IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE OTHER damage it has caused, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on many individuals’ credit scores. If you lost your job because of the crisis, for example, and fell behind on your bills, your score is in danger of a precipitous fall. Need some extra cash until you’re back on your feet? Maxing out your credit cards or applying for several new cards at once could hurt your score, too. // The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress passed last spring, includes some important provisions for borrowers (see below). Even if you’re not facing difficulties now, it’s not a bad idea to brush up on steps you can take to keep your credit in good shape. You’ll be armed with knowledge in case you need access to credit later—and you’ll keep your credit reports in top condition by monitoring them for mistakes or fraud.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS
Through April 2021, you can get a free credit report online every week from each of the major bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at www .annualcreditreport.com. Typically, the free reports are available only once per year, but the bureaus have temporarily increased access in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2020 de Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
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Esta historia es de la edición October 2020 de Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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A SOLID YEAR FOR THE KIPLINGER 25
All but one of our favorite actively managed, no-load mutual funds gained ground as markets recovered.
YOUR VACATION HOME COULD PROVIDE TAX-FREE INCOME
If you plan to rent out your vacation home, it's important to understand how your proceeds will be taxed.
IT'S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION: YOUR CEREAL BOX IS SHRINKING
To avoid raising prices, some manufacturers are reducing the size of common grocery items. Here’s how to fight back.
SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT BEING LAID OFF? IT DEPENDS ON YOUR INDUSTRY
Downsizing has hit certain sectors. But cutbacks may be slowing, and some companies are expanding.
How identity thieves are exploiting your trust
Con artists themselves are disguising as well-known brands to steal your money and personal information.
CUT THE COST OF YOUR WIRELESS BILL
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon dominate the market, but smaller outfits offer similar network coverage at lower prices.
MAKING HOME ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE
Households in need can get energy-efficiency upgrades, help with utility bills and more from this nonprofit.
A HEAD START FOR SAVERS
The Saver's Credit is designed to help low- and middleincome taxpayers contribute to a retirement account.
Say I Love You With a Money Date
To nurture a lasting bond with your partner, meet regularly to talk about money.
Plan for Your Own Elder Care
AFTER I wrote a series of columns in 2022 about elder care planning for family members, I received a number of responses like this one: “What about married couples who have no children or whose family members don’t live nearby?” wrote one reader. “Or a single individual with no close relatives? How should these people plan for their own elder care?”