OBSESS OVER YOUR CREDIT SCORE: WATCH and INSURE

If you don't obsess over anything, it's time to start obsessing over your credit score.  No one tells you this until you find out the hard way.  Your credit score can cost you opportunities and money if you don't protect it.  

STEP 1:  ALWAYS WATCH

Subscribe to a monthly program like Credit Secure from American Express.  This program is my favorite because it has the best value.  The price is around $11 a month and they notify you when you have a new score and report.  This way you can check your score and read tips on how to improve it over time.  Shoot for a score of 750.  

Another advantage to watching your score is that you will be able to see if you forgot to pay something, neglected to close an account, have incorrect personal information, or if someone has opened a cell phone account under your name. 

STEP 2:  INSURE

Sign up for protection like Lifelock.  It's approximately $100 a year and they insure you in case you become a victim of credit fraud.  If you have never had credit fraud, you don't know how terrible it can be.  If you have had fraud, you know that trying to contact Experian, TransUnion and Equifax is almost impossible and the process of filing a police report is enough to put you in a straight jacket.