New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards
New Credit Card Rules
As a consumer, single or married (with or without kids), a basic understanding of essential financial products and services and the financial systems in which you routinely operate will empower you to make informed decisions.
The WEALTH for the RIGHTEOUS newsletter will cover personal finance matters concerning Banking, Bankruptcy, Budgeting, Consumer Protection, Credit, Debt, Education, Emergency Funds, Guardianship, Healthcare Directives, Homeownership, Home Equity, Identity Theft, Insurance, Mortgages, Real Estate, Tax Information, Wills, and more. Our planning guides will provide details on some of these topics.
This Consumer & Family Finance section features pertinent articles to help you preserve and protect your financial resources.
Debt negotiation differs greatly from credit counseling and debt management plans. It can be very risky, and have a long-term, negative impact on your credit report and, in turn, your ability to get credit. That’s why many states have laws regulating debt negotiation companies and the services they offer. Contact your state Attorney General for more information. More...
Making Home Affordable is part of President Obama's comprehensive strategy to get the housing market back on track. Through the Making Home Affordable Program, up to 9 million American families may be eligible to refinance or modify their loans to a payment that is affordable now and into the future. More...
A reverse mortgage is essentially a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there. It allows homeowners age 62 or older to borrow cash from the equity in their homes without having to make monthly payments. A reverse mortgage is often advertised as a great source of easy money for older homeowners to supplement their income, pay healthcare expenses or use the money as they please. But while there are potential benefits to a reverse mortgage, it may not be the best option for everyone. More...
The HOPE for Homeowners program will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments, but can afford a new loan insured by HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The program begins October 1, 2008 and ends September 30, 2011. More...
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) warns homeowners to beware of predatory lending schemes and scams. More...
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies to those who collect debts owed to creditors for personal, family and household debts. These include car loans, mortgages, charge accounts and money owed for medical bills. A debt collector is someone hired to collect money you owe. More...
Counseling services are available to help people budget money and pay bills. Credit unions, cooperative extension offices, military family service centers and religious organizations are among those that may offer free or low-cost credit counseling. More...
Federal law (Fair Credit Reporting Act – FCRA) requires each of the consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. The companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which consumers can order their free annual reports. More...
Just as you would do for any major purchase, look at what is being offered by your bank and a few competitors, then try to find the best deal to meet your needs. For instance, with a mortgage, credit card or other loan, you may be able to negotiate the interest rate and other terms. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars over several years. More...
It is unfortunate how many people believe that estate planning is only for the wealthy. People at all economic levels benefit from an estate plan. Upon death, an estate plan legally protects and distributes property based on your wishes and the needs of your family and/or survivors with as little tax as possible. More...
One of the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make is the arrangement of a funeral. A traditional burial, including a casket and vault, costs about $7,000. More...
You've worked hard for your money, so it's no wonder that you'll want some control over what happens to your assets in the event of your death. At the very least, you probably want to minimize or avoid potential hassles and headaches for your loved ones. More...
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