October is National Credit Awareness Month

DO YOU KNOW YOUR CREDIT RATING? AND MORE IMPORTANTLY -- DO YOU UNDERSTAND IT?

Plus: Find Out How Your City or State Stacks Up

Background

October is National Credit Awareness Month and America's Money Answers Man Jordan Goodman is encouraging consumers across the country to determine, understand and improve their credit rating. A credit rating or credit score is a three-digit numerical representation of an individual's credit worthiness. Many Americans underestimate or misunderstand their credit score and that can lead to serious consequences. As part of its commitment to educating consumers about credit, Experian has created the National Score Index, a unique tool that helps consumers obtain their credit score, see how their credit score compares to other consumers in other parts of the country. Understanding one's credit rating is even more important in light of the impending federal FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act.)

Topics of Discussion Include:

• How to obtain and understand your credit score
• The implications of the pending national Fair Credit Reporting Act
• The "5 myths of credit"
• How to improve and maintain a solid credit rating
• The impact of credit rating on consumer interest rates
• Helpful tips to prevent identity theft

Soundbites

• Jordan E. Goodman is "America's Money Answers Man" and a nationally recognized expert on personal finance. For 18 years, Goodman was on the editorial staff of Money magazine, where he served as Wall Street correspondent.

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Experian