Your credit score is a three-digit number that can cost or save you lakhs of rupees over your lifetime. It determines not just whether you qualify for a loan, but at what interest rate. A difference of a few points can translate into significantly higher EMIs on a home loan. Yet most people only discover their score when they apply for credit, often too late to improve it. A financial health check must include a review of your credit report. Obtain your free annual report from the credit bureaus. Scrutinize it for errors—incorrect personal information, accounts you never opened, late payments that were actually on time. These errors are surprisingly common and can be disputed. Understand the factors that influence your score: payment history, credit utilization, length of history. This comprehensive financial health guide includes tips for monitoring and improving your credit health. Your score is a financial asset. Treat it as one.