Consumer Action

FINANCIAL REFORM: What’s in the legislation

2010-08-13T20:19:12Z

This landmark federal financial reform legislation (the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010) was designed to strengthen consumer protection of financial products and services, limit taxpayer liability for financially risky banks, and prevent or stop the spread of unfair and deceptive practices.

Micro Business - Leader’s Guide

2010-07-27T06:30:11Z

The MoneyWi$e “Micro Business Leader's Guide” is designed to prepare community advocates to lead trainings for colleagues, clients and community members. “Micro Business Leader's Guide” a companion brochure designed for adult learners of all skill levels, is available in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. An adult learning curriculum with classroom activities and a PowerPoint presentation round out this MoneyWi$e program.

Consumer Action INSIDER - August 2010

2010-07-26T17:15:38Z

A new email newsletter, Consumer Action Insider, debuts this month.

Micro Business Basics - Seminar Lesson Plan (2010)

2010-07-22T17:21:17Z

To help participants learn basic information about the creation and financial management of a micro business. PDF packet provides guidance for teachers and team leaders. The 16-page packet contains a detailed curriculum, classroom activities and take home worksheets.

2010 Summer Issue: Online Privacy

2010-07-21T16:54:01Z

The Summer 2010 issue of Consumer Action News focuses on personal privacy rights in the digital age. The issue includes the results of our recent Online Privacy Survey as well as articles about controlling personal information on the Internet, Facebook privacy settings, privacy legislation proposed by Congress, and a survey that looks at generational differences about privacy. The issue also contains an article about Consumer Action's 39th Anniversary celebration and awards ceremony.

NEW OVERDRAFT rules take effect

2010-07-01T14:11:50Z

New federal rules give you the choice to avoid overdraft fees on certain debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals by stopping banks from approving these transactions when you do not have enough money in your bank account.

FED PUBLISHES final CARD Act rules on fees

2010-06-15T14:06:44Z

The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday approved a final rule to protect credit card users from unreasonable late payment and other penalty fees and to require credit card issuers to reconsider interest rate increases imposed since the beginning of last year.

Improve Your Credit - Put Bad Credit Behind You (2010)

2010-06-12T00:17:30Z

An easy-to-read brochure that explains why having good credit is important, your rights if your credit application is rejected, how to check your credit report, how to dispute mistakes on your credit report and how to begin to rebuild good credit.

Micro Business (2010)

2010-06-11T18:09:15Z

Micro businesses are very small companies run by their owners with few employees. They are often home-based, with annual sales under $250,000 and few assets, but they can qualify for loans to help them grow into large regional, national or franchise businesses.

‘LIKE’ PRIVACY? How to set your Facebook preferences

2010-06-07T10:24:53Z

Facebook unveiled new privacy settings for its users, including a new interface and streamlined options. It’s far easier to keep information private, though most sharing on the site is still done by default.

CREDIT CARD TRAINING: Updated to include CARD Act changes

2010-06-07T10:22:58Z

Most people use credit cards—but do they know the terms of the agreement they have with their card issuer? This brochure is designed to help readers understand the different types of cards available; sort through offers to choose the card that’s right for them; understand credit card terms and conditions, and avoid fees and penalty rates.

Banking Basics (2010)

2010-05-27T15:30:51Z

A brochure that provides a simple introduction to the main services offered by banks and credit unions, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and debit cards. It also covers opening an account and resolving problems.

Teens & Money (2010)

2010-05-25T18:24:50Z

This 24-page booklet is designed primarily for parents but may also be useful for older teens. It covers many topics, including working, budgeting, figuring out if a purchase is a "need" or a "want," banking, writing checks, savings, credit cards, credit reports, driving and cell phones. The booklet contains illustrations and examples of a weekly spending evaluation, a paycheck stub, how comparison shopping can save money and how to write a check. It also contains a list of helpful web sites for parents and kids.

Good Credit (2010)

2010-05-14T01:12:08Z

A fact sheet that explains what credit history is, what a credit report is, how to get your credit report, how to establish good credit and where to complain if you have a problem.

Families and Credit Cards - Training Guide

2010-05-13T20:31:20Z

This Training Guide is designed to help you help parents provide their children with a better understanding of how to use credit wisely and steer clear of credit trouble.

Families and Credit Cards - Powerpoint Presentation

2010-05-13T20:26:35Z

This 22 slide presentation will help trainers with access to PowerPoint projectors when they hold a training on the Families and Credit Cards project. You can download the Power Point slides from the Download field below.

Credit Cards - What You Need To Know - Powerpoint Presentation

2010-05-13T19:35:06Z

This 64-slide presentation will help trainers with access to PowerPoint projectors when they hold a training on the credit card project. You can download the Power Point slides from the Download field below.

Credit Cards - What You Need To Know - Training Guide

2010-05-13T18:48:12Z

This 36-page training guide contains step-by-step guidance to conducting a two hour training, classroom activities and take-home worksheets. Each order for the Training Manual (see above) will be accompanied with a copy of the Training Guide. You may make as many copies of the Training Guide as you wish.

Personal Bankruptcy (2010)

2010-05-10T19:23:51Z

Bankruptcy laws were passed in order to give people a fresh start, and to give debt-burdened consumers an organized, systematic way of paying back creditors. This publication outlines new rules for filing personal bankruptcy that became effective in October 2005.

Credit Cards - What You Need To Know - Training Manual

2010-04-28T20:07:10Z

This training manual, written in question-and-answer format, will help give trainers the background they need to help participants understand how credit cards work and that the way they use credit cards can have an important impact on their overall credit.