| Bank Products: What's Insured and What's Not |
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Mutual funds and annuities have their advantages, but it's important to understand how they work and what risks are involved.
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| Check 21 Basics: A Quick Guide for Consumer Advocates |
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The following quick reference guide answers commonly asked questions about
how this new law affects consumers.
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| Consumer Guide to Check 21 and Substitute Checks |
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Because of Check 21 and other check-system improvements, your checks may be processed faster--which means money may be deducted from your checking account faster. Before you write a check, make sure that your checking account has enough money in it to cover the check.
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| ESPAÑOL: Guía del consumidor sobre Check 21 y cheques sustitutos |
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Consumer Guide to Check 21 and Substitute Checks - Spanish
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| E-Banking: Banking on the Internet |
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On-line discussion about on-line banking and questions consumers should address before signing up for that service.
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| Electronic Payments |
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Electronic payments are made without the use of paper by way of a variety of electronic devices.
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| ETAsm --A Direct Deposit Account-- Is Direct to You (PDF) |
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Information on ETA --Electronic Transfer Account-- which uses direct deposit to transfer Federal benefits or payroll payments straight into your bank account. This file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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| ETAsm --Una Cuenta de Depósitos Directos-- Va Directamente a Usted (PDF) |
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Encuentre infomación acerca de ETA, una cuenta que utiliza depósitos directos para transferir electrónicamente los beneficios o pagos de nómina del gobierno directamente a su cuenta de banco. Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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| In Plain English |
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Making sense of the Federal Reserve.
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| Less Travel for Your Checks |
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The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act – "Check 21" for short – dramatically changes the way banks process checks and is certain to have an impact on consumers – especially those who've been known to "play the float."
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| The Life of a Check (Flash) |
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Ever wonder about the path your check takes after you write it? This link requires Flash 8.0 or higher.
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| The Life of a Dollar Bill (Flash) |
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The path of a dollar bill as it moves from printer to shredder. This link requires Flash 6.0 or higher.
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| Paying for It: Checks, Cash and Electronic Payments |
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The evolution continues on the nation’s payment network, which includes an array of options for exchanging money for goods and services.
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| Our Money |
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Examines currency issued by the U.S. government, including information about the history of currency, how money is printed, new currency designs and counterfeit protection.
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| Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees |
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| ESPAÑOL: Protéjase de los cargos por cheques rebotados y sobregiros |
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Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees - Spanish
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| Tips for Safe Banking on the Internet (PDF) |
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Brochure provides basic information and tips on using on-line banking services effectively.
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| What You Should Know about Your Checks |
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| ESPAÑOL: Lo que usted debería saber sobre sus cheques |
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What You Should Know about Your Checks - Spanish
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| When Is Your Check Not a Check? Electronic Check Conversion |
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Electronic check conversion is a process in which your check is used as a source of information--for the check number, your account number, and the number that identifies your financial institution. The information is then used to make a one-time electronic payment from your account--an electronic fund transfer. The check itself is not the method of payment.
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| ESPAÑOL: ¿Cuándo no es su cheque un cheque? Intercambio electrónico de cheques |
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When Is Your Check Not a Check? Electronic Check Conversion - Spanish
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| Publications |
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Consumer Banking publications available from the Federal Reserve.
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| Federal Reserve Consumer Help |
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The Federal Reserve's new centralized consumer intake function has been designed to provide national support and resources to consumers with inquiries or complaints about a bank or other financial institution.
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| Frauds & Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Money |
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Describes some typical financial frauds and scams and suggests how to protect yourself and your money.
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| How to File a Complaint Against a Bank |
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Link to the Board of Governors Web site that provides information on how and where to file a complaint against a bank, and how the Federal Reserve handles such complaints.
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| Identity Theft |
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Identity theft is a federal crime. It occurs when one person's identification (which can include name, social security number, or any account number) is used or transferred by another person for unlawful activities. This booklet is designed to help you understand what identity theft is, how it happens, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if your identity is stolen.
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| ESPAÑOL: Robo de Identidad |
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Identity Theft: Protect Yourself - Spanish
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| Major consumer protection laws (in plain English) |
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Major laws that govern financial institutions and protect individuals in their financial dealings.
