CFPB: Certify Your Service and Stay on Track for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
We often hear from people working hard in public service who are struggling to stay on track with their student loans. Public service employees may be eligible to have their loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. After these borrowers make ten years’ worth of qualifying payments (120 payments), the PSLF program…
CFPB: Preventing Financial Exploitation on World Elder Abuse Day
By Stacy Canan June 15, 2017, marks the twelfth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day , or WEAAD. This day isn’t likely to show up on your calendar, though it is recognized globally. Elder financial exploitation is one of the most common and devastating forms of elder abuse. It can destroy the financial security of…
ABA: How to Protect Your Loved One from Financial Abuse
ABA Foundation offers tips to help families and individuals stop elder financial abuse WASHINGTON — Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of abuse committed against older Americans. According to a Metlife study, an estimated $2.9 billion is lost annually to scams explicitly targeting seniors. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day…
FDIC: FDIC Consumer News Issues Warning About 10 Scams Targeting Bank Customers
The FDIC often hears from bank customers who believe they may be the victims of financial fraud or thefts. The Summer 2017 FDIC Consumer News alerts the public to common scams and provides basic tips for protecting personal information and money. Topics include: An overview of 10 schemes bank customers need to be aware of,…
CFPB: It’s Not Too Late to Spring Clean Your Finances
Spring cleaning isn’t just for decluttering your home. You can take advantage of the changing seasons to clean up your finances and make sure you know where you stand. These steps can help you clean up your financial life as you work towards your goals. Here’s a few ways to get started spring cleaning your…
CFPB: How to Understand Special Promotional Financing Offers on Credit Cards
CREDIT CARD TERMS By Gail Hillebrand How do you tell the difference between a zero interest and deferred, or “no” interest credit card offer? Look for the “if.” Zero interest offers use language like “0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months.” Deferred interest offers use language like “No interest if paid in full…
CPFB: IRS Is Using Private Debt Collectors. Here’s What You Should Know…
By Colleen Tressler Do you have a debt with the IRS that’s more than two years old? If so, you might be getting a letter from the IRS about your account being transferred to a private debt collector. This new program only applies to taxpayers who have had an IRS debt for years and who…
CFPB: Take the Quiz to See How Prepared You Are to Make Financial Decisions
When it comes to making financial decisions, do you feel prepared? For example, if you need to buy a new car, are you prepared to make the financial decisions that come with taking out an auto loan? What if you are ready to get a new credit card? How will you decide which one offers…
CFPB: “Your Money, Your Goals” Webpage Has New Look and New Financial Empowerment Tools
We’ve recently updated the Your Money, Your Goals webpages to make it simpler for staff and organizations to access our tools. This suite of financial empowerment materials provides frontline staff and volunteers at organizations across the country with information to use when having conversations about money with the people they serve. The updates include new…
CFPB: Four Tips to Get Back on Track if You’re Behind on Your Auto Loan
Paying your bills on time is critical for maintaining or improving your financial situation. Late payments will show up on your credit report, hurt your credit scores, and limit your ability to get other credit. If you’re having trouble making your car payment, you’re not alone. According to trends in auto loan repayment data ,…