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Articles
Plain-language advice to help you understand your consumer rights and avoid and report scams.
If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, here are some things to know — and how to find legitimate help. What You Can Do On Your Own Credit Counseling Debt Settlement Debt Consolidation Loans
When a loved one dies, family members and friends often need to make decisions about a funeral quickly and under emotional stress. If your loved one dies in another state, or you can’t meet in person
If your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, federal law limits your liability for charges made without your permission, but your protection depends on the type of card — and when you report
People spend billions of dollars a year on products and treatments in the hope of improving their health and fitness. But a lot of that money goes to companies that make fake claims about those
Discriminating against someone who’s trying to get a mortgage loan is against the law. Know your rights and what to do if you suspect discrimination. Fair Lending Laws and Your Rights Before and
Federal law gives you protections when you deal with any organizations or people who regularly extend credit. That includes, for example, banks, small loan and finance companies, retail and department
We hear a lot about credit — credit reports, credit scores, credit freezes, credit monitoring. What does it all mean for you? Your credit matters because it affects your ability to get a loan, a job
Some scammy debt relief companies will say just about anything to get your money. They promise to get you a lower credit card interest rate, claiming to be able to save you thousands of dollars but
If you’re thinking about getting a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, shop around. Compare financing offered by banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Shopping
Dishonest invention promoters lie about the profit potential of your invention to get you to pay for expensive, but often useless, services. Here’s what you need to know to avoid an invention
Many payment cards may look alike, and they all let you use a plastic card to pay for things online or in a store. But credit, charge, secured credit, debit, and prepaid cards work in different ways
Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tones of Indian pottery, learning more about American Indian arts and crafts can help you make sure you buy quality
When you cosign a loan for a friend or family member, you’re putting your own finances and creditworthiness on the line. Here’s what you need to know before you cosign a loan. What’s a cosigner? Why
If you’re applying for a job or a promotion, an employer might run a background check. Federal law and some state laws give you rights when this happens. Employers must get your written permission
Did you apply for credit and get a notice that you got less favorable terms because of your credit report or credit score? Your credit report and credit scores can affect whether you get credit or the
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. If you’re getting a lot of robocalls trying to sell you something, odds are the calls are illegal. Many
If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, or you’re already in default, there are things you’ll need to know and ways to resolve issues with your lender or servicer. Many people find it