Dealing with personal finances can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for people just beginning to manage money on their own.  This publication helps young adults — including those just starting a career or a family and others still in school — take control of their finances.

Don’t know what a credit union is?  At this site you can go to a brochure that describes a credit union and explains member benefits.

Here you can find links to instructional materials and tools that can increase your understanding of the Federal Reserve, economics and financial education. All of the Fed web sites, curriculum, newsletters, booklets and other resources are free.

Gives you key points to help you choose the mortgage that is best for you. Provides tips on determining your budget, understanding pricing and fees, comparing loan options and gathering information from trusted resources.

Explains how to obtain your credit report, how credit scores are determined, how to verify reported information, and how to improve and maintain a good credit score.

Suggests do's and don'ts to manage your credit card account and help maintain a high credit score.

A comprehensive financial education curriculum to teach those ages 12-20 the basics of handling their money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions.  Money Smart for Young Adults can help young people in their formative years start positive habits early such as saving money and budgeting, as well as avoid making "wrong" decisions that could result in years of financial pain.  The curriculum is available free of charge; orders can be placed online.   For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-4618.

Ideas and information on topics such as how to: get the best possible interest rates, avoid paying unnecessary fees, find "emergency" cash at affordable prices, and steer clear of credit-related rip-offs and scams.

FDIC Consumer News provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services. This Winter 2008/2009 Special Edition includes tips that focus on helping you spend less, save more, protect yourself again fraud, and borrow wisely.

Tips and strategies for handling your finances at different stages of life.

When shopping around for a Home Equity loan, it is important to consider several factors before taking out a loan. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has developed this worksheet to help you find the best deal by asking the appropriate questions and comparing answers from multiple lenders.

Common types of foreclosure rescue scams, how they work, and what you can do if you are facing foreclosure.

This report, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, highlights the various strategies taken by community banks in meeting the needs of minority markets in the United States. The growth of minority populations and projected increases in their buying power provide significant opportunities for retail growth by financial institutions. The report includes several successful examples in which banks have overcome barriers in reaching minority markets.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency maintains a Web site www.Helpwithmybank.gov, a clearinghouse that provides consumers with answers to more than 250 frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on such financial topics as bank accounts, deposit insurance, credit cards, consumer loans, insurance, mortgages, identity theft, and safe deposit boxes.

Borrowing from an unscrupulous lender, especially one that offers a high-cost loan using the home as security, could result in the loss of the borrower's home. “Putting Your Home on the Loan Line is Risky Business” is a brochure prepared by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the federal bank, thrift, and credit union regulatory agencies.  The publication warns that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for a home repair, or some other purpose, it is important to shop around.

The Money Smart Podcast Network (MSPN) is the portable audio (MP3) version of Money Smart and designed to accommodate financial learning for individuals “on the go.” With verbal descriptions and topic based scenarios, the Money Smart Podcast Network utilizes detailed dialogue to help individuals learn the basics of handling money, finances, and how to establish a positive relationship with a financial institution.  The segments are short and grouped into four general categories.  The MSPN files can be accessed online, or users without Internet access may order a free CD on line.

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.

Explains how these loans work, but cautions that they come at a very high price. Lists alternatives.

Consumer Protection publications available from the Federal Reserve

Explains the system creditors use to help determine whether to grant you credit.