Federal Reserve: FEDS Notes – Mobile Banking: A Closer Look at Survey Measures
Ellen A. Merry1 The growing use of smartphones and the Internet has brought rapid change to financial services. These new technologies have given consumers and banks new tools for managing money and changed the customer-bank relationship. They have also raised new concerns about security and access. Mobile banking may help to address some challenges consumers…
CFPB: 4 Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances
By Liane Weissenberger Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get your home and your finances in order. Here are a few ways to get started spring cleaning your finances: 1. Request a free credit report You can request a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major consumer…
CFPB: Applications Open for CFPB Advisory Board and Councils
To be sure that we hear from a variety of experts with diverse viewpoints, we set up the Consumer Advisory Board, the Community Bank Advisory Council, and the Credit Union Advisory Council. These advisory groups provide us with information about emerging trends and practices in the consumer financial marketplace. They also allow us to hear…
FDIC: New Consumer News Publication Features Tips on Protecting Assets
It’s always important for consumers to save money for their future, keep banking and borrowing costs down, and guard their possessions from high-tech thieves in today’s digital world. The Winter 2018 FDIC Consumer News includes information about: Five things to know about safe deposit boxes and home safes for protecting valuables. Among the tips: bank…
FDIC: Q&As for Consumers as Part of National Consumer Protection Week
In observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) March 4-10, 2018, the FDIC will post a new question and answer (Q&A) on a different banking topic each weekday at www.fdic.gov/ncpw. The five Q&As — covering mobile banking, credit and debit card security precautions, safe deposit boxes, credit reports, and debt collectors — along with other…
OCC: Publication Focuses on Single-Family Rehabilitation Financing Programs
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published the latest edition of its Community Developments Investments newsletter titled “Expanding Housing Opportunities: Single-Family Rehabilitation Financing Programs.” This edition of Community Developments Investments discusses how national banks and federal savings associations can help revitalize communities by establishing housing rehabilitation loan programs. The publication describes how…
CFPB: How to Save for Emergencies and the Future
If your car broke down or you had an unexpected trip to the hospital, would you be able to cover the costs? If you don’t have savings, you could wind up borrowing money at high interest rates, which means you’ll owe even more in the long run. You could end up with credit card debt…
FDIC: Encouraging Consumers of All Ages to Set and Achieve Savings Goals
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today is encouraging people to use America Saves Week as an opportunity to develop, or review their progress toward, financial goals. FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said, “During America Saves Week, financial institutions and their community partners collaborate to help people of all ages develop and achieve savings goals….
ABA: 7 Worthwhile Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
Average U.S. taxpayer receives nearly $3,000 refund WASHINGTON – According to the Internal Revenue Service, more than 70 percent of the nation’s taxpayers received a tax refund averaging nearly $3,000 in 2017 and will get a similar amount this year. As Americans receive their refunds along with additional benefits coming from the Tax Cuts and…
CFPB: Tax Refund Tips – Understanding Refund Advance Loans and Checks
At this time of year, many people are thinking about filing their tax returns and about if and when they will receive their refunds. When filed electronically (e-file), the IRS issues most tax refunds within 21 days. It can take about six weeks to receive a tax refund for a return filed by mail. Using…