3 Important Tech Checkups You Should Do Yearly

Life gets busy, and with all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook important checkups that could save you from future headaches.

Just as you take your car in for maintenance or visit the doctor for your annual physical, your personal tech life deserves its own routine checkups! Dealnew is here to guide you through three essential tech checkups you should perform once a year to keep your digital and physical world running smoothly. Each checkup is simple yet impactful, and taking the time to follow these steps can help protect your financial well-being, personal health, and even your safety on the road.

So, what are these three important checkups? First, it's time to review your credit report. Next, dive into your medical data, often referred to as your "health credit report." Finally, let's talk about checking your vehicle for potential recalls. These tech-based tasks can be tackled swiftly, but their benefits last long beyond the few minutes you’ll spend on them.

1. Annual Credit Report Checkup: Keeping Your Financial Health in Check

Let’s start with your credit report—a cornerstone of your financial profile. Your credit report contains a summary of your borrowing history, including your credit card accounts, loans, and any potential debts in collections. It’s what lenders look at when deciding whether to approve you for a new loan, credit card, or mortgage. But here's the thing: errors on your credit report are more common than you think, and identity theft can happen to anyone. That’s why reviewing your credit report once a year is essential for catching inaccuracies and ensuring your credit score reflects the true state of your finances.

How to Access Your Credit Report

In the U.S., there are three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. The good news? You’re entitled to one free report per year from each of these bureaus, thanks to federal law. Simply visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for obtaining free annual reports, and follow the prompts to request your credit report online. If you're not comfortable online, you can also request your report by phone or mail.

Taking a close look at your credit report will help you spot potential red flags, like unauthorized accounts, late payments that weren’t your fault, or credit inquiries you didn’t approve. If you spot any errors, each credit bureau has a dispute process that allows you to get things corrected. Keeping this information accurate protects your financial reputation and ensures that you can access credit when you need it—whether for a new car, a home, or a major purchase.

Why It’s Important

Credit errors can impact your credit score, making it harder to qualify for loans and credit cards with favorable terms. Worse, if identity theft goes unnoticed, it can lead to severe financial harm. By reviewing your credit report annually, you’re safeguarding yourself against potential financial missteps and protecting your peace of mind.

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2. Health Data Checkup: What’s on Your “Health Credit Report”?

Moving on from finances, let’s talk about your health. You might be surprised to learn that, just like your financial life, your medical information is also collected and reported. This “health credit report” is often used by life insurance companies to evaluate your health risks when applying for insurance policies. It’s an important record that can influence the coverage you’re offered, so it’s essential to make sure everything is accurate and up to date.

Who Collects Your Health Data?

Several organizations collect and store health-related data. The three main companies you’ll want to check are:

• Milliman IntelliScript: This company collects and analyzes prescription drug data.
• ExamOne: They manage lab test results and other medical exam data.
• MIB Group: This organization houses information from insurance applications for up to seven years.

Each of these companies provides a free copy of your report once a year, just like your credit report. To request your health data, visit their respective websites and follow their instructions for requesting a copy. By doing so, you can review your records for any potential errors or outdated information, especially when it comes to medications, test results, or insurance applications.

Why It’s Important

Errors in your health records could lead to being overcharged for insurance or even denied coverage altogether. Just as with your financial credit, keeping tabs on your health credit is an important step in maintaining control over your personal data and ensuring that you're not penalized for mistakes.

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3. Car Recall Checkup: Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

Lastly, let’s shift gears and talk about car recalls. Did you know that millions of vehicles are recalled every year due to safety issues? These recalls could range from minor repairs to major defects that put your safety at risk. Fortunately, checking if your car has any open recalls is quick and easy, and it could potentially save your life.

How to Check for Vehicle Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers an online tool that allows you to check for recalls specific to your vehicle. All you need is your car's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on your vehicle's registration, insurance card, or on the lower-left corner of your car’s windshield.

Once you enter your VIN into the NHTSA's recall lookup tool, it will show whether your car has any unresolved recalls. If there is an open recall, contact your manufacturer’s dealership right away to schedule a repair. The best part? Recall repairs are always free of charge, so you won’t have to worry about footing the bill for something that’s a manufacturer’s responsibility.

Why It’s Important

Driving with an unresolved recall could be dangerous, depending on the issue. Some recalls are so severe that your car shouldn’t be driven until it’s repaired. By checking for recalls once a year, you’re taking an important step toward ensuring your safety on the road, as well as the safety of your passengers and fellow drivers.

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A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

We often think of annual checkups in terms of our health or home maintenance, but keeping our tech in check is just as crucial. By following these three easy annual tech checkups—reviewing your credit report, checking your health data, and ensuring your car is recall-free—you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, safer, and more secure year ahead.

And remember, Dealnew is here to make these tasks easier for you, guiding you through simple yet effective steps that can protect your finances, health, and safety. With just a little bit of effort each year, you can ensure that all aspects of your digital and physical life are running smoothly. Stay informed, stay proactive, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is as it should be!