Credit and borrowing
Number of unique resources found: 74
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– General Information –
Adjusting to Suddenly Reduced Income 
Author: Danes, Sharon (20 more by this author)
Description: This publication helps people who have sudden income loss by taking into account both the emotional and financial aspects. Through explanation, information, and four worksheets, this publication guides people through the processes of emotional reactions, spending patterns, rethinking goals, and managing conflict should you be adjusting to the loss together with a partner. For anyone experiencing financial loss. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Description: The InterNet Bankruptcy Library joined the Internet community in December of 1994. If nothing else, we were first. The IBL includes six subject areas related to large-scale business restructurings targeted to the bankruptcy professional seeking information on the Internet. The IBL currently receives thousands of hits each day. The IBL is cited as a resource link from dozens of Web sites and has been featured as a valuable Internet information resource in scores of directories, newspapers, magazines and trade journals.
Description: ABI World: The premier site for bankruptcy information on the web.
Description: Layaway is a useful way of making a purchase, but there are important considerations when entering into this type of transaction.
Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Author: Granovsky, Nancy (1 more by this author)
Description: How do you know if you are carrying too much debt? A good place to start is to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. This is basically the percentage of your take home pay that goes to pay non-mortgage debt. By completing this worksheet, you can determine your ratio and learn "how much" is "too much" for you.
Description: Charting Your Course to Home Ownership is a 12-hour home buyer education curriculum that satisifes requirements for many down payment assistance programs. Unit 4 -Keeping a Safe Harbor: Maintaining and Protecting Your Home materials cover strategies to help new home owners learn to maintain their home's value, properly secure and insure their home investment, avoid home repair rip-offs and prevent foreclosure. In addition participants learn the life expectancy of home appliances and home sytems and how to improve the health of their home.
College Students' Knowledge and Use of Credit
Description: The findings suggest that credit education may be needed before students enter college (or shortly thereafter) to help them make informed decisions and avoid having excessive debt affect current/future financial security.
Description: Credit is a good thing if you use it wisely. Learn how to obtain credit and how credit works.
Credit and Analyzing Your Debts Worksheet -- Money Mechanics
Author: Fletcher, Cynthia (5 more by this author)
Description: This publication will help you understand when and how much to borrow, give you tips on how to shop for credit, and includes information on credit reports and credit rights.
Description: Helpful credit card comparison chart. Use this chart to compare credit costs and card features to determine which card is best for you.
Description: Take the credit check up to determine if you are headed toward credit problems?
Description: Useful checklist to help you determine if you may be headed for credit problems.
Description: Your site for complete credit information including: Personal Finance Bankruptcy, Credit Reports, Credit Cards, Loans, Mortgages, Credit Problems, Credit Repair, Fair Isaac, Fair Issac and Identity Theft
Credit, Debt, and Identity Theft terms
Description: This three-page Fact Sheet explains terms that are commonly used by financial institutions and individuals regarding credit, credit reports, credit scores, debt, and identity theft.
Description: A list of links regarding credit and credit counseling through about.com.
Description: Description: This money management tool provides space for you to list your creditors.
Description: The purpose of this chart is for you to list your creditor to help make a plan for repayment.
Description: Learn how to cut your credit card expenses and debt. Know which options are best for you, negotiate for lower fees and repay high-interest debt.
Cutting Credit Costs: Pay More than the Minimum
Author: Bowen, Cathy (6 more by this author)
Description: The effect of paying only the minimum payment listed on a monthly credit card statement on the total repayment period and total finance charges paid are illustrated. Rules of thumb regarding annual percentage rates are also included.
Cutting Credit Costs: Understanding Grace Periods
Author: Bowen, Cathy (6 more by this author)
Description: Grace periods are defined and discussed relative to paying on credit cards. A tip on how to use the closing date of your credit card to buy additional days to repay in full without finance charges is included.
Description: This guide, one in a series on consumer financial management, helps show how to cut family debt payments.
Debt Repayment Plan Instructions
Description: This money management tool has instructions for making a plan for paying off household debt.
Description: This worksheet is designed to be used with Debt Repayment Plan Instructions to make a plan for paying off debt.
