As the purse strings tighten and the credit crunch takes hold, Callcredit Check is advising consumers to take a good look at their finances.

Its online service enables consumers to check their credit report online in real time, receive email alerts to notify them of any changes to their file and get monthly updated credit scores all in one package.

The latest figures from Philip Hammond, shadow Treasury chief secretary, reveal that the disposable income of the average working family has dropped from £26,200 in 2006 to £25,900 today and personal debt in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate – £1m every five minutes. With both an increase in the cost of living and a reduced disposable income, consumers may feel like they are being squeezed from all sides.

Callcredit Check is the first all inclusive service offered to consumers, removing the need to subscribe to the services separately. And most importantly to cash-strapped consumers, Callcredit Check is the cheapest service available – at £12 per quarter for email alerts, monthly credit scores and unlimited online access to their credit report.

Owen Roberts, head of Callcredit consumer, said: “This year is likely to be tough for most of us with the credit crunch and increasing incidences of identity fraud – it is a prime time to become financially aware.

“With the majority of people having more than a handful of credit commitments, Callcredit Check is a central resource that makes taking control of your finances so much easier. Regularly checking your credit report is an essential part of a healthy financial lifestyle.”