Watching the stock market these days can be quite stressful, even if you don’t have much invested in it. It rises, then falls, then rises again. In many ways, the stock market is much like a rollercoaster (and is just as nauseating for some.) As a recent post on the FreeScore blog points out, the numbers on Wall Street aren’t the only ones constantly in flux.

In “Your Credit Scores Can Fluctuate More Than the Stock Market,” the credit experts at FreeScore examine how three numbers can greatly impact your life.

Some people think of credit scores as relatively stable numbers. As long as you pay bills on time and practice good credit habits, they should stay put. However, the truth is that your credit scores can fluctuate from week to week. And when you consider that they can vary from one credit bureau to another, sometimes by more than 100 points, keeping track of your credit scores is vital.

Imagine going to apply for a mortgage or car loan only to find out your credit score isn’t as pristine as you thought. Even If you checked it a few weeks ago, the number the bank pulls from your report today may cause you to receive a higher interest rate or even a rejection.

Since your credit card scores aren’t posted regularly on the local news like stock market reports, how can you keep up with them? FreeScore offers on-demand access to credit scores from the three national credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Plus, the company offers the Power of 3, making it easy to monitor your credit 24/7 and receive automatic credit alerts.

Don’t be caught off guard by your credit scores. Stay in control by staying informed.