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| Phishing and Pharming: Helping Consumers Avoid Internet Fraud |
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Fraudulent access to personal information over the Internet is increasingly prevalent and sophisticated. Two forms of identity theft are at the forefront of this Internet piracy: PHISHING and PHARMING.
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| Plastic Fraud: Getting a Handle on Debit and Credit Cards |
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This pamphlet describes credit and debit cards and some common schemes involving card fraud with tips to help you avoid them.
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| Privacy Choices for Your Personal Financial Information |
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Financial companies share information for many reasons: to offer you more services, to introduce new products, and to profit from the information they have about you. If you like to know about other products and services, you may want your financial company to share your personal financial information; in this case, you don’t need to respond to the privacy notice. If you prefer to limit the promotions you receive or do not want marketers and others to have your personal financial information, you must take some important steps.
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| Scams Involving the Federal Reserve Name |
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Federal Reserve Board alerts public to instances of questionable solicitations directed at consumers
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| Publications |
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Consumer Protection publications available from the Federal Reserve.
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| All About the Foreign Exchange Market in the United States |
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Book discusses in detail the operations, participants and instruments in the U.S. segment of the global foreign exchange market.
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| The Basics of Foreign Trade and Exchange |
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Summary of the magnitude of international trade and foreign exchange transactions and how such transactions affect households, businesses and markets.
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| Economic Indicators: By the Numbers |
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In formulating the nation's monetary policy, the Federal Reserve considers a number of factors, including the economic and financial indicators as well as the anecdotal reports compiled in the Beige Book.
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| Economic Literacy |
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"The Economic Literacy Project: Seeking a Blueprint for America," featured more than 60 specially invited representatives of academia, business, labor, K-12 education, consumers, government, and finance institutions.
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| Economic Indicators: What Are They and Why They Are Important? (Flash) |
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This economic indicators section of the FED101 Web site provides a snapshot of the economy's health. This link requires Flash 6.0 or higher.
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| Everyday Economics |
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A series of colorful booklets explaining fundamental economic concepts for high school students. Free to teachers and students in the Eleventh Federal Reserve District.
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| Is Diversifying Across World Markets a Good Investment Strategy? |
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Discussion surrounds the role of business cycles and the risk & return of international stock markets in building a diversified portfolio for investing.
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| Teaching About the Global Economy Using the Internet |
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On-line teaching guide with internet-based classroom activities to enrich students' understanding of global economy and interdependence of nations.
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| What's A Dollar Worth? |
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Use the CPI calculator to find out how much the item you purchased years ago would cost in today's dollars.
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| What is the Economic Function of a Bank? |
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Discusses the role of banks as key components of the financial system and how bank assets and liabilities help channel funds from savers to borrowers in a more efficient manner.
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| What Steps Can Be Taken to Increase Savings in the United States Economy? |
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Why Americans are in the aggregate, or overall, saving far less (or consuming much more) as a percentage of disposable personal income than they did during most of the past 40 years.
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| Understanding the Federal Budget |
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Booklet provides an overview of basic economic concepts and governmental processes related to the budget and debt of the federal government
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| Why Do We Need Economists and the Study of Economics? |
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This discussion explains why we need economists and the study of financial and regional economic issues to make sense of our complex environment.
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| Publications |
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Economics publications available from the Federal Reserve.
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| Access to Credit: A Guide for Lenders and Women Owners of Small Businesses |
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Describes issues and recommendations in successful lending practices and credit financing for women owners of small businesses.
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| A Guide to Business Credit for Women, Minorities, and Small Businesses |
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This brochure may help to de-mystify the process and improve your chances of getting the credit you need.
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| ESPAÑOL: Una Guía de Crédito Comercial para las Mujeres, las Minorías, y Pequeñas Empresas |
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A Guide to Business Credit for Women, Minorities, and Small Businesses - Spanish
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| Consumer handbook to credit protection laws |
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| Consumer protection regulations from the Federal Reserve |
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| Credit & Charge Cards: What Consumers Should Know about the Cost & Terms of Credit |
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Knowing how credit card charges, finance charges, and terms of credit can change your financial status.
