Credit Check
I always read that you’re supposed to check your credit rating ever once in a while, regardless of whether or not you’re shopping around for financial services. The reason is that doing so is supposed to help you spot fraud or identity theft before things get too far out of hand, because loan applications and whatnot will appear on your credit report.
Anyway, there are lots of companies out there that provide credit report services, so it shouldn’t be difficult to take a quick peek now and then.
I have to admit that I’ve only checked my credit rating once in the past four years. I guess I’m just too lazy to follow through on advice even when I know it’s good. I’m gonna do it soon, though! (Yeah, famous last words….)