Recommended Resources
Information Sources for Consumers
Credit Reports, Credit Scores & Credit Bureaus
Homeownership
Buying & Selling a Vehicle
Information Sources for Consumers
- Better Business Bureau
Database of service records and consumer complaints on local businesses. Includes details on how companies resolve complaints.
- Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Consumer Credit Counseling Service helps individuals pay off debt and manage their money wisely. CCCS offers personal and confidential debt counseling, credit education and budgeting assistance.
- Federal Citizen Information Center
A resource for federal government publications on a wide variety of topics. Some topics available free of charge; others require payment of a nominal fee.
- National Association of Attorneys General
A listing of all the attorneys general in all 50 states. Links allow consumers to file an online business complaint with your state's attorney general.
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Member organization of nonprofit, mission driven, community-based credit counseling agencies. All member agencies maintain high standards, ethical practices, certified counselors, and policies and practices which help consumers achieve financial stability.
|
- The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA)
A
national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services.
- National Association of Securities Dealers
This organization regulates and handles complaints about securities dealers and brokers. Their website contains educational information on avoiding securities scams and valuable information on investing.
- U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission This government agency handles complaints about investments. Site includes a consumer education section focusing on savings and investments.
- Consumer Action
Information and tips on many consumer-related issues. Material may be downloaded free of charge.
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Excellent resource for information about all types of consumer issues related to credit. Downloadable forms and educational pamphlets. Links to portals allowing consumers to file complaints about business and identity theft issues.
|
Back to top
Credit Reports, Credit Scores & Credit Bureaus
- Equifax
One of the three major credit bureaus. Their website contains good basic information about credit and the credit scoring process. Various products are available through this website, including personal credit reports and credit scores.
- Experian
One of the three major credit bureaus. Their website contains good basic information about credit and the credit scoring process. Various products are available through this website, including personal credit reports and credit scores.
- Trans Union
One of the three major credit bureaus. Their website contains good basic information about credit and the credit scoring process. Various products are available through this website, including personal credit reports and credit scores.
|
- FICO Score Simulator
An interactive program that calculates your approximate FICO score range, based on your answers to ten questions.
- The Real Free Credit Report Request Service
The only source offering your legal, free credit report. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus. You may order all three reports at once, or order them one at a time throughout the course of the year. NOTE: Your credit score is not free. You will have to pay an additional fee to each bureau to receive your scores.
- Fair Isaac & Co.
The leading provider of credit scores. Obtain your credit report with credit score from all three major credit reporting agencies, along with information on identity theft and other financial education products.
|
Back to top
Homeownership
- Credit Smart Credit Education Program
An online curriculum to help consumers understand, build, and maintain better credit. Course is available online in both English and Spanish.
- Is homeownership right for me?
A great resource to help you determine if you're ready for homeownership. Includes a financial-readiness checklist and step-by-step instructions of the home buying process.
- Information for Home Buyers & Homeowners
Offers content, tools, and resources – all in one convenient portal. You'll also find downloadable, easy-to-read files of several Fannie Mae brochures, enhanced search tools to locate Fannie Mae's lender partners, and a process to review mortgage solutions.
|
- Owning & Keeping a Home
Information about how to manage the ongoing responsibilities of homeownership. Includes details on managing home and personal finances for the long-term.
- U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
HUD is the federal government agency overseeing homeownership issues. Site contains valuable information for consumers on all aspects of buying, selling, and owning a home.
|
Back to top
Buying & Selling a Vehicle
- Edmunds
A complete source for automobile information, including price comparisons for new and used vehicles, car reviews and consumer message boards.
- NADA Official Used Car Guide
Site allows consumers to compare pricing for new and used cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and manufactured homes.
|
- Kelley Blue Book
Provides cost information on new and used cars as well as links to other useful automotive sites.
- How much should you spend on a car? Excellent information about how the total cost of owning a vehicle. Includes tips on how to figure out how much you can afford to spend for your car.
|
Back to top
|