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| The Credit Process: A Guide for Small Business Owners |
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Summary of the sources and types of commercial loans, business plan design, and the loan-review process for small business financing.
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| Free Annual Credit Report |
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| How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit |
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Credit is an important financial tool, but it can also be dangerous, leading people into debt far beyond their ability to repay.
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| Use of Alternative Credit Data Offers Promise, Raises Issues |
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| Your Credit Report |
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It used to be that a retailer or bank would have to call each creditor you listed on an application form before they would decide to extend credit to you. Today, they rely on credit reports, so it's important for you to know what is in yours.
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| Your Credit Rights |
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You need to understand how credit is awarded or denied and what you can do if you are treated unfairly. The major laws that regulate credit are outlined in this brochure.
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| Publications |
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Federal Reserve publications relating to loans and credit.
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| America Saves |
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Provides adult education to encourage savings and advise to assist Americans build wealth and plan for unexpected expenses.
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| American Financial Services Association |
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Teaches consumers the benefits of responsible money management and middle and high school students basic money management skills.
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| American Savings Education Council |
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This program has been developed to raise public awareness about what is needed to ensure long-term personal financial independence
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| Department of Education |
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Education program that provides resources and information focused on reading comprehension, math skills and other academic subjects.
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| Department of Housing and Urban Development: Buying and Financing a Home |
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The home buying process can seem complicated, but taking things step-by-step will assist you in holding the keys to your own home!
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| Department of Housing and Urban Development: Escrow Account Information |
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Answers frequently asked questions on escrow accounts.
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| Department of Housing and Urban Development: Reverse Mortgages for Seniors |
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What to know if you're interested in a reverse mortgage.
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| Department of the Treasury |
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Developed the MoneyMath program to educate middle school children about savings, investing, spending and credit
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| Department of the Treasury - Office of Financial Education |
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The Office of Financial Education focuses the Department of the Treasury's financial education policymaking, raises awareness about the need for financial education, and provides information about financial education resources throughout the federal government.
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| Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) |
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The EFFAK is a simple tool that helps identify and organize key financial records and provides a quick reference file for your most important financial documents.
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| eXtension Financial Security for All |
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The Financial Security for All eXtension website is a source of reliable, unbiased and up-to- date financial and consumer information. Resources consist of learning modules, factsheets, and commonly asked questions that have science-based, peer reviewed answers.
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| Fannie Mae |
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Adult education program that provides a comprehensive homebuyer training curriculum as well as savings and credit information.
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| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) |
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Comprehensive financial education program suitable for adults and high schools students. Includes 10 separate modules ranging from money skills to credit issues.
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| Federal Trade Commission: Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins |
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Explains lock-in mortgages and their advantages to consumers.
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| Foreclosure Resources for Consumers |
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If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment, one of the most important things you can do is seek assistance. The following resources provide information and links to agencies and organizations that may be able to help you.
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| Jump$tart |
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Comprehensive education program teaching children Pre-K-12 life skills and money management techniques.
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| Junior Achievement |
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Program to educate children K-12 about basic life skills, critical thinking and solving complex problems.
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| MyMoney.gov |
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Personal financial education resources provided by federal agencies and the federal Financial Literacy Education Commission.
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| National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) |
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Works directly with non-profit organizations to help promote community and economic redevelopment in low- to moderate-income areas.
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| National Council on Economic Education |
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Program works through a network of teachers to provide youngsters grades K-12 the principles of economics including savings, investing, uses of money and credit
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| National Endowment for Financial Education |
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Offers a high school financial planning program that provides practical money-management skills and an introduction to financial planning, covering the fundamentals of insurance, investments, tax, retirement and estate planning.
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| National Foundation for Credit Counseling |
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Promotes the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and builds capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services.
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| Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. |
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Works directly with non-profit organizations to provide consumer financial education through collaboration with National programs. Site provides general information and resources to other programs.
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| Operation Hope |
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Help revitalize inner-city communities through adult education, community resource information and economic literacy for teens and young adults.
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| Understanding Taxes |
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The IRS has developed an interactive, instructional tax program to provide high schools, community colleges, and the general public with a technology-based instructional tool.
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