Credit Solicitations

Every time you receive a preapproved credit card offer in the mail, a corresponding inquiry has been made into your credit report at one of the three major credit bureaus.

Until now, there was very little you could do about this. But, under a new law, credit bureaus are required to setup a toll-free number that consumers can call to ?opt out? of preapproved offers. The toll-free numbers for the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, 800/556-4711; Experian, 800/353-0809; Trans Union, 800/680-7293.

A phone call will close your credit file to prescreening for two years.

Credit Report Monitor

If your credit picture is complicated, consider signing up with a company that helps you monitor your credit report. CreditComm Services (800/777-9700) charges $29.95 for a credit profile that's based on reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union).

For $49.95 a year, the company will send you a credit profile, notify you if a creditor adds negative information to your file, and alert you when someone requests your credit report from any of the three bureaus. CreditComm's new service, CreditClear, will analyze your credit history for $19.95 and let you know if you're likely to be approved for a mortgage, car loan, or credit card before you actually apply.

Credit Repair Primers

The Credit Repair Kit by John Ventura (Dearborn Financial Publishing, $19.95) covers your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and offers how-tos on writing letters to help clear your record. The Ultimate Credit Handbook by Gerri Detweiler (Plume/Penguin, $12.95), former executive director of Bankcard Holders of America, offers further advice on reclaiming a good credit rating.

Money Advice on the Web

If you've wondered why some people have no trouble putting money aside while others can't save a dime, check out Microsoft's Money Insider on the Web at www.moneyinsider.com. The site includes information on credit, saving, taxes, and home ownership.