Some people find themselves with a messy financial situation and therefore credit reports are not a pleasant topic. However, credit reports provide you with the facts. And even if the information is undesirable it can be like a helpful guide on your road to financial recovery. Being well informed is important and necessary information can be found in your credit report.

In the United States, credit reports are complied by three major agencies: Equifax (PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374; www.equifax.com), Experian (PO Box 2002, Allen TX 75013, www.experian.com) and TransUnion (PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022; www.transunion.com).