consumeraction

Library: Chinese | FEMA spells federal disaster relief for homeowners and renters (Chinese) . 聯邦緊急災難處理局(FEMA)在災難發生後提供各類救援計劃，協助受災者整修、重建，或更換他們的住屋及財產。這本刊物詳盡說明聯邦緊急災難處理局(FEMA)各項對於房屋業主及租客所提供的援助，也列舉了各項援助之合格指標及申請程序。刊物同時也特別指明FEMA的救援範圍始終有限，個人還是應該購買適當保險來加強保障。
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a variety of programs to help victims of disasters repair, rebuild or replace their homes and possessions. This publication describes the types of FEMA assistance available to homeowners and renters and provides details about program eligibility and the application process. It also highlights the limitations of FEMA assistance and stresses the importance of purchasing adequate personal insurance coverage. Category: Insurance Home Repair Housing Insurance on Jul 24, 2018

Library: Chinese | Homeowners and renters insurance (Chinese) What you need to know before and after a natural disaster. 由於大多數的美國居民都住在會發生自然災害的風險地帶，所以幾乎每個家庭都應慎重考慮，在未來一旦失去家園或財產時將如何復原。本刊物詳盡說明哪些損失可以(或是不可以)得到房屋業主或租客的保險理賠； 如何確保購買足夠的保險； 當災難發生後你應該及時採取的求償步驟；以及在保險不足時你仍有哪些可求助的渠道。
With the majority of U.S. residents living in areas at risk of a natural disaster, most households need to seriously consider how they would recover from the loss of their home and possessions. This publication explains which disaster losses are—and are not—covered under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, how to make sure you are adequately insured, what steps to take to recover your losses after disaster strikes, and what your options are if your insurance falls short. Category: Housing Home Repair Housing Insurance Insurance on Jul 11, 2018

Library: Chinese | Micro Business: Preparing for success (Chinese) . 開創一個很小──或是微型──企業，可能會成為日後長期專業化以及財務成功的關鍵。但是由於很多企業無法在開始幾年後繼續維持下去，所以個人想成為一位企業家的決定絕非易事。這本指南對於計劃創業之過程，以及如何達到微型企業成功目標均有詳盡解說，內容包括：成本／盈利估算、資金籌備、確認法律及專業運作所需項目（如保險、簿記、業務建議等等），以及在互聯網營業之相關事宜。
Starting a very small—or micro—business can be the key to long-term professional and financial success. But since many businesses do not make it past the first few years, becoming an entrepreneur is not a decision to make lightly. This guide explains the process of planning and launching a micro business, from estimating costs/earnings and finding funding to identifying legal and professional needs (insurance, bookkeeping, business advice, etc.) and doing business on the internet. Category: Credit Micro Business on Jun 25, 2018

Library: Chinese | Personal Bankruptcy: Your financial fresh start (Chinese) . 消費者在承受債務重擔時，申報破產可以再重新規劃個人財務。但是在做這個決定以前，你應該先盡量瞭解關於破產的處理過程，以及個人可能會受到的影響。這本指南對於兩種不同的個人破產型式、申報人的必備條件、相關債務及資產會產生哪些變化、有哪些可以考慮的替代方法、一般會進行的法律程序，以及何處可獲取協助資源及更多訊息等等，均有詳盡說明。
Bankruptcy can offer a financial fresh start for consumers overwhelmed by debt, but there is a lot to know about the process and potential consequences before a decision to file can be made. This guide explains the differences between the two types of personal bankruptcy, what is required of filers, what happens to debts and assets, alternatives to consider, the general legal process, and where to find assistance and more information. Category: Bankruptcy Credit Consumer Rights Debt Collection Housing Mortgages on Feb 16, 2018

Library: Chinese | Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2017 Tax Year) (Chinese) Low income working taxpayers may qualify for the Federal EITC. 工薪退稅優惠(EITC) 有助於低收入工作納稅人及家庭在申報聯邦所得稅時得到更多的退稅。本手冊包含2017年稅務年度的低收入者工薪退稅優惠(EITC)指標。
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low income, working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax forms.This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2017 tax year. Category: Money Management Taxes on Feb 09, 2018

