FEMA: Understanding Your FEMA Assistance Determination Letter
Survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance receive a determination letter with their eligibility decision and the reason for it. For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the funds should be used. When ineligible, the letter explains why and how…
CFPB: Put Your Tax Refund to Work During America Saves Week
Each year during America Saves Week (February 26 to March 3), many people make an extra effort to save money. Started in 2007, America Saves Week is an annual opportunity for people to assess their saving status. The timing couldn’t be better—America Saves Week 2018 takes place during tax season, when 75 percent of tax…
CFPB: Sign Up for Email Course to Get Your Finances in Shape
Do you want to know how to create a budget? Have you ever tried tracking your spending? Are you interested in strategies for paying down your debt? If any of these apply to you, or if you’re interested in finding new ways to meet your financial goals, our Get a Handle on Debt Boot Camp…
CFPB: This Holiday Season, Don’t Let Scammers Take Advantage of Your Generosity
Protecting your money is always a big deal. But keeping an eye on your wallet and everything in it becomes even more important during the holiday season when many people are buying gifts and giving generously to those who are less fortunate. Charity scams often pop up during this time of year as scammers attempt…
CFPB: Tax Season Is Right Around the Corner; Tips for Planning Out Your Refund and Savings
You only file your personal tax return once a year. Depending on your situation, filing can be easy or complicated. Many people prepare and file their own returns, but the majority of consumers still seek help from a professional tax preparer. If you think you will need help preparing and filing your tax return in…
FEMA: Manufactured Housing Options Fact Sheet
Temporary housing options including Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs), Travel Trailers and non-motorized Recreational Vehicles (RVs) may be available for Texans recovering from Hurricane Harvey. The use of manufactured housing units, travel trailers or non-motorized RVs are some housing solutions available for Texans after Hurricane Harvey. FEMA determines if applicants are eligible and pairs them with…
FEMA: Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Fact Sheet
The Direct Housing mission for Hurricane Harvey survivors is being administered by the State and implemented by local jurisdictions. With the federal government’s financial support, Texas is leading the way with housing solutions to help impacted communities recover. Assistance may be available to applicants who live in a county designated for Direct Housing with a…
CFPB: 5 Financial New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time of year again. A brand new year and time when we talk about our resolutions to better ourselves at work, home, and in many other ways. This year, why not add a financial goal to your resolution list? Even if you’re not the type to make an “official” New Year’s resolution, here…
FDIC: FDIC Consumer News Offers Tips on Dealing with Debt
Whether you have a little bit of debt or a lot, managing it wisely and ultimately paying off what you owe can be crucial to your financial well-being. The Fall 2017 FDIC Consumer News suggests ways to handle different kinds of debt, including: What to do if you’re struggling to pay your loans, credit cards…
CFPB: This Holiday Season, Help Your Kids Build Solid Money Habits
The holiday season provides plenty of opportunities to talk with kids about money, like when you go shopping or when your children receive gifts. No matter what age, kids learn from watching their parents and absorb what they see and hear around them. Your words and actions are opportunities to share money lessons. These opportunities…