I never knew this, but apparently you can ask for one free credit report every year.  I wish I would have known that before I paid for one the other day.  I was doing some research after I got my credit report to make sure that everything was cool, when I saw that statement.  The annual credit report could be used for a number of things, but more importantly can allow me to know where I stand in the mix of my financial future.  Knowing exactly where and how things are going in the bill department is good to know.  I cannot explain that in enough detail.