FDIC: Tool to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation Enhanced
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today announced enhancements to its Money Smart for Older Adults curriculum that provide new information and resources to help older adults and their caregivers avoid financial exploitation through fraud and scams. Money Smart for Older Adults identifies common types of elder financial exploitation, such as imposter scams and identity theft, and is…
ABA: 8 Way to Stop an Identity Thief
National Consumer Protection Week is March 5-11 WASHINGTON — More than 15.4 million Americans were victims of identity fraud last year, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, March 5-11, the American Bankers Association is offering eight tips to help consumers protect their information and avoid becoming a victim….
CFPB: Check Out New List to See if Your Credit Card Offers you Free Access to One of Your Credit Scores
Take a first step toward learning more about your credit history by checking your credit scores and credit reports. Today we released a list of several companies that told us they offer existing credit card customers free access to one of their credit scores. Until recently, consumers couldn’t easily access their credit scores and often had to…
CFPB: How to Deal with “Bad Credit” – or No Credit – When You Want to Buy a Home
Buying a home is exciting. It’s also one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. Choosing a mortgage to pay for your new home is just as important as choosing the right home. You have the right to control the process. Check out our other blogs on homebuying topics, and join the conversation on Facebook…
CFPB: Managing Your Spending to Achieve Your Goals
Getting feedback on spending can help you keep your spending in check. Have you ever lost track of how much money you spent during the week, and ended up spending more than you meant to? If you’re having trouble sticking to a budget or saving money, you are not alone. According to consumer marketing research,…
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…