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This website presents brief descriptions of articles in past editions of the FDIC Consumer News. This important newsletter 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.

Information and tips to help you if you are thinking about or already using online banking systems.

This special edition of FDIC Consumer News focuses on Teens. You're beginning to make some grown-up decisions about how to save and spend your money. That's why learning the right ways to manage money...right from the start...is important. Here are suggestions.

This website presents five key tips on safe deposit boxes, home safes, and your valuables.

This website presents success stories and updates on the Money Smart Financial Education curriculum. It includes several success stories from those using the Money Smart

This website presents, "Spotlight On," which features updates on programs and outreach efforts by several Money Smart Alliance Partners. It is organized by theme so that educators can learn how Money Smart Alliance Partners are integrating Money Smart into other related programs. Themes include asset-building; community development; credit, employment services, foreclosure prevention, homeownership, self-sufficiency, seniors, small business and youth.

Information on how to obtain your credit report, how credit scores are determined, how to verify reported information, and how to improve and maintain a good credit score.

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

This brochure explains about dealing with mortgage lenders. It tells you where to look, what to look for, and what takes place when you apply for a mortgage. Knowing what to expect, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, may make it easier for you to get through the process.

Individual savings are critical for retirement as government and employer-based provisions fade or become less secure. Rural communities are vulnerable given their higher proportion of elderly and more who rely on Social Security. Using a telephone survey of working-age residents in Michigan's rural Upper Peninsula, this research investigates factors associated with participation in tax-advantaged retirement plans that have largely replaced defined-benefit pension plans for earmarked retirement savings.