Budgeting and Taxes Ads Promising Debt Relief May Be Offering Bankruptcy – Urges consumers to use caution when reading ads pitching debt relief. Lists what to look out for, and offers tips if you're having trouble paying your bills. Financial Security in Later Life Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor – Defines debt repayment plans, explains the differences between secured and unsecured debt, and offers questions to ask credit counseling agencies if you consider using their services. Knee Deep in Debt – If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Tips on getting back in the black. Out of Work? How to Deal with Creditors – If you've recently lost your job, your first thoughts may be, "how will I make ends meet." The Federal Trade Commission spells out your rights when it comes to fair debt collection and credit reporting practices. Roadmap to Saving and Investing – A handy guide for getting started on your financial future. When Is Your Check Not a Check? 66 Ways to Save Money Credit Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud – Steps to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers, and how to report losses and fraud. Billed for Merchandise You Never Received? – Explains your rights and steps to take to correct the problem. Includes a sample dispute letter. Building a Better Credit Record – Learn how to legally improve your credit report, how to deal with debt, how to spot credit-related scams, and more. Buying a New Car – Tips to help you make a smart deal. Explains commonly used industry terms, and a worksheet to help you negotiate on price. Buying a Used Car – Explains your rights when buying from a dealer or a private party. Offers buying tips and resources if you have problems after the sale. Car Ads: Reading Between the Lines – Many new car dealers advertise unusually low interest rates and other special promotions. Learn what questions to ask to get the best deal for you. Choosing and Using Credit Cards – Explains credit card terms, how your balance is computed, and how to shop for the best deal. Outlines cardholder protections. Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws Cosigning a Loan – Lists your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative. At the top of the list: you may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What To Do If They're Lost or Stolen – Outlines procedures for reporting loss or theft, and how to minimize your risk. Credit and Divorce – Encourages recently divorced consumers, and those contemplating divorce, to look closely at issues involving credit. Understanding the different kinds of credit accounts opened during a marriage may help illuminate the potential benefits - and pitfalls - of each. Credit and Debit Card Blocking – Blocking often occurs when you use a credit or debit card to check into a hotel or rent a car. The clerk usually contacts the company that issued your card to give an estimated total. If the transaction is approved, your available credit (credit card) or the balance in your bank account (debit card) is reduced by this amount. Learn why blocking may be a problem, and how to avoid it. Credit and Your Consumer Rights – Explains credit laws that protect your right to obtain, use, and maintain credit. Offers practical tips to help you solve credit problems. Credit Card Loss Protection Offers – Since your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50, there's no need to buy loss protection insurance. Credit Insurance: Is It For You? – Helps borrowers decide if credit insurance, which is usually optional, is right for them. Explains the four main types of credit insurance and offers shopping tips. The Credit Practices Rule – The Rule prohibits many creditors from including certain provisions in consumer credit contracts. It also requires creditors to provide a written notice to consumers before they cosign obligations for others about their potential liability if the other person fails to pay. Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be Best – Explains how you can improve your credit worthiness and lists legitimate resources for low or no-cost help. Credit Scoring – Explains the system creditors use to help determine whether to grant you credit. Easy Credit? Not So Fast. The Truth About Advance Fee-Loan Scams – Tells you how to spot a scam and avoid losing your money. Rule number one: Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. Equal Credit Opportunity – The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits the denial of credit because of your sex, race, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or because you receive public assistance. Fair Credit Billing – The Fair Credit Billing Act establishes procedures for resolving billing errors on your credit card accounts. Includes sample dispute letter. Fair Credit Reporting – The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to learn what information is being distributed about you by credit reporting agencies. Fair Debt Collection – Answers commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or deceptive practices to collect overdue bills that your creditor has forwarded for collection. Getting Credit: What You Need to Know About Your Credit – Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft. A good source of information for people learning about credit. Getting Credit When You're Over 62 – Under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, it's against the law for a creditor to deny you credit or terminate existing credit simply because of your age. Explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining credit. Gold and Platinum Cards – If you're looking for credit, be wary of some 'gold' or 'platinum' card offers promising to get you credit cards or improve your credit rating. Lists tip-offs to rip-offs. Out of Work? How to Deal with Creditors – If you've recently lost your job, your first thoughts may be, "how will I make ends meet." The Federal Trade Commission spells out your rights when it comes to fair debt collection and credit reporting practices." How to Dispute Credit Report Errors – Explains how to dispute and correct inaccurate information in your credit report. Includes a sample dispute letter. How to File a Consumer Complaint about a Bank Keys to Vehicle Leasing