Description: Debt: How much is too much? Are you carrying too much debt? Is it good debt or bad? What is the difference? Use this worksheet to determine where you stand
Deciding if Bankruptcy Is Right For You
Author: Hayhoe, Celia Ray (2 more by this author)
Description: The basics of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy including a time line of events. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Dollar Works 2: A Personal Financial Education Program
Description: This easy-to-use CD is designed as a replacement/additional copy of the CD that is provided as part of the full Dollar Works 2 curriculum (item 08503 and 08546). This CD contains print versions of all of the handouts for the curriculum. All handouts have been culturally adapted for English and Spanish speaking audiences. Dollar Works 2 is a comprehensive personal financial education curriculum developed by educators from the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development. It is a revision and expansion of the original Dollar Works curriculum. It gives educators and service providers the tools they need to teach personal finance to individuals and families. For more information on the Dollar Works 2 curriculum see item 08503 (for the print version) or 08546 (for the CD version).
Family Economics and Consumerism Toolkit
Description: The Research Subcommittee of Michigan State University Extension, Family Resource Management-Area of Expertise compiled an online Family Economic and Consumerism Toolkit for Extension Educator. The toolkit is based upon the stages of change theory and utilize components from On the Path MSUE curriculum, Money 2000-Rutgers and Cornell curriculum, Budgeting Basic-Kansas State University curriculum, to meet the financial educational needs of consumers. The toolkit facilitates ease in conducting one time or a series of educational workshops with consumers. The toolkit includes an evaluation which is also based upon the stages of change theory and developed by Extension Specialist nationally.
Description: A brief overview on bankruptcy and how to file for bankruptcy. Frequently asked questions by the National Consumer Law Center.
Description: Learn from whom and when to request a free credit report.
Description: Credit is a good thing if you use it wisely. Learn how to obtain credit and how credit works.
Author: Bischoff, Marilyn (1 more by this author)
Description: Four page publication includes the following topics: *Know what you owe; *Make a debt repayment plan; *Negotiate with creditors; *Seek additional help if needed. A "Getting Out of Debt" worksheet is included.
Getting Through Tough Financial Times
Description: Whether you have lost your home or job or are concerned with the decreasing value of your assets, you must rethink your money management strategies to minimize the impact of the current financial situation. This website is designed to help you make good decisions during these tough financial times.
Getting Through Tough Times: Community Agencies That Can Help
Author: Danes, Sharon (20 more by this author)
Description: One of a 17 fact sheet series on getting help, making financial decisions with less, dealing with stress, figuring out how to do more with less, and talking to children about tough times. "Community Agencies That Can Help" provides community agencies that can be a source of help during tough times. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Getting Through Tough Times: Deciding Which Bills to Pay First
Author: Danes, Sharon (20 more by this author)
Description: One of a 17 fact sheet series on getting help, making financial decisions with less, dealing with stress, figuring out how to do more with less, and talking to children about tough times. "Deciding Which Bills to Pay First" provides guidance in prioritizing the payment of bills and steps to protect your credit record. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Getting Through Tough Times: Making the Most of What You Have
Author: Danes, Sharon (20 more by this author)
Description: One of a 17 fact sheet series on getting help, making financial decisions with less, dealing with stress, figuring out how to do more with less, and talking to children about tough times. "Making the Most of What You Have" provides insights into looking at your total financial picture to calculate your assets and determine which assets you might use to meet family obligations. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Getting Through Tough Times: Meeting Your Insurance Needs
Author: Danes, Sharon (20 more by this author)
Description: One of a 17 fact sheet series on getting help, making financial decisions with less, dealing with stress, figuring out how to do more with less, and talking to children about tough times. "Meeting Your Insurance Needs" provides guidance in reviewing your insurance coverage, making changes to coverage, finding alternative coverage and minimizing personal risk. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Helping Families Take Control of Their Finances
Description: Many families may be experiencing financial stress in which they are struggling with reduced incomes. Or, they may need to examine their spending and budgeting in a fresh way to meet new circumstances. Extension contains many resources to help families take control of their finances.
Identity Theft, Simple Guide to Protecting Yourself
Description: How theft occurs, how to tell if you are a victim, steps to take to reduce your risk of identity theft.
Author: Bowen, Cathy (6 more by this author)
Description: Several laws provide rights and some protection related to using credit. Become familiar with them. Some of the major provisions provided by each law are listed on this website.
Las compras a plazos o por adelantado
Description: Layaway is a useful way of making a purchase, but there are important considerations when entering into this type of transaction.
