Financial Tips

CFPB: Steps Taken To Improve Checking Account Access

CFPB Concerned that Screening Inaccuracies and Lack of Account Options are Keeping Consumers Out of the Banking System WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is taking steps to improve checking account access amidst Bureau concerns that consumers are being sidelined by the lack of account options and by inaccurate information used to…

OCC: Supporting Earned Income Tax Credit Day 2016

WASHINGTON — Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry today issued the following statement recognizing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is pleased to support Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to educate the public about a valuable tax benefit for working families…

CFPB: Guide To Help Consumers Navigate Pension Payouts Released

Guide Highlights Trade-Offs Between Lump-Sum and Lifetime Monthly Payout Options WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is releasing a guide to help consumers navigate their pension payout options and make the right decision about their retirement income. The guide gives near-retirees the information they need to understand the trade-offs of taking their…

FDIC: Consumer Newsletter Features Shopping Tips for Loans and Credit Cards

Many people searching for a new loan or credit card may not be in the best position to get the right product for their needs and at the lowest possible cost. The latest FDIC Consumer News features tips on how to be better informed and better prepared before applying for credit while avoiding costly mistakes. The Fall 2015 edition…

CFPB: Tool Released To Help Measure Financial Well-Being

Resource Will Provide Questions Financial Educators Can Use to Assess the Financial Wellness of Consumers WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is releasing a tool to measure consumer financial well-being, based on a definition that the Bureau released in January 2015. This first-of-its-kind tool provides questions that educators and others working to…

ABA: 7 Bad Spending Habits To Avoid This Holiday Season

7 Bad Spending Habits to Avoid This Holiday Season WASHINGTON — As consumers across the country prepare to shop for holiday deals, the American Bankers Association is highlighting seven habits that shoppers should avoid to minimize their holiday spending debt. “The holiday season is an exciting and inspiring time of the year that promotes giving,…

CFPB: “Planning for Retirement” Tool Released to Help Consumers Decide When To Claim Social Security

CFPB Report Shows Many Consumers Base Critical Claiming Decision on Limited Information WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released “Planning for Retirement,” an interactive, online tool designed to help consumers decide when to claim their Social Security retirement benefits. According to a report released by the CFPB, many older Americans are relying…

ABA: 10 Tips For Tough Financial Times On The Farm

​WASHINGTON — In recent years, farmers and ranchers have enjoyed profitable times, but many experts, including the USDA, are predicting stress ahead in the ag economy. The American Bankers Association is helping producers prepare by providing key financial considerations.​​ “Thanks to recent boom times, many farmers and ranchers are well-positioned financially for the next couple of…

ABA: 6 Money Mistakes Newlyweds Should Avoid

ABA offers tips for managing money together ​WASHINGTON — Summer wedding season is in full swing and newlyweds will soon be managing their finances as a pair. The American Bankers Association is encouraging couples to waste no time addressing how they will handle money issues as spouses and financial partners. “Developing a financial plan can…

ABA: 6 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score

​WASHINGTON —In recognition of American Housing Month in June, the American Bankers Association Foundation is reminding consumers of the critical impact credit scores can have on their housing options. “An important step to finding a home, whether you’re renting or buying, is ensuring that you have a good credit history,” said Frank Keating, ABA president…