CFPB: Get Money Smart
Here at the CFPB, we wish every week could be Money Smart Week! Our goal is to arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make informed financial decisions for their personal situation and goals. From setting up a bank account to taking out a student loan, we know it’s helpful to have trustworthy…
FDIC: Consumers Encouraged to Save Automatically to Achieve Financial Goals
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) encourages consumers to commemorate America Saves Week by taking advantage of automatic savings to achieve financial goals. Over time, small automatic deposits into a retirement or savings account can add up with compounded interest, helping consumers cover unexpected expenses and build wealth. FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said: “During…
ABA: 6 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely
Average U.S. taxpayer receives nearly $3,000 refund WASHINGTON — According to the Internal Revenue Service, the nation’s taxpayers received an average tax refund of nearly $3,000 in 2016 and will receive a similar amount this year. With more than 70 percent of tax payers receiving a refund this year, the American Bankers Association has highlighted…
CFPB: Tax Time Savings Tips
If you’re feeling like you just can’t get ahead, saving at tax time may help you get started. Saving throughout the year can be tough. It may feel like every paycheck is spent before you get it. You might not have access to an easy way to save, like a separate account or automatic deposit…
CFPB: How to Decide How Much to Spend on Your Down Payment
One of the toughest parts of buying a home for the first time is coming up with a down payment. You may have heard that in order to buy, you should have 20 percent of the total cost of the home saved up for the down payment. Actually, you can choose how much to put…
CFPB: Tips for Student Loan Borrowers
We frequently hear from borrowers and cosigners, including veterans and servicemembers, who are working hard to stay on track and pay off their student loans but are struggling to get the information and the help they need from their student loan servicer. With this in mind, we put together these tips to help consumers tackle…
ABA: 8 Was to Protect Your Data Online
WASHINGTON — In recognition of National Data Privacy Day, Jan. 28, the American Bankers Association is highlighting eight tips to help online users protect their data and guard against online threats. “Cyber thieves are using social media profiles to gather personal information and use it to commit fraud,” said Doug Johnson, ABA’s senior vice president…
FDIC: Answers to Common Questions on How to Avoid Financial Mistakes and Protect Your Money
Each year, thousands of consumers contact the FDIC with questions about financial services and products such as mortgages, checking accounts and credit cards. The Winter 2017 FDIC Consumer News focuses on common concerns we hear from consumers and offers tips for solving and avoiding problems. Some topics include: What to do if a credit card bill shows…
CFPB: Easy-to-Remember Guidelines Help People Reduce Credit Card Debt
Take a short guideline like “don’t swipe the small stuff” and make it your own. You might just find that you’re better able to control your own credit card debt. Have you ever looked at your credit card bill and wondered where all those charges came from? Or found yourself swiping your credit card for…
CFPB: Understand the Overdraft “Opt-In” Choice
If you have a checking account, you might have to deal with an overdraft fee. An overdraft occurs when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, and the bank or credit union pays for it anyway. Transactions include ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases as well as checks and ACH…