Self-Help for Financial Well-Being
Good credit and financial health creates opportunities to access credit quickly and with better terms, obtain employment, and get better rates on car insurance. There are steps you can take to understand, improve and protect your personal finances. Check out these resources.
- AnnualCreditReport.com: Know what’s on your credit report by obtaining a free copy every 12 months from each reporting company. Visit the website or call 1-877-322-8228.
- Lots of websites promise credit reports for free. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official site explicitly directed by Federal law to provide them.
- Office of Minnesota Attorney General: Reliable, user friendly, information on a variety of personal finance issues from dealing with debt to help with financial scams.
- Federal Trade Commission - Complaint Assistant (FTC): This federal agency has the authority to take action against deceptive, fraudulent and unfair business practices. Find more information or file a complaint.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): This federal agency has authority to enforce various federal regulations and laws and to advocate on behalf of consumers as it relates to problems with banks, mortgages, credit cards and financial institutions. Find more information or file a complaint.
- Bankrate.com: This website provides financial calculators which will help you work on your monthly budget, compare borrowing costs and plan for your future.
Buying a Car
Purchasing a vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle. Try these resources to make the process a little easier:
Fraud, Scams & Identity Theft
It is estimated that about 9 million Americans have their identity stolen every year. Learn how to avoid identity theft and what you can do if it happens.
Removing your name from mailing and telemarketing lists reduces your risk for identity theft. Try these sites:
Credit Counseling & Education