Source: Ann Carrns, N.Y.Times ( Free Registration )

A Web site from an arm of the credit bureau Experian now offers a free tool that can help you see how different financial steps, or missteps, can affect your credit score.

There are a couple of caveats, though. The site, freecreditscore.com, does indeed offer the tool free. But it also peppers you with offers for free credit scores, which require signing up for trial subscriptions that will end up costing a monthly fee unless you cancel within a specific time. Also, the credit score provided is Experian’s “Plus” score, which isn’t a score that’s actually used by lenders. Still, the Plus score, ranging from 330 to 830, is “indicative” of your overall credit risk, according to Experian, and can help you see general trends.

Read Full Article: What factors affect your credit score