Losing a Way of Life? Ambiguous Loss in Farm Families
Description: This 16-page discussion guide presents a new way of viewing uncertainty that will help farm families figure out what is happening and help them to get a better handle on stress, change, making decisions, and family life. It contains exercises and coping tips for family members of all ages to explore together. A section written with the help of an agricultural economist gives realistic ideas on business options for family farms. For farm families, and for lending institutions, financial advisors, clergy, counselors, and educators working with farm families. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Managing in Tough Times National Extension Initiative
Description: Managing in Tough Times (MiTT) is a searchable directory of existing Extension programs and materials relevant to managing in tough times. It is organized by critical issues facing target audiences. It includes resources on bankruptcy, budgeting, consumer protection, credit, employment, risk management, saving and investment, and taxes.
Managing Job Loss and Financial Stress a personal and family guide
Description: A personal and family guide on how to cope with financial stress as a result of reduced hours, work furlough, and job loss. Provides information on how to lessen the negative impacts of job loss and/or lowered income and achieve positive transitions to the next phase of life for you and your family. Also includes contact information of locally available resources. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
More for Your Money - Using Your Money Wisely
Description: Having enough money to pay bills and everyday expenses is always a challenge. That's why each decision you make about your money and how you spend or save it is so important. The interactive More for Your Money web site contains information and activities to help you better understand your money and how to use it wisely. It contains setting personal spending goals, creating a realistic and workable spending plan, using credit wisely, managing debts, and saving money. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Description: National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a national non-profit network of 1,450 Member agencies designed to provide assistance to people dealing with stressful financial situations.
Description: This WebGuide discusses what you can do when you get behind in paying your bills.
Author: Skogrand, Linda (2 more by this author); James P. Marshall
Description: This fact sheet describes the fragility of marriages and how one must be extremely cautious for the first few years.
Out of Work? How to Deal with Creditors
Description: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publishes free brochures explaining rights when it comes to fair debt collection and credit reporting practices.
Parents Forever: Money Issues in Divorce Educator Guide
Description: The unit of the Parents Forever curriculum helps professionals work with divorcing parents to adjust to grief and loss in child-supportive ways, reassesses how money will be used, identify present and future goals for their children, talk with their children about money changes and manage conflict in a way that respects their children.
Prescription For Financial Wellness
Description: Prescription for Financial Wellne$$ is a four-week, in-depth series (2-3 hours each) focusing on personal financial management. This resource can help clientele increase their current level of financial knowledge and empower consumers to make informed financial choices concerning: -Record Organization -Spending Plans -Identity Theft -Savings -Retirement Plans -Investments -Credit -Estate Planning -Insurance -Cash Management Audiences may include: unemployed through job training services; newly unemployed; unemployment offices, residents of temporary shelters; civic and community organizations; college students; parenting groups. While this curriculum was designed as a series of lessons, each module can be presented as a stand alone program. Pre-and Post test evaluations are included. Also included are a certificate of completion and follow-up evaluation suggestions. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Description: Failure to pay your home mortgage can lead to foreclosure. Steps to follow to in saving your home and your credit rating.
Saving and Investing for Life: Take Control of Your Credit
Description: Materials covered in the Saving and Investing for Life; Take Control of Your Credit unit include how to obtain, read and analyze your credit report and understanding your credit score. Also includes information regarding the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
Strategies for Coping with Job Loss
Description: If you or a loved one are facing the loss of a job, it's important to keep a variety of factors in mind as you attempt to cope. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Author: Hendrickson, Lori (1 more by this author)
Description: These short, easy to use lessons are designed for professionals who teach families either in large group sessions or one-on-one. They help families work on strategies that will make a difference in these tough economic times. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Take and Teach Lessons Series for Times in Economic Crisis. Money Management Strategies
Author: Hendrickson, Lori (1 more by this author)
Description: These short, easy to use lessons are designed for professionals who teach families either in large group sessions or one-on-one. They help families work on strategies that will make a difference in these tough economic times. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
- More about "Take and Teach Lessons Series for Times in Economic Crisis. Money Management Strategies"
Take and Teach Lessons Series for Times in Economic Crisis. Save Money - Stretch Your Budget
Author: Hagen Jokela, Becky
Description: These short, easy to use lessons are designed for professionals who teach families either in large group sessions or one-on-one. They help families work on strategies that will make a difference in these tough economic times. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Taking Charge in Challenging Times - Keeping a Roof Overhead
Description: When income drops, careful planning can help avoid eviction from a rental unit or mortgage foreclosure. This publication can help the planning process. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Taking Charge in Challenging Times Seminars
Description: The Taking Charge in Challenging Times seminars are a series of lunch & learn sessions that were presented by Dr. Nancy Porter and Dr. Deborah Thomason at Clemson University in response to a mandatory five-day furlough for all University employees. Videos, PowerPoints, publications, and additional resources are included. You will be able to access the presentations and the accompanying material from this URL.
