Monitoring your credit becomes more important, and sometimes harder to keep up with, without a spouse also watching for irregularities.
Simple ongoing steps
- Check your free credit reports from all three bureaus at least annually
- Consider a credit freeze if you're not actively applying for new credit
- Set up fraud alerts through your bank or credit card issuer
A credit freeze is free and one of the strongest protections against new fraudulent accounts being opened in your name.
This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules, costs, and program details vary and change over time — confirm current specifics with a licensed financial advisor or elder law attorney before making a decision.