Helpful Resources

There are a number of organizations, non-profit, and government agencies that can help you manage money, avoid debt, and becomming a victim of fraud.

The organizations below are organized by topic.

We're always looking for and adding new resources. Come back soon for more resources.

Credit & Debt

  • The National Foundation for Credit Counseling
    Sometimes we find ourselves in over our head with debt. There are individuals who can help. Find a credit counselor near you who can help you with your credit or debt problems.
    http://www.nfcc.org
  • AnnualCreditReport.Com
    The only Web site where you can obtain your credit report for free. Sorry cute pirates.
    http://www.annualcreditreport.com
  • Opt Out Of Pre-Screened Credit Offers
    Tired of getting those pre-screened credit offers in your email? You know the ones that claim to have the most amazing rates? You can opt out of receiving these offers. Score!
    http://www.optoutprescreen.com
  • Fair Issac Corporation (FICO)
    FICO is the credit score used by most lenders. FICO's Web site has more information on how you can raise your score and how your score is determined.
    http://www.myfico.com
  • Vantage Credit Score
    Vantage is the new credit score on the block and you should know about it.
    http://www.vantagescore.com
 

Saving & Investing

  • Your Local Securities Regulator - Verify Licenses
    It's important to verify the license of both the individual selling the investment and the product being sold. Check with your local securities regulator.
    http://www.nasaa.org/QuickLinks/ContactYourRegulator.cfm
  • Investor Protection Trust (IPT)
    IPT provides grants on a competitive basis from the Investor Education Fund to develop and implement investor education and protection programs. Check out their programs and resources!
    http://www.investorprotection.org
  • Investor Education In Your Community
    A program Consumer University is proud to be a part of. Bringing investor education to communities across Washington.
    http://www.dfi.wa.gov/ieiyc
  • Money Track
    MoneyTrack is the award-winning public television series about investing that empowers real people of all income levels to become successful investors.
    http://moneytrack.org
  • Mint.Com
    Mint has a great tool to help you set up a budget and monitoring your spending. All for free.
    http://www.mint.com

Credit Bureaus

  • Experian
    Experian is one of the 3 major credit bureaus that you should know about. Make sure you obtain your free credit report!
    http://www.experian.com
  • Equifax
    Equifax is one of the 3 major credit bureaus that you should know about. Make sure you obtain your free credit report!
    http://www.equifax.com
  • TransUnion
    TransUnion is one of the 3 major credit bureaus that you should know about. Make sure you obtain your free credit report!
    http://www.transunion.com
 

Identity Theft

  • Do Not Call Registry
    Pesky little telemarketers. Stop them by registering for the do not call registry. Your number will be on a list telemarkers are not supposed to call.
    http://www.donotcall.gov
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
    Think you're a victim of a cyber crime or want to learn more about identity theft/cyber crime? Visit the IC3.
    http://www.ic3.gov
  • Washington State Attorney General's Office
    The Washington State Attorney General's Office has done great work helping educate people about identity theft. Check out their Web site for more information and upcoming shredding events.
    http://atg.wa.gov/InternetSafety/IDTheft.aspx

Helpful Organizations

  • Jump$tart Coalition
    Jump$tart is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the financial literacy of kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, research, standards and educational resources.
    http://www.jumpstart.org
  • America's Credit Unions
    Credit Union's across America are a strong supporter of financial education and helping their members reach their financial goals. Learn more about credit unions and see if they fit what you are looking for.
    http://cuna.org
  • Investor Protection Trust (IPT)
    Listed twice on this page because they are so cool. IPT provides grants on a competitive basis from the Investor Education Fund to develop and implement investor education and protection programs. Check out their programs and resources!
    http://www.investorprotection.org
  • Better Business Bureau
    Dedicated to protecting consumers. Check out a business or charity or file a complaint if you're having problems with a business.
    http://www.bbb.org
 

Government Agencies Ready To Help

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    The FTC is dedicated to protecting America's consumers. If you have a complaint about a business or organization or are looking for more information about avoiding fraud check out the FTC Web site.
    http://www.ftc.gov
  • NCUA
    The NCUA protects credit union deposits up to $250,000.
    http://www.ncua.gov
  • FDIC
    The FDIC protects bank deposits up to $250,000.
    http://www.fdic.gov
  • Your Local Securities Regulator - Verify Licenses
    It's important to verify the license of both the individual selling the investment and the product being sold. Check with your local securities regulator.
    http://www.nasaa.org/QuickLinks/ContactYourRegulator.cfm