Negative Credit Can Squeeze a Job Search – Bad credit can affect your ability to get more credit and to get or keep a job. Employers often use a credit report when they hire and evaluate employees for promotion, reassignment or retention. Explains your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Payday Loans = Costly Cash – Explains how these loans work, but cautions that they come at a very high price. Lists alternatives. Ready, Set... Credit – For consumers who are about to get their first credit card. Explains how to qualify for a card, get the best deal, and manage your account. Stresses the importance of a good credit history. Discusses federal consumer protections. Shopping for a Credit Card Understanding Vehicle Financing – Get the facts on dealership financing - what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and more. Vehicle Repossession – If your payments are late or you default on your contract in any way, your creditor or lessor may have the right to repossess your car. Learn what repossession may mean to you. Financial Planning Safeguarding Your Personal Information Home Ownership Buying a Home Cancellation of Private Mortgage Insurance: Federal Law May Save you Hundreds of Dollars Each Year – The Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 establishes rules for automatic termination and borrower cancellation of Private Mortgage Insurance on home mortgages. Find out if you qualify. High-Rate, High-Fee Loans (HOEPA/Section 32 Mortgages) – Explains The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, what loans are covered, what disclosures are required, and what practices are prohibited. Home Equity Credit Lines – Lenders offer home equity credit lines in a variety of ways. The questions and answers listed may help you decide if a home equity line of credit is right for you. Home Sweet Home Improvement – How to find a competent and reliable contractor. Discusses the different types of contractors you may work with, from General Contractors to Architects and offers tips for checking references. Explains payment options and the importance of a written contract. Looking for the Best Mortgage? Shop, Compare, Negotiate. – Use these three steps to save money on a mortgage or home loan. Includes a mortgage shopping worksheet. Mortgage Discrimination. – Explains your rights under Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and what to do if your loan is rejected. Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count – Explains mortgage servicers' responsibilities, in particular under the RESPA enforced by HUD; urges consumers to keep records of their payments, insurance coverage, and other information; explains how consumers can file disputes with their loan servicer; and includes sample letters that consumers may use when filing a dispute with their lender/servicer or with a credit bureau. Need a Loan? Think Twice About Using Your Home As Collateral – Includes terms, tips, a checklist, and information to help you find a plan that meet your needs, and protect your interests. Putting Your Home on the Loan Line is Risky Business – Alerts consumers to potential borrowing pitfalls and provides tips for getting the best financing deal possible. Warns consumers that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for home repair, bill consolidation, or some other purpose, it's important to shop around. Reverse Mortgages – Explains how these loans can help older homeowners who are "house-rich but cash-poor" remain in their homes and still meet their financial obligations. Utility Credit – Summarizes consumers' credit rights when securing utility services.     Home Equity Shopping for Home Equity Loan? – Discusses the importance of comparison shopping to help you get a better deal. What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit     Mortgages Consumers Handbook to Adjustable Rate Mortgages Looking for the Best Mortgage Reverse Mortgages Understanding the Home Mortgage Process Privacy, Fraud, and Scams Automatic Debit Scams – Cautions consumers not to give out checking account information, or any other personal information, over the phone unless they're familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. Bogus July 1 Email Exposed: The Real Deal on Your Credit File Privacy – An anonymous email containing false and misleading information about the use of your personal information has shown up in email in-boxes across the country for the last several years, leaving many consumers concerned and confused. Here's the real deal from the Federal Trade Commission. Fake Credit Reports: Cashing in on Your Personal Information – Learn how to protect yourself from a high-tech scam known as "phishing." Some Web sites or unsolicited emails offering credit reports may be using bogus sites as a way to capture your personal information and sell it to others who may use it to commit fraud, including identity theft. Federal and Postal Job Scams: Tip-offs to Rip-offs – Rule number one: You never have to pay for information about job vacancies or employment opportunities with the U.S. government and U.S. Postal Service. Information about federal employment is available online at www.usajobs.opm.gov. FTC's Federal and Postal Job Scams Web Site FTC Releases Top 10 Consumer Complaint Categories in 2003 Identity Theft Complaints Continue to Top List; Internet Related Fraud Complaints Soar Help Wanted...Finding a Job – Cautions consumers about companies that misrepresent their services, promote out-dated or fictitious job offerings, or charge high up-front fees for services that may not lead to a job. Outlines the six basic types of legitimate job search service companies, offers tips to protect yourself, and lists resources for additional information. How to identify and protect yourself from on-line investment fraud – Help protect yourself and your family by avoiding fraud. How to Protect Kids Privacy Online How to Report Social Security Fraud ID Theft Homepage – Information for consumers, business, the media, and law enforcement. Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number Kidz Privacy Medical Billing Opportunities New ID? Bad IDea: File Segregation Exposed – You're promised a chance to hide unfavorable credit information by establishing a new credit identity. The problem: "File segregation" is illegal. If you use it, you could face fines or even a prison sentence. Pretexting:  Your Personal Information Revealed – Explains how scam artists can get your personal information under false pretenses, and sell it to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you. Privacy Choices for Your Personal Financial Information – Explains that federal law gives you the right to stop (opt out of) some sharing of your personal financial information, that you will receive privacy notices from financial institutions you do business with, and what to do when you receive the notices. Privacy: Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information – Tips to help you manage your personal information wisely, and to help minimize its misuse. Privacy:  What You Do Know Can Protect You – Learn more about the options you have for protecting your personal information. Privacy Initiatives Homepage – The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy, including the security of personal information. Secured Credit Card Marketing Scams – A secured card requires you to open and maintain a savings account as security for your line of credit; an unsecured card does not. Describes common advertising and marketing scams for secured credit cards.     ID Theft Federal Trade Commission - ID Theft Homepage ID Theft and Your Social Security Number When a Criminal's Cover Is Your Identity Responding To Life Events Birth of a Child Death in the Family Disability Domestic ABUSE Marriage, Divorce and Name Changes Retirement Planning Apply Online for Benefits Benefits Planner Calculate Your Benefits Factors that May Affect Retirement Benefits Financial Security in Later Life Find Out if You Qualify for Social Security Find Your Retirement Age IRS Guidelines on IRAs Living Trust Offers: How to Make Sure They're Trust-worthy – Defines key terms of estate planning. Questions to ask and steps to take before signing any papers to create a will, a living trust, or any other kind of trust. Plan Your Retirement Step-by-Step Retirement Planner Social Security Social Security Information for Women Social Security Statement Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement Saving & Investing Beginner's Guide to Financial Statements – Helps provide a basic understanding of how to read financial statements. Beginner's Guide to Investing – A collection of links to useful publications and tools. Check out Your Broker or Adviser – Easy way to learn more about your financial professional. Costs of Mutual Funds – This calculator helps you estimate and compare the costs of owning mutual funds. Day Trading Ads: Cutting Through the "Bull" – Explains what day trading is and cautions that it's a risky business. Tips for reading advertising claims. Federally Insured Savings Financial Calculators for Investments – On-line help in making financial decisions. Financial Security in Later Life Futures and Options: What You Should Know Before You Trade Investment Risks – Tip-offs to common investment frauds, including: oil wells, gemstones, film production companies, and communications technology scams. Invest Wisely: An Introduction to Mutual Funds – Explains how mutual funds work, what factors to consider, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Roadmap to Saving and Investing – A handy guide for getting started on your financial future. Savings Bonds Start or Change Direct Deposit of Social Security Benefits Treasury Direct Variable Annuities: What You Should Know – Explains the basics of variable annuities, including what questions to ask before purchasing. Starting a Small Business Applying for a Loan Business Plan Basics Checklist for Starting a Business Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise – Learn about the benefits of franchise ownership, the limitations, and how to choose the best franchise for you. Franchise and Business Opportunities – Outlines information franchise and business opportunity sellers must give you to help you make an informed purchasing decision. Financing Basics Information and Resources for Employers Information for the Self Employed Is Entrepreneurship for You? Marketing Basics Multilevel Marketing Plans – Explains how MLMs work to sell goods or services through distributors. Cautions consumers to watch out for "pyramiding"- the illegal practice of paying commissions for recruiting new distributors. SBA Financing Programs Small Business Startup Guide Training – How to Start a Small Business Work-at-Home Schemes – Outlines common scams, questions to ask promoters, and where to complain. Writing the Business Plan Spanish Pages (Páginas en español) Ahorro e inversiones Saving and Investing En Español: Información para los Inversionistas 66 Formas de ahorrar dinero Crédito Cobranza Imparcial de Deudas ¿Crédito Fácil? ¡No Tan Rápido! La Verdad sobre los Créditos con Cargo Adelantado El Crédito y sus Derechos como Consumidor Endeudado hasta el cuello Seguro de Crédito: ¿Es para Usted? ¿Sin trabajo? Cómo Lidiar con los Acreedores Plan financiero y presupuesto Endeudado Hasta el Cuello Utilizar su Hogar Como Garantiá para Un Préstamo es Arriesgado Casas y automóbiles ¿Buscando la hipoteca más favorable? Como Comprar un Auto Usado Hogar, Dulce ...Remodelación del Hogar Utilizar su Hogar Como Garantiá para Un Préstamo es Arriesgado Privacidad, fraudes y estafas Estafas de Empleos Federales y Postales: Recomendaciones para Evitar el Fraude Fraudes de Trabajo en Casa Robo de Identidad Retiro/Jubilación Seguro Social en Español Enlaces a recursos generales First Gov en Español Folletos de la Reserva Federal en Español Recursos en Español (FCIC)

Financial Literacy & Education Commission Member Agencies Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Commodity Futures Trading commission Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Federal Trade Commission National Credit Union Administration Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Office of Thrift Supervision Small Business Administration Social Security Administration U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Education U.S. General Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Office of Personnel Management U.S. Department of the Treasury U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission