If you’re looking to be more financially sound in the new year, it’s a good idea to your credit score. But while some companies will charge you a fee, others offer free versions—you just have to know where to look. Here are three websites where you could get your score for no charge. Many of these topics are things that most citizens do not wish to talk about due to fear of knowing, fear ofbecoming overwhelmed, or even simply not wanting to face reality.

Knowing your Credit Score

1. CreditKarma.com: To get your free score, you must create a free account on CreditKarma.com. Doing so requires you to enter your Social Security number and answer some questions about the accounts appearing on your credit report—such as which lender is associated with your auto loan—to verify your identity.
2. Quizzle.com: You can get a free copy of your Experian credit report and accompanying score on credit monitoring site Quizzle.com. To do so, you must create a free account on the site. Although you won't have to enter your Social Security number, you will have to answer some questions about your credit history to verify your identity.
3. CreditSesame.com: You can also get a free version of your Experian score on CreditSesame.com, which you can obtain by providing your Social Security number and answering some personal questions to verify your identity. Credit Sesame also has a free i-Phone app that will provide a free score as well as monthly updates on your score's status.

Planning for When You're Gone

What happens to your money when you die? Do you have any plans to leave assets to your heirs or to a charity? Unless you plan ahead you might not get a say in how your assets are distributed once you're gone. While this isn't a topic most people like to think about, it's one of the most important aspects of a financial plan. You want to make sure that your loved ones are taken care of once you're gone.

1. Why You Need a Will
2. Estate Planning for Everyone
3. Estate Planning With a Special Needs Child  
4. How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
5. Protecting Your Finances During a Divorce
6. Suddenly Single - Managing Your Finances After a Death

Resolve to write or update your will. Wills are not just for the rich. Regardless of how much or how little money you have, a will ensures that whatever personal belongings and assets you do have will go to family or beneficiaries you designate. If you have children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian for them in the event of your death.

Trimming Taxes

Nobody likes paying taxes, but they are an important aspect of any financial plan. Learning how to minimize the impact that taxes have on your finances can ensure that more money is going into your pocket and being put to use towards your financial goals.

1.  Making the Most of Your Income Tax Refund
2.  Review Your W-4 Exemptions
3.  IRA Tax Tips
4.   Itemizing Deductions
5. What to do When You Can't Pay Your Taxes
6.  Using the Right 1040 Tax Form

If you are unsure about personal or corporate taxes in South Carolina, consider checking with the SC Department of Revenue.

1. Tax workshops

Also consider checking with the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for assistance.