Library: Chinese | Tax basics for earners in the ‘sharing economy’ (Chinese) . “經濟共榮”可以讓你利用業餘時間來賺一點外快，它甚至也可能會成為你的主要收入來源。不過這兩類收入都可能對你的納稅情況造成影響。這本刊物與稅務建議無關，但可以協助你瞭解如何正確申報收入及開支、如何善加利用你應得的減稅優惠、如何避免在申報退稅時有任何意外驚訝發生，以及如何獲得更多相關資訊及協助。
The sharing economy might enable you to put a little extra cash in your pockets in your spare time, or it could be your primary source of income. Either way, earning money will have an impact on your tax situation. This publication, while not tax advice, will help you understand how to report your income and expenses accurately, why you should take advantage of all the deductions you’re entitled to, how to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you file your tax return, and where to get more information and assistance. Category: Money Management Taxes on Oct 20, 2017

Library: Chinese | Insuring yourself in the ‘sharing economy’ (Chinese) . “經濟共榮”可以提供你新的賺錢方式，但如同任何商業公司或自雇工作一樣，你還是需要考慮保險問題。這本刊物對於各種型式的經濟“共榮”所可能產生的風險有詳盡說明，列舉了各營業平台通常提供參與者哪些保障，你的個人保險是否缺乏某方面的保障，以及有哪些保險選項可幫你獲得全面保障，最後文內還詳列有其它相關資訊。 The "sharing economy" can offer you new ways to earn, but, as with any business or self-employment venture, there are insurance issues to consider. This publication explains the potential risks associated with each type of "sharing," what protection is typically available from the "platforms" that connect users, how your personal insurance may fall short, what your options are for full protection, and where to get more information. Category: Insurance on Oct 18, 2017

Library: Chinese | Freeze Your Credit File (Chinese) Leave ID Thieves Out in the Cold. “安全凍結”信用檔案是一種預防及避免身份被盜用的工具﹐它可以阻止詐騙者利用你的個人資料來建立信貸記錄。這本手冊內容詳述如何“凍結”個人信用檔案，而且除非你暫時或永久取消凍結﹐它就可以防止別人以你的名義申請信貸。
A credit file "security freeze" is a preventive tool to help you avoid identity theft and to block impostors from using your personal information to establish credit. This publication explains how to "freeze" your credit file, which prevents new credit from being established in your name until you temporarily or permanently lift the freeze. Category: Credit Reports/Scores ID Theft on Oct 10, 2017

Library: Chinese | How to Complain (Chinese) . 消費者行動於近日已將多年來最受歡迎的「 如何投訴 」消費者教育指南全面更新。這本內容豐富的免費手冊是專門編製用來協助消費者提出有效的投訴，以及日後得到實質效果。 「 如何投訴 」的各項建議包括：消費者應怎樣連繫各種行業來提出投訴；如何藉由客戶服務管道或公司主管部門來加強投訴；如何使用電郵或信件提出投訴；以及如何將個人投訴存檔留證等等。Consumer Action has updated its perennial favorite guide, How to Complain. The free and comprehensive booklet is designed to help you complain effectively and get results. How to Complain includes advice on how to approach businesses with a complaint; escalating a complaint through customer service or a company’s executive offices; writing emails and letters about your complaint; and documenting your complaint. Category: Consumer Rights on Sep 25, 2017

Library: Chinese | Time for an insurance checkup (Chinese) . 個人應該保持適當足夠的保險，其意義在於你每年都需要重新評估自己的保險涵蓋範圍，同時如果你的生活中發生特殊狀況時，你應如何調整個人保險去應對。這本查核個人保險的刊物詳述對於定期查核個人保險條款的重要性，也列舉各項會造成個人保險涵蓋範圍改變的生活特殊狀況。同時內容也有你應如何妥善處理個人保險的相關提示及查核工具，以及各項網上資源鏈接以供消費者查詢。 Staying adequately insured means reassessing your coverage each year and adjusting it in response to specific life events. This Insurance Checkup fact sheet explains why it’s important to revisit your insurance policies regularly, lists specific life events that typically warrant a change in coverage, provides tips and tools for managing your insurance and offers links to resources where you can learn more. Category: Auto Lending/Insurance Housing Insurance on Aug 16, 2017