CFPB: Budgeting Strategies and Free Tools to Help You Reach Your Goals
Making and sticking to a budget is a key step to getting a handle on your debt and working towards your goals. Making a budget Let’s say you want to save up for a down payment on a house, a vacation, or for your emergency savings fund. Until you have an understanding of how much…
CFPB: Free Credit Freezes Now Available
Free credit freezes and year-long fraud alerts are here, starting Sept. 21, 2018, thanks to a new federal law. Here’s what you should know. Free credit freezes Security freezes, also known as credit freezes, restrict access to your credit file, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Starting Sept….
ABA: Foundation and FTC Offer Tips to Avoid Check Fraud
The American Bankers Association Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission today released an infographic to raise awareness on the growing threat of fake check scams and the steps consumers can take to protect themselves. Checks may seem like a relic of the past, but according to the most recent Federal Reserve Payments study,…
FEMA: Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud and Scam Artists
As California residents work to recover from recent wildfires, they should be on guard for and report suspicious activity of potential fraud, scam artists and other criminals who prey on survivors. If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or your local police department. Listed are…
CFPB: Veterans with Severe Disabilities May Be Eligible for Federal Student Loan Discharge Tax-Free
The Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs (VA) have teamed up to notify veterans with severe disabilities that they may be eligible to have their federal student loans discharged tax-free. The Bureau has previously highlighted for years the opportunity to obtain a disability discharge. So, we are pleased to share with you the details of…
CFPB: Share Financial Information with Your Spouse Now to Avoid Problems Later
It’s common for couples to share their financial lives but not the responsibility for managing household finances. It might be time-consuming for both of you to review your bills, as well as spending and savings plans each month. But if responsibilities unexpectedly shift due to a sudden illness or loss of a spouse, getting up…
CFPB: What to Know if You Are Facing Foreclosure after a Natural Disaster
Many people are still suffering the consequences of natural disasters. For example, in 2017 there was Hurricane María in Puerto Rico, Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and the devastating wildfires in California. Even after immediate needs like shelter and food are met, financial hardships from a disaster can last for months and…
ABA: 6 Smart Money Moves for New College Graduates
More than 70 percent of college graduates began their career owing more than $37,000 in student loans in 2017. Considering the additional living expenses they’ll soon face, new college graduates would be wise to focus on their financial future right now, says the American Bankers Association. ABA has highlighted six smart financial decisions college graduates…
FEMA: In Florida? Learn Disaster Preparation Tips in Your Language
Hurricane Season Begins June 1 With hurricane season beginning shortly, it’s important for all Floridians to develop a plan about how to react before, during and after a disaster. Florida’s more than 20 million residents speak many languages. The state is also the most vulnerable in the country for hurricanes with nearly 120 in recorded…
FEMA: Now Is the Time to Prepare Financially for Hurricane Season
Survivors at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after hurricanes Irma and María. Financial preparedness is an essential part of 2018 hurricane season planning. Being financially prepared means you should: Consider the costs associated with disasters such as insurance deductibles and evacuation costs, and plan for those costs. Anticipate initial…