Summary of the sources and types of commercial loans, business plan design, and the loan-review process for small business financing.

Under the federal Consumer Leasing Act, you, the consumer, have a right to information about the costs and terms of a vehicle lease. This information will help you compare lease offers and negotiate a lease that best fits your needs, budget, and driving patterns.

Under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, it's against the law for a creditor to deny you credit or terminate existing credit simply because of your age. Explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining credit.

A brief summary of the basic provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because you get public assistance.

Helps borrowers decide if credit insurance, which is usually optional, is right for them. Explains the four main types of credit insurance and offers shopping tips.

Lists your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative. At the top of the list: you may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay.

Many car dealers advertise unusually low interest rates and other special promotions. Learn what questions to ask to get the best deal for you.

Financial Education: FDIC's Money Smart financial education program. The Money Smart program can help you take charge of your finances and create a better financial future.  Available on-line or by mail free of charge; it may also be taught in a classroom setting or downloaded into a portable audio (MP3) format.  For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); hearing impaired 1-800-925-4618.

More Americans feel added stress and anxiety about their financial future as talk of rising consumer debt, falling housing prices, rising costs of living, and declining retail sales bring up worries about the nation’s economic health. Money is often on the minds of most Americans. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2007 Stress in America survey, money and work are two of the top sources of stress for almost 75 percent of Americans. Add to the mix headlines declaring a looming economic recession, and many begin to fear how they can handle any further financial crunch.

Learn if a home equity plan is right for you and how to shop for the best plan.

Alerts consumers to potential borrowing pitfalls and provides tips for getting the best financing deal possible. Warns consumers that regardless of whether a home equity loan is for home repair, bill consolidation, or some other purpose, it's important to shop around.

Lenders offer home equity credit lines in a variety of ways. The questions and answers listed may help you decide if a home equity line of credit is right for you.

Explains The Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, what loans are covered, what disclosures are required, and what practices are prohibited.

Shop for the mortgage package that best meets your financial needs.

Owning a home is part of the American dream, but exotic mortgages also may carry risks. This publication, also available in Spanish, educates homebuyers on the loan terms and risks associated with non-traditional mortgage products.  Read this brochure, prepared by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the federal bank, thrift and credit union regulatory agencies, to find out what I-O mortgage payments and payment option ARMs entail. The brochure includes a worksheet to assist homebuyers when comparing mortgages.

Explains your rights under Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and what to do if your loan is rejected.

Whether you are buying a house or refinancing your mortgage, this information can help you decide if an interest-only mortgage payment (an I-O mortgage)--or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with the option to make a minimum payment (a payment-option ARM)--is right for you.

Find out about the risks and advantages of an adjustable rate mortgage. Use the Mortgage Checklist to help with your decision. Handbook is designed to help consumers understand an important and complex mortgage option available to homebuyers.

Includes terms, tips, a checklist, and information to help you find a plan that meet your needs, and protect your interests.

The links below provide guidance and tips to help you with the challenges of budgeting money while completing your education.