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When it comes to dealing with debt, you have options. Find out what you can do, and get tips for avoiding scams.

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.

This article provides information on obtaining a free copy of your credit report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – once every 12 months. It also provides guidance on disputing incorrect information on your reports.

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.

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.

Your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is $50, but that doesn’t stop scam artists from peddling “loss protection” services.

If you have old debts, collectors may not be able to sue you to collect on them. That's because debt collectors have a limited number of years — known as the statute of limitations — to sue you to collect. After that, your unpaid debts are considered "time-barred." According to the law, a debt collector cannot sue you for not paying a debt that's time-barred. This article provides information on debt collection for debts that are past the statute of limitations.

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

A comprehensive financial education curriculum to teach those ages 12-20 the basics of handling their money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions.  Money Smart for Young Adults can help young people in their formative years start positive habits early such as saving money and budgeting, as well as avoid making "wrong" decisions that could result in years of financial pain.  The curriculum is available free of charge; orders can be placed online.   For additional information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342); he

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