Financial Tips

CFPB: Credit Score Myths that Might Be Holding You Back from Improving Your Credit

Improving your credit is possible, but it’s hard to know where to start. There’s a lot of misleading information out there, and these credit myths can get in the way of improving your credit score. Your credit score is important for determining things like whether you’ll be able to qualify for a loan or credit…

ABA: America’s 2 Million Bankers Encouraged to Register for ABA Foundation’s 2019 Financial Education Initiatives

ABA Foundation programs call for banker volunteers to join growing, industry-wide efforts designed to help local communities The American Bankers Association Foundation today launched its 2019 financial education registration campaign, calling on banker volunteers from across the country to register for a range of successful, industry-wide programs designed to enhance financial education in their local…

CFPB: Resolve to Take Control of Your Debt in the New Year

Many people make it their New Year’s resolution to get a handle on debt and improve their finances. Here are six steps you can take to make that resolution a reality. 1. Budget Creating a budget will help you figure out how much money you have to pay down your debts, while also covering your…

CFPB: The 2018 Financial Literacy Annual Report Sums Up a Year of Achievements in Financial Education

Financial education is a critical part of the Bureau’s mission to empower people to take more control over their economic lives. The 2018 Financial Literacy Annual Report details how the Bureau works toward this goal by: Providing financial education directly to the public, and by expanding local delivery of financial information Sharing research on effective financial…

CFPB: Three Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Going into Debt

The holidays are a time of giving, from traveling to see family and friends to shopping for gifts. For many people, all of this spending can add up quickly. During the 2017 holiday season, American credit card debt rose at the second-fastest pace in 10 years according to the Federal Reserve. You can ease some…

CFPB: New Financial Education Resources to Help Teachers Bring Youth Financial Capability into the Classroom

As children grow, their potential to manage money and understand financial concepts grows as well. The knowledge, skills, and behaviors kids learn when they’re young lay the groundwork for their financial well-being as adults. Schools and teachers play a critical role in financial education. But, we know there are challenges to bringing financial education into…

CFPB: Build a Brighter Future by Saving at Tax Time

Saving money is not always easy, but having some savings provides people with the security needed to withstand economic shocks and plan for their future. Many people save automatically through a workplace retirement plan or by directly depositing money out of each paycheck into a savings account. But according to the Pew Charitable Trusts, more than…

CFPB: How to Tell the Difference Between a Legitimate Debt Collector and Scammers

Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is legitimate or trying to scam you. When an account like a credit card, auto loan, or cell phone bill becomes past due, the original creditor may attempt to collect the amount owed. The creditor may…

FDIC: Tool Enhanced to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today announced the release of a Spanish-language version of Money Smart for Older Adults. The curriculum, now offered in English and Spanish, has been updated to provide new information and resources to help older adults and their caregivers recognize and prevent fraud, scams, and other types of financial exploitation….

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…