FEMA: Disaster Proof Your Pocketbook in Three Steps
April is the beginning of severe weather here in the Midwest, and floods, storms and tornadoes are threats to take seriously and prepare for. But not all disasters have to be record-breaking or historic to be catastrophic to your family. What about an accidental house fire that destroys your home and all of your belongings?…
CFPB: 3 Common Credit Issues and What You Can Do to Fix Them
Your credit history can determine if you can get a loan, and even where you live or work. Credit scores are built from your credit history and can determine how much you pay to borrow money for a car or house. Yet, many people don’t know where to start when it comes to building, improving,…
FEMA: Agency and Federal Partners Encourage Families to Save for a Rainy Day
Over 40 percent of adults cannot cover an emergency expense of $400 FEMA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), celebrates Financial Capability Month by reminding individuals and families that the time to prepare for the financial cost of unexpected emergencies is long before an emergency…
FEMA: How to Make a Disaster Plan
A key way to cope with a disaster is to have a plan. Know how to react before, during and after a disaster and know the hazards that could affect where you live, work and go to school. It is important for all Floridians, especially individuals with access and functional needs, to plan ahead. Communication…
ABA: 6 Tips for Your Financial Spring Cleaning
As Americans kick off the spring season by cleaning, sorting and tidying up around the house, the American Bankers Association is encouraging consumers to add financial organization to their spring cleaning to-do list. To help, ABA has highlighted six tips for organizing your financial house. “People are motivated to get things done when the weather…
FEMA: Beware of Frauds and Scams When Natural Disasters Occur
When natural disasters occur, it is common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications. FEMA encourages survivors to be aware of fraud and scams. FEMA also encourages survivors to report any suspicious activity or potential…
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…
FEMA: SBA Loan Application Can Help Your Eligibility for Other FEMA Grants
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Disaster survivors in Puerto Rico who suffered damage or loss from Hurricane María and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration can benefit from other income-based FEMA grants if they complete and submit SBA’s loan application. Among the available options to help survivors, FEMA offers grants under its Other Needs…
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…