FDIC Consumer News provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services. Each issue offers helpful hints, quick tips, and common-sense strategies to protect and stretch your hard-earned dollars.

You can search for FDIC Consumer News articles by topic by going to Advanced Search and, in the area marked Website Section, select "Only return results from" and use the down arrow to choose "FDIC Consumer News." Your search results will be retrieved only from FDIC Consumer News.

Winter 2008/2009 – Special Edition: Managing Your Money in Good Times and Bad
Good Ways to Get Started Cutting Back 7 Tips on Putting Your Dollars to Work...for You! Make the Most of Your FDIC Guarantee When the Economy Cools Down, Financial Scams Heat Up You Can Get a Good Loan: Ways to Make It Happen Your Credit Score: It Pays to Aim High When Payments Are a Problem President Announces Aid for Millions of Distressed Mortgage Borrowers When a Debt Collector Calls Take Charge of Your Credit Cards Sources of Help and Information on Managing Your Money Winter 2008/2009 - Color PDF 6,000k (PDF Help) Winter 2008/2009 - B&W PDF 5,000k (PDF Help) Original printing done using Pantone 282C (blue) and black on 70 lb. white, porcelain-silk text paper stock.

Fall 2008 – Special Edition: Your New, Higher FDIC Insurance Coverage
Basic FDIC Insurance Coverage Temporarily Increased to At Least $250,000 Per Depositor How to Be Sure You're Fully Protected by the FDIC "EDIE" Makes It Easy: FDIC Internet Site Analyzes Your Insurance Coverage Fact vs. Fiction: Common Misconceptions About FDIC Deposit Insurance FDIC Launches New Campaign Promoting Deposit Insurance For More Help from the FDIC About Deposit Insurance and Other Topics Fall 2008 - Color PDF 3,800k (PDF Help) Fall 2008 - B&W PDF 3,580k (PDF Help) Original printing done using Pantone 7484C (green) and black on 70 lb. white, porcelain-silk text paper stock.

Summer 2008
Get a Good Night's Sleep: Rest Assured, Your Money is Safe in an FDIC-Insured Account Tips for Trying to Fix a Clogged or "Frozen" Home Equity Line Dialing for (Your) Dollars: Beware of Phone and Fax Fraud Reminder: Beware of Mortgage Rescue Frauds "Green" Banking: Saving the Environment as You Save and Borrow Money Summer 2008 - Color PDF 3,478k (PDF Help) Summer 2008 - B&W PDF 3,550k (PDF Help) Original printing done using Pantone 293 (blue) and black on 70 lb. white, porcelain-silk text paper stock.

