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Every week, we answer money questions from around the web on the NerdWallet app. Here are three of February’s trending questions.
How do I check my credit?
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to enter your information and request a report. You will be asked a few security questions to verify your identity. (Make sure you go to the right website and not a similar sounding website designed to trick visitors.)
Use the NerdWallet app to view your free credit score. It is updated weekly using TransUnion data and checking your score does not negatively impact your credit.
Check with your financial institution. Log in to your account online. Your bank or credit card provider may provide your credit score or report for free.
If you have a blemish on your credit report that’s dragging down your credit score, it can hurt your chances of getting a low-interest loan. Credit reports can also be used by landlords, utility providers and insurance companies to set rates and determine eligibility.
Credit reports detail your credit history, and credit scores are numbers calculated from that information.
Given the importance of a credit score in your financial life, checking your full credit report at least once a year — if not more often — is a solid move.
Continue to monitor your credit report and credit score for changes. A new account that you don’t recognize is often one of the first signs of identity theft.
Should I file my taxes early?
The tax deadline is April 15, 2026, but the IRS is now accepting 2025 tax returns. The agency estimates that if you file electronically, you can get your refund in about three weeks.
There’s another big reason to file early: to avoid identity theft. A tax scam is when someone files fake W-2s with your Social Security number and then receives your refund, which results in your legitimate return being rejected.
Get ahead of the scammers. File your return now, so it’s accepted before fraudulent submissions are made in your name.
A few more useful tax tips to note:
- The IRS offers free filing options to some taxpayers through the Free File Program.
- If you are going to miss a tax deadline, you can file for an extension. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe money, you must pay by April 15 or face a late fee.
What are fun ways to celebrate minimalist love?
Valentine’s Day may be over, but it’s always fun to celebrate love in creative ways that aren’t too expensive.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to spend less — or nothing at all — while still celebrating your partner and other loved ones.
Here are some ideas:
- Attend a free event. There’s nothing more romantic than spending quality time together, so consider checking out local free events. There might be a concert, museum exhibit, or other local event that you can enjoy.
Plan a hike, urban walk or stroll around the city. If you’re experiencing milder weather, enjoying the great outdoors is another way to appreciate each other without spending a fortune.
cooking You’ll have to buy the ingredients, but cooking for your romantic partner can show them you care while avoiding high restaurant prices. You may even be able to use some ingredients — like spices or pantry staples like rice — that you already have on hand.
Be creative. Write a poem that reflects your love. Put together a playlist. Decorate photo frames. All of these can express your love without spending a fortune. You can find more inspiration online.
You can also use date night to inspire an honest conversation about money.
Discussing each other’s money history, credit score, debt, savings and investments may not sound romantic, but it can bring you closer. The goal is to talk openly and honestly about how to achieve your shared financial goals.
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