Coping with Debt
When it comes to dealing with debt, you have options. Find out what you can do, and get tips for avoiding scams.
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Major Life Events: Ways to Cope Financially During and After a Big Change
This special edition of FDIC Consumer News puts special focus on staying focused and avoiding costly decisions during major life events.
Payday Loans
This website explains how payday loans loans work, and cautions that they come at a very high price. The site provides suggestions and alternatives.
Understanding Vehicle Financing
Get the facts on automobile dealership financing and leasing- what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and more. Also learn about consumer protections for this form of financing.
Are Car Ads Taking You for a Ride?
That ‘special’ offer by a car dealer may not be the best deal. Here’s how to compare the terms of sale prices and financing in ads.
Cosigning a Loan
What are your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative?
Buying a Used Car
This article provides hints and tips for shopping for a used car. It includes a checklist and explains your rights when buying from a dealer or a private party. It also offers buying tips and resources if you have problems after the sale.
Buying a New Car
A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal. This article provides tips to help you with the purchase. It explains commonly used industry terms, and it provides a worksheet to help you negotiate on price.
Vehicle Repossession: Understanding the Rules of the Road
If you don’t make timely payments on the vehicle, your creditor may have the right to “repossess” — or take back your car without going to court or warning you in advance. Your creditor also may be able to sell your contract to a third party who may have the same right to seize the car as the original creditor. This website discusses the requirements for seizing and reselling your car for nonpayment. It explains deficiency - the difference between what you owe on your loan and what your creditor gets for reselling your car.
Credit Card Loss Protection
Your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is $50, but that doesn’t stop scam artists from peddling “loss protection” services.