Don't try to do this online

Even good sites may have certain tools that aren't so hot. Some sites may make you poorer. And sometimes the problem is you.

4 of 9

Get your credit report

• The 20 best money Web sites

Don't: Order your credit report from freecreditreport.com.

Yeah, its jingles are catchy. But if you're not careful, this Experian-owned site isn't free at all: It starts with a one-week trial, then automatically signs you up for $14.95-a-month credit monitoring.

Instead: For a report that really is free, go to annualcreditreport.com.

NEXT: Looking for stock tips

Last updated February 22 2010: 6:17 PM ET

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