether it is your score or fraud protection. You are entitled one free credit report a year so as you go through automated phone menus, listen for "free credit report as mandated by legistlation" or something like that.

I've decided that Transunion is the least evil because from this phone number, you can get a credit report from all three companies: 1-877-322-8228 (I of course ended up calling this one last so I only needed the Transunion one anyway!). You can also apparently get a free credit report from all three bureaus here: www.annualcreditreport.com. Why Equifax and Experian were not so forthcoming is beyond me. (Of course when I called Equifax and Experian directly, they did give me a confirmation number while Transunion did not).

I am supposed to be recieving my credit reports in 5-15 business days. I'm a little nervous but relieved I've finally done this.