Your financial report card—a detailed record of your credit accounts, payment history, and public records like bankruptcies or liens. This document tells the story of how you've managed credit over time. Lenders, landlords, employers, and insurance companies may all review your credit report to assess your reliability. The power is in your hands to shape this story through consistent, responsible financial behavior. Check your reports regularly (you can get them free annually at www.annualcreditreport.com) to catch errors and track your progress toward your financial goals.