Spring 2008 – Special Edition: Money Tips for All Ages — Your Finances at Different Stages of Life
For Everyone For Teens For Young Adults For Newlyweds At Midlife Teaching Our Kids Before You Retire After You Retire For Financial Caregivers For Major Life Events Spring 2008 - Color PDF 9,766k (PDF Help) Spring 2008 - B&W PDF 8,743k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 2718U (blue) and black on 60 lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Winter 2007/2008
The FDIC at 75: Protecting America's Consumers from Generation to Generation Know Your Limits: Why, When and How to Be Sure You're Fully Protected by FDIC Insurance More Than Just Deposit Insurance: The Many Ways the FDIC Helps Consumers Then and Now: Changes Since the FDIC's Creation in 1933 A To-Do List for Fine-Tuning Your Finances Help for Mortgage Borrowers: An Update Winter 2007/2008 - Color PDF 5.77Mb (PDF Help) Winter 2007/2008 - B&W PDF 11.4Mb (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 347U (green) and black on 60 lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Fall 2007
The New Climate for Mortgage Borrowers FDIC Insurance: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers Timely Tips for Tax Season What's New on the Net New Law to Reduce Student Loan Costs Fall 2007 - Color PDF 5722k (PDF Help) Fall 2007 - B&W PDF 5176k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 288U (blue) and PMS 347U (green) on 60 lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Summer 2007 – Special Edition: 51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards
Cutting Your Costs: Simple Strategies for Saving Money on Loans and Credit Cards Refinancing: Tips for Mortgages and Other Credit Borrower Beware: How to Avoid Fraudulent or Deceptive Deals Taking Charge of Your Credit Cards Home Loans: How to Keep Costs from Going Through the Roof Auto Loans: Take Control of the Financing Before You Take Control of the Wheel When You Need Money Fast: Sources of Affordable Cash Paying for College ... the Smart Way Financing a Small Business: Saving Money to Help Your Company Grow For More Help or Information on Loans and Credit Cards Summer 2007 - Color PDF 4369k (PDF Help) Summer 2007 - B&W PDF 3782k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 355U (green) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Spring 2007
Speed Paying and Banking Attention ARM Borrowers: Contact Your Lender Before Higher Payments Put Your Home at Risk Don't Get Burned by Hot Investments The FDIC Sign Is Changing New Deposit Insurance Resources in English and Spanish Deceptive Mortgage Offers Treasury Report: Direct Deposit Safer Than Checks A Final Exam: Test Your Money Management IQ Spring 2007 - Color PDF 5443k (PDF Help) Spring 2007 - B&W PDF 3177k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 288U (blue) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Winter 2006/2007 – Special Edition: Be Prepared, Be Informed, Be in Charge
Make Sure You Are Financially Fit Protect Against Bad Deals and Scams that Arrive by Phone, Letter and the Internet Avoid Costly Scams Involving Fake Checks and Money Orders Protect All Your Deposits with FDIC Insurance Complain Effectively and Get Results 5 Top Reasons People Call or Write the FDIC: What You Can Learn from Other Consumers' Questions and Concerns Test Your Money Management IQ Winter 2006/2007 - Color PDF 8116k (PDF Help) Winter 2006/2007 - B&W PDF 3452k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 485 (red) and 2757 (blue) on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Fall 2006
Avoiding Costly Banking Mistakes: No Trivial Pursuit Fraudulent E-Mails Claim to Be From the FDIC Beware of Phone-Based "Vishing" Scams New Safety Procedures for Internet Banking Update on Higher Coverage for Retirement Accounts New Law Promotes Retirement Savings New Options for Direct Deposit of Tax Refunds Guide for Seniors Wins Consumer Award A Shopping List: Money Tips for the Holidays...and Year-Round Fall 2006 - Color PDF 8116k (PDF Help) Fall 2006 - B&W PDF 3452k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 2935 (blue) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Special Bulletin (Revised September 2006)
What You Should Know About Higher FDIC Coverage for Retirement Accounts: A look at what's changed with deposit insurance, what hasn't, and how to get more information Special Bulletin (Revised September 2006) - PDF 792k (PDF Help)

Summer 2006 – Start Smart: Money Management for Teens
Simple, Everyday Things You Can Do to Save Money Shopping for a Bank Account Risks, Rewards of Investing Money 5 Ways to Cut Spending...and Still Get to Do and Buy Cool Things Borrowing Money: A Responsibility to Be Taken Seriously Be on Guard Against Identity Theft What to Know About the FDIC Test Your Money Management IQ Summer 2006 - Color PDF 6497k (PDF Help) Summer 2006 - B&W PDF 1649k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 354 (green) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Spring 2006
FDIC Insurance: Do You Know As Much As You Think You Know? Misconceptions: A Top 10 List FDIC Insurance: What's New, What's Not How to Fully Insure Much More than $100,000 New Deposit Insurance Calculator More User-Friendly Answers to Common Questions About Debit Cards Traveling Abroad? Don't Leave Home Without Making Financial Preparations Tips for Saving and Borrowing Money Spring 2006 - Color PDF 150k (PDF Help) Spring 2006 - B&W PDF 146k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 347 (green) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Winter 2005/2006
Fires, Floods and Other Misfortunes: Are You Prepared Financially? Consumer Alert: Beware of Disaster-Related Financial Scams Banks Are Required to Prepare for Disasters Safe Online Banking, Shopping and Bill Paying: Our Latest Tips on Services Protecting Consumers FDIC Web Presentation: How to Prevent Online ID Theft Coming Soon to Internet Banking Customers: New Procedures for Verifying that "You are You" For More Information About Preventing Internet Fraud Increase in $100,000 Limit Under Consideration for Retirement Accounts Expanded FDIC Insurance for College Savings Accounts Reminder: Deposited Checks Subject to Temporary "Hold" Winter 2005/2006 - Color PDF 153k (PDF Help) Winter 2005/2006 - B&W PDF 169k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 485 (red) and black on 60lb. smooth opaque paper stock.

