How Financial Reform Will Really Work

The historic new law aims to keep you safe. But even as regulators write the rules, the financial industry is pushing back, and your wallet is up for grabs. By Donna Rosato Find the nearest copy of this article in Money magazine (VOL. 39, NO. 8 – September 2010) through the on-line World Catalog.

The Quest for the Perfect Credit Score

Meet some folks who are nearly flawless on the FICO scale — and learn which of their habits you should adopt. By Ismat Sarah Mangla Find the nearest copy of this article in Money magazine (VOL. 39, NO. 8 – September 2010) through the on-line World Catalog.

Understanding Social Security Insurance Programs

Social Security is more than just a retirement program – it is a social insurance that pays benefits to: People who have already retired People who are disabled Survivors of workers who have died Dependents of Beneficiaries The Issue Brief provides an easy to follow overview of the Social Security Insurance Programs. The PowerPoint provides […]

Housing Bubble and Prospects, Fall 2010

Presentation to Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) Madison WI, 10/6/2010 This slide presentation includes numerous visual aids of: • Current Conditions – is the Local Market doing ok? • Understanding the ‘bubble’ • Role of Subprime & Hot Markets • The Great Recession • Recovery & Prospects • Policy Issues

ID Theft

October 17-23 2010 is National Protect Your Identity Week Issue Brief ID Theft Brief Oct2010 mp3 file* Credit Fraud October 2010 *Listen now or download the audio file to an mp3 player for later listening by following the steps on this tip sheet: Adding Podcasts to iPods For an article on Credit Freeze’s or Alerts: […]

Savings Bonds

Some financial counselors may dismiss bonds as being too small and offering returns that are too low. But for many savers bonds have features that are hard to beat: Risk Free. No Fees. No Experience Necessary. Liquid but Some Constraints. Flexible. Bonds can be used to save for anything including education, retirement and even gifts. […]

Measuring Asset Building

The asset-building field is struggling to define specific and concrete evidence of its impact. Anecdotes of clients who have developed savings are compelling, but financial counseling, coaching, and longer-term behavior change are harder to define in terms of a bank statement. To the extent practitioners and funders can agree to focus on a small number […]

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 is a more than 2,300 page law, and many of the details are set to be determined by administrative actions over the next year (most provisions are to be implemented in 180 days to 18 months). But there are several aspects of the law […]

Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

Reverse mortgages offer homeowners an alternative to selling their home to generate income in retirement. A reverse mortgage allows a homeowner to convert a portion of home value into cash while allowing them to continue living in their homes. Presented April 2010 ———————– Additional Resource: Q and A from HUD mp3 File* Alternative Financial Products […]

Financial Service Alternatives to Traditional Accounts

Many financial services are offered outside of federally-insured or regulated financial institutions. This Issue Brief and corresponding audio will provide an overview of what is available in the market today and why people may choose these alternatives. Presented April 2010 mp3 File* Alternative Financial Products This Lunchtime Learning audio also includes information on Reverse Mortgages. […]