Library: English | Personal Bankruptcy: Your financial fresh start

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.

Library: English | Finding the Right Vocational, Technical or Trade School - Backgrounder: Q&A backgrounder guide

This Consumer Action “question and answer” manual is designed to provide background information about evaluating job training schools and choosing and managing student loans for these programs. It is designed to be used in conjunction with the “Guide to Finding the Right Job Training School.” There is also a lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation for use by consumer education trainers.

Library: English | Savvy Online Shopping - PowerPoint Slides

The downloadable Savvy Online Shopping PowerPoint presentation is designed to be used in conjunction with the lesson plan, adding a visual component that will help engage learners and improve retention.

Library: English | Savvy Online Shopping - Seminar Lesson Plan and Class Activities

This packet, only available as a PDF file, provides guidance for community educators. It contains a detailed curriculum and classroom activities.

Library: English | Questions and Answers about Savvy Online Shopping and Dispute Resolution

Written in Q&A format, this backgrounder answers many questions about savvy online shopping that are not covered in the companion brochures.

Library: English | Savvy Online Shopping: How to resolve a dispute

Consumers who shop online sometimes run into problems, from delivery or product issues to billing questions or disputes. This publication explains the steps that online shoppers can take to avoid or resolve these and other problems that might arise.

Library: English | Savvy Online Shopping: Tips for trouble-free transactions

Online shopping offers all sorts of benefits, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without potential risks. This publication explains how to reduce hassles by protecting your personal information, making wise choices about where you shop and how you pay, and taking steps to avoid disputes.

Library: English | Q&A about Protecting Your Finances for Servicemembers and Vets

This backgrounder expounds on the topics introduced in the companion brochure. Presented in Q&A format, the guide answers dozens of questions for servicemembers and veterans, ranging from how to avoid predatory lenders and take advantage of mainstream financial services to how to handle student loans and deal with debt collection issues. 

Library: English | Economic Survival Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans

This fact sheet teaches servicemembers and veterans how to recognize and avoid scams and expensive or risky financial products/services and encourages them to take advantage of the many consumer-friendly borrowing and banking options available. It also explains the special consumer finance protections that active duty servicemembers have under the law.

Library: English | Economic Survival Guide for Servicemembers and Veterans - Seminar Lesson Plan and Class Activities

This downloadable packet guides community educators through a 2.5-hour presentation on servicemembers’ and veterans’ consumer rights, financial services to avoid and the better alternatives that exist, how to avoid scams aimed at veterans, and where to get legal and financial help. In addition to the lesson plan (to be used in conjunction with the downloadable PowerPoint presentation), the packet includes exercises, resources and a class evaluation form.