Fall 2005 Fiscal Fitness for Older Americans: A Special Guide for Seniors and Families
Helping Your Money Last... After Your Last Paycheck Annuities for Retirees: What to Consider Before You Invest Retirement Strategies for All Ages: A "To-Do" List Avoiding Frauds that Target the Elderly How to Simplify and Organize Your Finances Giving Others Access to Bank Accounts and Safe Deposit Boxes 7 Things to Know About FDIC Insurance Take Our Quiz on Money Management for Seniors For More Information Fall 2005 - Color PDF 249k (PDF Help) Fall 2005 - B&W PDF 250k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 2945 (blue) and black on 60lb. offset white paper stock. The back page of the PDF version also was intentionally left blank so that an organization could add its name, logo, a special message and/or self-mailing information.

Summer 2005
A Shopper's Guide to Bank Products and Services When the News Reports Say Your Personal Information May Be at Risk Warning: Don't Be Fooled by Fake Checks Credit Cards Raising Minimum Payments Interim Final Rules on the Use of Medical Information New FDIC Service for Finding Bank Information Summer 2005 - Color PDF 2,086k (PDF Help) Summer 2005 - B&W PDF 2,081k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 280 (blue) and PMS 1795 (red) on 60lb. offset white paper stock.

Spring 2005 Taking Control of Your Finances: A Special Guide for Young Adults
If at First You Don't Succeed: Common Mistakes Young Adults Make with Money and How to Avoid Them Financial Fraud and Theft: How to Protect Yourself Five Things You Should Know about...Credit Cards Five Things You Should Know about...Checks and Checking Accounts High-Tech Banking 24/7 To Buy or Not to Buy...a Home or a Car A To-Do List for Key Stages of Your Life Take Our "Financial Aptitude Test"— the F.A.T. The Right Way to Right a Wrong Some Federal Laws Protecting Consumers Web Sites Offer Guidance on Paying for College The FDIC Protects Deposits to $100,000 Spring 2005 - Color PDF 1,343k (PDF Help) Spring 2005 - B&W PDF 1,380k (PDF Help) Original printing done using PMS 1795 (red) and black on 60lb. offset white paper stock. The back page of the PDF version also was intentionally left blank so that an organization could add its name, logo, a special message and/or self-mailing information.

Winter 2004/2005
You Can Simplify Your Financial Life Afraid to Bank Electronically? Read This Expecting a Tax Refund? Beware of Costly Loans and Other Pitfalls New Studies Highlight Different ID Theft Wanted: Your Thoughts About Senior Citizens, Young Adult and Money News Briefs The FDIC Always Pays 100 Percent of Insured Deposits if a Bank Fails Winter 2004/2005 - PDF 654k (PDF Help)

Fall 2004
ID Theft: Strategies and Help for Fighting Back Coming Soon: Free Credit Reports and Access to Credit Scores Basics of Deposit Insurance for Businesses New Insurance Publications Available in Spanish FDIC, Other Agencies Add to Financial Education Programs More on "Check 21" Fall 2004 - PDF 205k (PDF Help)

Summer 2004
Checks and Balances: New Rules, New Strategies for Bank Customers in the 21st Century Kicking the Tires on an Auto Loan: Don't Kick Yourself for Paying Too Much New Tax-Advantaged Savings Account for Medical Costs Summer 2004 - PDF 808k (PDF Help)

Spring 2004
ATMs and You: Tips on Self-Service Banking Test Your Deposit Insurance IQ New FDIC Publications Explaining Deposit Insurance News Briefs Wanted: Your Questions About Bank Mergers

Winter 2003/2004
Estate Planning: Protecting Your "Family Fortune" Through FDIC-Insured Bank Accounts New Insurance Rules for Living Trusts When Internet Scam Artists Go "Phishing," Don't Take the Bait New Proof of Identity Required When Opening Accounts Beware of Bogus Debt Elimination Scams Fraudulent Ads Use Official Bank Logos A Final Exam

