{"id":25820,"date":"2026-02-21T01:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T01:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=25820"},"modified":"2026-02-21T01:55:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T01:55:59","slug":"answers-to-your-february-money-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=25820","title":{"rendered":"Answers to Your February Money Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Each week, we answer money questions from around the web on the SS app. Here are three of the trending questions from February. <\/span><\/p>\n

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How do I check my credit?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Checking your credit report is easy, free and 100% worth doing. That\u2019s because your credit report reflects your record of credit use and companies often use your report to determine what loans you have access to going forward.<\/span><\/div>\n
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  1. \n

    Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to enter your information and request a report.<\/span> You\u2019ll be asked a few security questions to verify your identity. (Make sure you go to the correct website and not a similar-sounding website designed to trick visitors.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Use the SS app to view your free credit score.<\/span> It\u2019s updated weekly using TransUnion data and checking your score does not have a negative impact on your credit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Check with your financial institution. <\/span>Log into your account online. Your bank or credit card provider may provide your credit score or report for free.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    After you review your credit report, you can correct any errors you find \u2014 such as mistakes, outdated information or accounts that don\u2019t belong to you. You can dispute the errors online through each credit bureau\u2019s website or by mail.<\/span><\/div>\n

    If there\u2019s an error on your credit report that\u2019s dragging down your credit score, it can hurt your chances of landing a low-interest loan. Credit reports can also be used by landlords, utility providers and insurance companies to set rates and determine eligibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Credit reports contain the details of your credit usage history, and credit scores are numbers calculated from that information. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Given the importance of credit scores in your financial life, checking your full credit report at least once a year \u2014 if not more often \u2014 is a solid move. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Continue to monitor your credit report and credit score for changes. A new account that you don\u2019t recognize is often one of the first signs of identity theft.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Should I file my taxes early?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
    If you\u2019re expecting a tax refund this year, then filing early comes with one obvious benefit: You can get your money sooner.<\/span><\/div>\n

    The tax deadline is April 15, 2026, but the IRS is accepting 2025 tax returns now. The agency estimates that if you file electronically, then you could receive your refund in about three weeks. <\/span><\/p>\n

    There\u2019s another big reason to file early: to avoid identity theft. One tax scam is when someone files fake W-2s with your Social Security number and then receives your refund, leading to your legitimate return being rejected.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Get ahead of the scammers. File your return now, so it\u2019s accepted before a fraudulent one is submitted in your name.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Filing sooner rather than later can also save you money. Tax preparation software and services often charge more closer to Tax Day. They may offer lower prices for early submitters.<\/span><\/div>\n

    A few more useful tax tips to note:<\/span><\/p>\n

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