Tag Archives: FMCI

Safe Gift-Giving this Holiday Season

With the holidays just around the corner, you may be thinking about whether the toys and gifts on the shelves are safe for your families and friends. Considering the wide range of products available for sale, we wanted to share … Continue reading

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Podcast on Disaster Loans to Small Businesses Following Hurricane Sandy

On October 29th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall, causing an estimated $65 billion in property damage. In the wake of the storm, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided physical and economic injury disaster loans to help businesses and individual homeowners … Continue reading

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Considering College Costs Beyond Tuition

If you’re heading to college this fall, you may be focused on the major costs—tuition and fees, possibly room and board. We have examined some of the other costs of college, such as textbooks and college debit cards, that can … Continue reading

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GAO’s Financial Markets and Community Investment Team

GAO’s workforce is generally organized into 14 mission teams. Today we’ll be putting the spotlight on the Financial Markets and Community Investment (FMCI) team. FMCI supports Congress by helping ensure the effectiveness of regulatory oversight in financial and housing markets, … Continue reading

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Podcast on Expectations of Government Support for Large Bank Holding Companies

The perception among investors and credit agencies that a bank is “too big to fail” may affect how that bank’s holding company competes in financial markets. Hear our podcast with Lawrance Evans, Jr., a director in GAO’s Financial Markets and … Continue reading

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The National Flood Insurance Program: a High-Risk Business

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a key component of the federal government’s efforts to limit the damage and financial impact of floods. However, it likely will not generate sufficient revenues to repay the billions of dollars borrowed from … Continue reading

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Improving Federal Services for Small Businesses

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, events will take place across the country to engage the small … Continue reading

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Retirees Need Options and Assistance to Make Money Last

As individuals are increasingly responsible for their financial security following retirement, the cost of limited financial literacy can be extremely high. Yet, recent survey data suggest that seniors have some of the lowest financial literacy rates. These surveys—which included questions … Continue reading

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Foreclosure Rescue Schemes and You

Evidence suggests that individuals who are less financially savvy are more likely to fall victim to financial scams, hold high cost mortgages, and engage in costly credit card behavior. As a result, the cost of limited financial literacy can be … Continue reading

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Are Financial Planners Always Working in Your Best Interest?

People frequently use financial planners for help with such things as selecting investments and insurance products, and managing tax and estate planning. Entrusting someone with your money can be risky. What steps can you take to mitigate that risk?  We … Continue reading

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