Fall 2003 Special 10th Anniversary Edition
Tips You Can Bank On: An FDIC Guide to Being a Smarter, Safer Financial Consumer You and Your Bank Deposits and Deposit Insurance Loans and Credit Cards Fighting Fraud Family Matters

Summer 2003
Credit Protection: What to Consider Before You Buy Minimum Payments, Maximum Costs on Credit Cards If Your FDIC-Insured Bank Fails: What Really Happens A Final Exam

Spring 2003 Special Report on Fraud
Fighting Financial Fraud: How to Shield Yourself from Swindles Common Cons... and How to Avoid Them Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Fight Fraud Paying Extra for ID Theft Protection? Consider Costs vs. Benefits Who to Call to Report a Financial Crime Federal Laws Protecting You Against Fraud Does the FDIC Cover Losses Due to Fraud? A Final Exam on Financial Fraud For More Information About Fighting Fraud

Winter 2002/2003 Special Report on Credit Reports and Credit Scores
Your Credit Record: A Report Card on Your Personal Finances Credit History 101: The ABCs of Credit Reports and Credit Scores Simple Mistakes That Can Lower Your Credit Score...and Cost You Money Don't Fall for Credit-Related Scams Monitoring Your Credit Report to Help Guard Against ID Theft Bad Checks: Bad News for Your Record Federal Laws Protecting You and Your Credit Files Call the Credit Bureaus to Limit Unsolicited Offers A Final Exam on Credit Reports

Fall 2002
Playing Your Cards Right: Smart Ways To Use Credit and Debit Cards Problems With Plastic: Our Tips for Tackling Your Top Five Concerns A Reader's Guide to Credit Card Mailings (and the Fine Print) Fighting Card Fraud: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Setting the Record Straight: Basic Facts About FDIC Insurance Your Bank Records: What to Keep, What to Toss... and When

Summer 2002
High-Cost "Predatory" Home Loans: How to Avoid the Traps Privacy Mailings Arriving Again: Toss At Your Own Risk Fraud Alert! Bogus "Bonus" Checks, Fake Cashier's Checks and Miscellaneous Mischief to Avoid Brokers, Deposits and Failed Banks: Why the FDIC Check Isn't In the Mail (Yet) Shifting from Stocks to Deposits? Consider Your FDIC Insurance Did You Know?...Co-Signing a Loan Can Be Costly A Final Exam: Test Your Financial IQ

Spring 2002
Long-Distance Banking: A Guide to Your Rights and Risks Saving for Retirement: A Job You Should Take Seriously Solving Mysteries About Old Bank Accounts and Safe Deposit Boxes There's No Such Thing As a Free-Lunch Loan Do You Have Questions About Credit Cards or Debit Cards?

Winter 2001/2002
Weathering a Financial Storm If It Sounds Too Good to Be True... Have You Reviewed Your Insurance Coverage Yet? New Brochure Explains Your Rights to Privacy Tips for Hanging Up On Fraudulent Calls Now on Sale: Patriot Bonds

Fall 2001 Special Report: Are You Sure You're Fully Insured?
Lessons from Losses: What You Can Learn from Recent Bank Failures Six Ways to Protect Yourself With FDIC Insurance If a Bank Fails: Answers to Common Questions About an Uncommon Event Deposit Insurance 101: A Final Exam

Summer 2001
Shopping and Paying From Home Over the Internet... Do Your Homework First Now Arriving By E-Mail... Money Before You Aggregate... Investigate! The Latest on Your New Rights to Privacy... Our Answers to Your Questions New Tax Law Enhances Savings Programs for Retirement, Education

Spring 2001
One-Stop Shopping for Financial Services: A Window of Opportunity for the Informed Consumer Credit Card Fees Often Go Unnoticed Even As They Increase News Briefs Congress Acts to Stop Deposit Brokers from Claiming FDIC Endorsement

Winter 2000/2001
New Rights to Privacy: You Now Hold the Key to How Much Information Financial Institutions Can Share Accounts You Manage for Others Don't Limit Your Insurance Coverage There Are Special Rules for Deposit Insurance When Banks Merge IRS Tax Refunds Are Safer By Direct Deposit News Briefs

