Just a quick reminder to check your credit report before the end of the year. I know it’s last minute, but if you haven’t done so, get to it. Every year the government gives you a free credit report check so you can make sure there are no fraudulent inquiries on your record.

My wife and I do it every year because identity theft can make your life miserable. When you run the check, you can get a report from the top three credit agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. While the credit report is free, you do not get access to your Fico score. To check your fico score, it costs $7.95, which in my opinion is well worth the cost. If you do see something on your report that doesn’t belong, you can report it to the credit agencies and follow the process to get it removed.

The Federal Reserve just cut the interest rates to the lowest levels in history. It’s important to know your Fico score because this determines what your interest rate will be if you plan on getting a loan. If you have good credit and you know your score, you can negotiate better rates than those who don’t.

You can get your 30-day free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.