51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, PDF

Simple strategies and tips for cutting costs.

 

Check Your Credit Report, U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), PDF

Free ways to check your credit report to find and fix mistakes, update your information, and guard against identity theft.

 

Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), PDF

Answers commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which requires that debt collectors treat you fairly.

 

Settling Your Credit Card Debts, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), PDF

Learn how you can get out of the red without spending a whole lot of green.

 

Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits after Job Loss, U.S. Department of Labor

Describes various types with tips on choosing a company, an agent, and a policy that meet your needs.

 

Mutual Funds: A Guide for Investors, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), PDF

Describes what they are, how to compare them, what to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

 

Consumer Guide to Financial Self-Defense, Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards, Inc., PDF

describes "red flags" of potentially incompetent, unethical or illegal financial planning practices, and how to protect yourself if you encounter them.

 

Shop and Save at the Bank: A Buyers Guide to Finding the Right Loan, Credit Card, or Deposit Account, U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), PDF

Provides tips for getting the best financial product for your needs, whether you're looking for a mortgage, auto loan, credit card, or checking account. Explains the benefits and risks of home equity loans and reverse mortgagees, and how to keep down costs with checking accounts and overdraft programs.

 

Need a Loan? Think Twice About Using Your Home as Collateral, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), PDF

Offers useful tips to help you protect your home and equity when applying for a loan.

 

Reverse Mortgages: Are They for You?, U.S. Department of the Treasury, PDF

Helps consumers to understand the terms, risks, and costs before signing a reverse mortgage contract.

 

Money Tips for All Ages: Your Finances at Different Stages of Life, U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),

Provides practical help for teens, young adults, newlyweds, people at midlife, parents, retirees, and financial caregivers. Also for those dealing with a medical emergency, job loss or other major life events.

 

You Can Organize and Simplify Your Life, U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Discusses ways to streamline money management, from online banking and automatic bill-pay to consolidating accounts and updating your will. With articles on mobile banking for smartphones, what to do if your wallet is stolen, new tips for protecting yourself from cyber-crime and more. 

 

A Guide for Seniors: Protect Yourself Against Investment Fraud, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Explains how to check out an investment sales pitch for legitimacy, describes warning flags of fraud, types of fraud, and what to know about "senior" specialists and advisors. 

 

Ponzimonium: How Scam Artists Are Ripping Off America, U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission, PDF

Tells the fascinating stories of ten Ponzi schemes as well as includes a chapter containing the Red Flags of Fraud to help people avoid being scammed.

 

Taking Charge: What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, PDF

Handbook with tips about protecting your information, and instructions, sample forms, and letters to help recover from theft.