You can get a free annual credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
It's important to know your credit score when so much these days is affected by it. Credit scores affect how much money banks will loan you, the interest rates you qualify for on your mortgage, cars, etc. Viewing your credit reports can also alert you to errors on your report that may be affecting your credit score, or fraudulent activity, such as someone trying to open a line of credit in your name.
Do not be fooled by the many companies out there that promise a free credit report, only to scam you into unnecessary monthly charges. If a company is asking you to provide your credit card number in order to obtain a free report, consider that a big red flag.
The FTC provides information on how to obtain your free annual credit report. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.
To order your free annual credit report online, visit annualcreditreport.com. Receive your report by phone using the number 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time.
When you order, you need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.
Since you are providing personal info, it's important to know you're not being scammed. Read the "Warnings" on the Facts for Consumers page from the FTC website.
That's it. It's pretty easy once you know where you should go for your real free annual credit report.
Old Navy is having an online clearance sale with prices up to 75% off on select items. See page near bottom right titled "Clearance". Supplies are limited.
Print out a coupon for a Buy One Get One Free Breakfast Entree at Ruby's Diner. Expires 2/28/10. Valid at participating Ruby's Diner restaurants. Limit one coupon per party. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, promotion or discount.
Want to boost your energy and mental focus for free? Fill out the online form and get a free sample of Emergen-C Alert!® fizzy drink mix. If you love that I-can-take-on-the-world feeling and want more (who wouldn't?), they'll also give you a 25% off coupon on your next Alert! 10-count box , so you'll be clicking your heels everyday.Supplies are limited, so request your sample lickety-split.
Get a free box combo meal at Raising Cane's when you join the Caniac Club. In addition, you'll get free food on your birthday, anniversary and special days at Raising Cane's restaurants. 
Get Ski Free Vouchers at participating Shell gas stations, January 4, 2010 - April 16, 2010. Purchase 10 gallons of Shell fuel and receive a Ski Free voucher good for one free adult lift ticket when you purchase an adult lift ticket at participating area ski resorts. Limit one Ski Free voucher per fuel purchase.
Request a free sample of Barbara's Bakery Organic Cereal. Samples are only available for deliveries in the U.S.
Amazon.com is having a "Get Fit with $5 Magazines Sale" with five select 1-year magazine subscriptions for $5 each. The selections include:
Coldwater Creek is having their winter sale, with everything 75% off using promo code 75SALE. Offer is online only and ends 1/6/2010. Cannot be combined with other codes or discounts. Not valid for purchase of gift cards.
Amazon.com is offering $5 & $10 bonus certificates on select magazine subscriptions. If you order the eligible magazines by Jan. 31, 2010, you will receive either a $5 or $10 promotional certificate that can be used on future Amazon purchases.
Fill out the online form for a Free Sample of Rachael Ray's Nutrish Dog Food. Once you fill out the form, you have a choice of getting a sample sent to you by mail, or you can download a coupon good for $3.50 off a 6 lb bag.
Aeropostale is having an online sale with prices up to 70% off. Today only, use the coupon/promo code NEWYEAR for an additional $10 off of purchases totalling $40 or more.
White Castle is calling January 1, 2010 National Hangover Day. You can print out a Coupon for One Free Small Coffee, valid from 12am, Jan. 1 - 12am, Jan. 2, 2010. Limit one free coffee per person.
Urban Outfitters is having a "Sale's on Sale" online with an additional 25% off of sale prices. The sale prices are already as much as 70% off, so this is a pretty good deal. Discount will show in your shopping cart. Sale ends 1/05/2010.