Fall 2000

Should You Buy a Bank CD from a Broker? Ask Questions Before Paying for Credit Card Insurance Banks' Limited Authority to Open, Close and Access Accounts A Bank By Any Other Name May Still Be the Same Bank Wanted: Parental Advice for Teaching Teens About Spending and Borrowing Responsibly

Summer 2000

When a Criminal's Cover Is Your Identity New Rules to Help Protect Your Financial Privacy Test Your Financial Savvy Fewer Credit Cards Offer a "Full" Grace Period Direct Deposit Is Safer Than Checks in the Mail

Spring 2000

Paper or Plastic? A guide to using cash, checks, credit cards or debit cards The Top 10 Mistakes That Cost Depositors Money When a Bank Fails... and How to Avoid Them Is My Bank Healthy? A New You for the New Millennium It's the Year 2000. Now What?

Fall 1999

Y2K: Federally Insured Institutions Are Prepared Your Y2K Questions... And Our Answers Reliable Sources on Y2K For More Help and Information Regarding Y2K A Year 2000 "To-Do" List Your Credit Card: Why and How to Focus on the Fine Print FDIC Web Site Now Easier to Use Special Delivery: Our Consumer News Now Arrives by E-Mail New Law "Modernizes" the Financial Services Industry

Summer 1999
How the FDIC Helps Consumers with Banking Questions and Problems...and How Consumers Can Help Themselves Take Our Year 2000 Quiz for Bank Customers Suggestions for Getting Your Best Deal on a Home Loan Reminder About New Right to Cancel Mortgage Insurance How to Improve Your Credit Score and Your Chances of Getting a Good Loan Wanted: Your Crime Stories

June 1999: The Year 2000, Your Bank and You -- A New Special Report
(Issue no longer available)
What Regulators Are Doing to Get Banks Ready Beware of Y2K Scams What to Consider Before Withdrawing Extra Money for the Year 2000 Direct Deposits, Payments Expected to Go Smoothly A Year 2000 Checklist for Consumers FDIC Resources on Deposit Insurance A List of Government Resources for Y2K Help and Information

Spring 1999
FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage Now Simpler for Consumers Interactive Internet Site Analyzes Your Insurance Coverage Test Your Deposit Insurance IQ What to Consider Before Withdrawing Extra Money for the Year 2000 Beware of Y2K Scams Direct Deposits, Payments Expected to Go Smoothly in the Year 2000

Fall 1998: Special Report on the Year 2000, Your Bank and You
Questions and Answers on the Year 2000 Problem FDIC Chairman Tanoue: "Insured Deposits Fully Protected" What Regulators Are Doing to Get Banks Ready A Bank Customer's Y2K "To-Do" List The Year 2000 and Your Insured Deposits A List of Government Resources for Y2K Help and Information

Summer 1998
Ways to Get Attractive Rates, Low Fees, Solid Service The Year 2000 Date Change If Your Bank Is Merging Fighting Fraud on the Internet Deposit Insurance Update Treasury’s Decision on Electronic Benefit Payments

Spring 1998
Protect Against Fraud and Theft Deposit Insurance Simplified New IRAs, New Insurance Determinations Ways to Minimize ATM Fees

Winter 1997/1998
Teaching Kids the Financial Facts of Life Deposit Insurance for Retirement Savings Stopping Unwanted Sales Calls and Mail Beware of “Deals’ Requiring Money Up-Front

Fall 1997
Protecting Yourself if Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen Basic Points About Deposit Insurance for Individual Accounts Safe Banking and Shopping Over the Internet Writing Yourself a Loan? Be Cautious

Summer 1997
A Survival Guide for Helping Ill or Elderly Loved Ones Manage Their Money New Tax Cuts for Savers, Home Owners Test Your Deposit Insurance IQ

Spring 1997
Retirement Planning The Key to Using Safe Deposit Boxes

Winter 1996/1997
Costly Mistakes to Avoid with Credit Cards Protecting Against Fraud from Abroad

Fall 1996
A Guide to Finding Lost or Forgotten Bank Accounts and Other Valuables Money Tips for Small Businesses New Protections for Credit Records Countering Confusion Over Investment Sales by Banks and Thrifts
(510 Kb PDF File - PDF help or hard copy)