Description: How much of a family's yearly income is spent on the children? As they move through life, many families want to know this so they can plan for future costs, prepare for family emergencies, determine support needs at the time of a divorce, purchase adequate life insurance to provide support if a parent should die.
The Effect of Federal rate Cuts on Consumers
Description: We hear and read about Federal Reserve rate changes, but we don't always understand how they affect us as consumers. The Fed's rate changes take time to filter down through the economy to consumers. Rate changes can be good news / bad news scenarios. What's the bottom line for you as a consumer?
Author: Bowen, Cathy (6 more by this author)
Description: "Lenders are in the business of making money. To make a profit, they may assess charges other than interest, especially if you fail to follow the agreement of your account. Most of the fees are specific to credit cards, and the amount of these fees vary among credit card issuers..."
Author: Bowen, Cathy (6 more by this author)
Description: A PDF file discussing what grace periods are. Also how and why to avoid them.
Understand The Credit CARD Act
Description: Learn about the key provision to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. The act is intended to protect consumers from abusive and unwarranted changes in account terms.
Description: Learn the information your credit report contains. Useful information on how to build a good credit, obtain your credit report and correct a credit report if needed.
Description: Credit scores are calculated from a variety of credit data. Learn to maintain a strong credit and interpret your credit score. Learn how credit scores impact interest rates.
Where to Go for Credit and Debt Help
Author: Bischoff, Marilyn (1 more by this author)
Description: Two page bulletin explains: How credit counseling agencies can help; Selecting a credit counseling organization; Questions to ask before becoming a client of a credit counseling firm. May be applicable for Gulf Oil Spill response or response to other catastrophic events such as flood, hurricane, earth quake, drought, wild fire, etc.
Work and Money: Making the Best of Hard Times
Description: How do you protect yourself and your family in today's economy? Do you have a plan for covering your daily expenses? Are you living paycheck to paycheck? If you're unemployed, do you know how long it might take you to find a new job? Are you unable to find a job comparable to your previous job in status and/or earnings? If you need to be considering other jobs, do you know what jobs will be growing in the next eight years, what their education and training requirements are, and what they pay? Tough economic times call for being knowledgeable about the job market, examining your money habits, and taking action to maintain or restore financial health. MP3 Audio Files and Transcripts from this January 30, 2009, national Wi$eUp teleconference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor - Women's Bureau, and posted to the national website managed by Texas AgriLife Extension, feature three speakers: Kristina Bartsch (Chief of the Division of Occupational Outlook in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Projections Program at the U.S. Department of Labor); Nancy Granovsky (Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service); and Lisa Featherngill (CPA and CFP with the Winston-Salem and Palm Beach offices of Calibre CPA Group).
Author: Martinez, Gayle Rose
Description: This fact sheet explains the factors that affect credit scores and provides tips for improving credit reports/scores.
Description: Overview of factors that lenders consider when granting loans, how those factors relate to the credit report, how credit scores are derived from credit reports and tips for raising your credit score. Web site links to PowerPoint and three fact sheets: Understanding Your Credit Report; Understanding Your Credit Score; and Managing Credit Wisely. NOTE: state law entitles Georgia residents to a second free credit report from each Credit Reporting Agency per year.
– Other Resources –
Description: This website provides articles and activities relating to the financial crisis.
– Programming Resource –
Credit Repair: How to DIY and Avoid a Scam
Description: This FTC consumer alert provides information on how to recognize and avoid a credit repair scam.
Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself
Description: This fact sheet provides information on how to recognize a credit repair scam and how to repair credit yourself.
Managing in Tough Times National Extension Initiative (MiTT)
Description: The Managing in Tough Times resource directory, MiTTNet, is a fully searchable website with resources and educational materials aimed at individuals and families, farms and ranches, communities, and youth cope with economic crises and hardships.
Description: This is a fact sheet on talking with your creditors.
Author: Martinez, Gayle Rose
Description: This fact sheet explains the factors that affect credit scores and provides tips for improving credit reports/scores.