Monitoring your credit report is a crucial part of good financial planning, especially if you're interested in applying for a loan or obtaining a mortgage in the near future. A credit report offers a record of your borrowing history that banks, creditors and lenders use to determine the likeliness that you will repay a loan on time. Your credit report also offers information that insurance companies and employers sometimes use to verify personal information and to determine how responsible you are. See our full listing of credit reporting services.

Before opening money market, savings or checking accounts, do your research to find out which bank offers the best terms for you and your finances. Consider the following: Is the bank FDIC insured? What are the banking fees and interest rates? Does the bank have banking branches and ATMs? Or is all of the banking done via the internet and mail? Decide which offers are most suitable for you when comparing banks. See our full listing of banks.

There are many types of loans, such as home loans, payday loans, personal loans, auto loans and student loans. There are also many types of lenders, including banks, savings and loans, credit unions and finance companies. But beware of deceptive offers and unreasonable loan terms. Before deciding on a lender, research the different offers, and shop around for the best loan terms for you. See our full listing of loan options.

Protect yourself against the fasted growing crime in the United States -- identity theft. Identity theft occurs when personal information, such as your social security number, is used without your knowledge to commit a crime. Choose an identity theft solutions agency that offers early detection, prevention and protection against credit card fraud, bank fraud, loan fraud and other identity theft crimes. Some offers include credit monitoring, fraud alerts and verification services. See our full listing of identity theft solutions.