A company called Fair Isaac created and maintains the credit scoring process used by the three main credit agencies. The agencies are Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Companies who extend credit to people subscribe to one or more of these agencies to help control their risk with lending money or credit to consumers.

A credit score below $700$ could affect your ability to obtain credit, get the best interest rate offered, ability to get a job, or different lines of insurance. Managing your credit is a part of adulting in today's world.

How to get and keep a good credit score?

Pay your loans on time, every time. $...$

Don't get close to your credit limit$....$

A long credit history will help your score. $...$

Only apply for credit that you need. $...$

Fact$-$check your credit reports.

Almost everyone at one point or another has screwed up with paying a bill, getting a medical charge on your credit report or some other thing that dings your credit. Also mistakes are made by these agencies on receiving credit information from a member firm that is incorrect or part of an identity theft ring.

What steps to you take to manage your own risk of getting a bad credit score? Why is it important to check the facts reported on all three of these agencies at least once a year?