Managing Debt and Credit


 

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.

Audience: 
Youth, Parents, Educators, Students

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Like everything else you buy, it pays to comparison shop for credit.


Agency: General Services Administration


This edition of Community Developments Investments, a publication authored by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is dedicated to national initiatives encouraging bank participation in financial literacy efforts.  Articles featured in the publication identify programs (America Saves, Bank on Cities, the Department of Treasury’s Community Financial Access Pilot, and Operation Hope) targeted at the unbanked and underserved markets that promote effective money management through partnerships with banks.

Audience: 
general audience, non-profits

Agency: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


A spin-free guide to reading the fine print in credit card offers and agreements.


Agency: National Credit Union Administration


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.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


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

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


Explains consumers' rights and lenders' responsibilities when credit lines are reduced and provides information for those seeking to have a credit line reinstated.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


This publication explains the Federal Reserve's new credit card rules and related consumer protections.  It tells consumers some of the key changes they can expect from their credit card company beginning on February 22, 2010.   

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


New Federal Reserve overdraft rules take effect on July 1, 2010. This new online publication provides an explanation of how the rules will affect existing and new account holders.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


A new website by the Federal Reserve summarizing new credit card protections that take effect on February 22, 2010. The site includes interactive tools for users to learn more about the terms and fees of credit card offers, and about the new features of monthly statements.

Audience: 
Adults

Agency: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System


This easy-to-understand publication starts you on the way to setting goals and putting your retirement high on the list of personal priorities.  This booklet will help clarify your retirement goals and help you make saving for retirement and other goals a habit.  You’ll learn that there is no such thing as starting too early or too late.
For Spanish article click here.

Audience: 
General Public, workers, women

Agency: Department of Labor


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.

Audience: 
Educators, Parents, Students, Youth

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


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.

Audience: 
consumers

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Tips on money management which includes, saving, spending, borrowing, protecting yourself from fraud and scams, and the benefits of keeping your money in a financial institution.

Audience: 
Youth, Educators

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


Debit cards, which work like electronic checks, are becoming more widely used as an alternative to credit cards to pay for goods and services. To help you better understand how the two types of cards work and the potential benefits and concerns, we offer this quick guide.

Audience: 
Consumers

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


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.

Audience: 
General Public, Educators, Financial Counselors

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


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

Audience: 
Youth, Elderly/Seniors, Caretakers, Young Adults

Agency: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


What you need to know, or do if you have a complaint, about courtesy overdraft-protection, or bounce coverage plans.


Agency: Office of Thrift Supervision


The Consumer Advisory, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, is designed to help you better understand reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages are complex loans, and are secured by your home. It is important to understand their terms, risks, and costs before you sign a reverse mortgage contract. It is also important to consider alternatives to reverse mortgages.

Audience: 
General Audience, Bank Customers

Agency: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


Things to know about buying, giving and using gift cards.


Agency: Office of Thrift Supervision