Ever write your name in freshly poured concrete? Years later you come back, and there it is etched for every one to read. Credit reports mark your financial history like initials cast in concrete. Credit reports are more fluid since information about you gets added through your entire life. Everywhere you go, your credit report will follow with information about:

* Your employment

* Your address (where you lived and how long you lived there)

* Your credit accounts (the ones you opened and the ones you closed)

* Your payment history (the ones you paid on time and the ones you did not)

* Your public records (liens, bankruptcy filings and judgments)

Keeping a clean credit history benefits you with the best rates when seeking a home mortgage, an apartment lease, an auto loan, or when asking for a higher credit limit. Your credit file tells creditors a lot about you and the way you manage your life. Keeping the information accurate and up to date saves you money and frustration.

Negative information could reduce your loan options because you do not look "credit worthy". A negative credit report means you pay higher rates on all loans and insurance. We all want the best paying jobs, but a negative report can limit your employment opportunities. Many Human Resources Departments rely on credit reports when evaluating applicants for employment.

Just because you pay all bills on time or ahead of time, you must review your credit file for accuracy. Studies reveal that credit files have error rates as high as 70%. Many of these errors are simple human or computer mistakes. For example:

* You pay on time, your credit report says you did not

* Your credit history or personal information may be out-of-date or wrong

* Your credit report may include negative information about someone else

* Your social security number, account number(s) may be wrong due to transposition errors

You can prevent errors by monitoring your personal credit file. You can get a free credit report every 12 months from the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). All you have to do is sign up at Annual Credit Report.com - http://www.annualcreditreport.com. All states have a different rollout schedule set by federal law. You will need to check your state requirements when you enroll. Annual Credit Report.com is sponsored by the three major credit reporting agencies:

* Equifax

* Experian

* TransUnion

If you find mistakes, take action to remove them immediately. Do not procrastinate; be proactive. If you neglect your credit file, you will face some major financial inconveniences or setbacks. Be patient; errors take time to correct. Catching mistakes quickly resolves them faster. All of this effort improves your credit while letting you keep more of your hard-earned money! If your credit report is less than perfect, manage any lingering problems now. Your action is a step toward a sterling credit report.

Even if you think you have an unblemished past, check your report so that you know what a future lender or employer learns about you. A good credit rating puts more money in your checkbook and not a creditors bank account. If you need help, speak with a professional whose experience and expertise will guide you through the the credit maze. The results will amaze you. Just remember, everywhere you go, your credit report will follow you.