While the federal government would like to sell you on the idea that it's on your side -- and convincing you your government is working for you often does take a bit of a hard sell these days -- the Federal Reserve's new credit score and credit report web site is worth the taxpayer dollars that financed it.

"Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores" is a compendium of advertisement-free credit report and credit score content that earns the Feds a high score.

Along with practical answers to questions about credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting your credit history, the Fed's free online guide explains the contents of your credit report, tells you how and when a credit score is used, and discusses the role of credit bureaus in collecting and sharing your credit history.

You need this information because it can make or break you when it comes time to get a mortgage, personal loan, insurance, a job, or whenever some entity needs to determine if you are creditworthy.