Financial Resources & Tools
Looking for financial information you can trust? CASH has research sources where you will find unbiased and reliable personal financial information and possible solutions.
Personal Finance Resources
Federal Resources
The CFPB was established to protect consumers by carrying out federal consumer financial laws. The CFPB works with consumers to help them resolve complaints about financial institutions. And, if it finds that the company broke the law, the CFPB will take action.
The Federal Reserves has a list of the consumer credit protection laws in the United States. Through this agency, consumers can also file consumer complaints about a financial institution.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an independent agency created by the U.S. Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system. The FDIC is responsible for protecting consumers against the loss of insured deposits if an insured bank fails.
The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for a broad range of consumer issues. For consumer related problems, including reporting fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace, visit their website to file a report.
Report ID Theft at https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Internal Revenue Service – Identity Protection The IRS has a complaint process to report any experiences with tax issues related to identity fraud. They also share resources around being cautious of tax scams.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection or call 1-800-908-4490
Military Consumer is a joint initiative to empower active duty and retired service members, military families, veterans, and civilians in the military community. They offer free resources on consumer protection and money management.
The website is produced by the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, whose vision is of sustained financial well-being for all individuals and families in the U.S. In furtherance of this vision, the Commission sets strategic direction for policy, education, practice, research, and coordination so that all Americans make informed financial decisions.
National Resources
Greenpath is a national nonprofit that works towards empowering people to lead financially healthy lives. Through counselors, they help consumers manage their debt.
State Resources
The CCCSMD is a non-profit organization that offers low-cost counseling, education, and debt repayment services to individuals in danger of bankruptcy.
The Consumer Protection Division provides mediation services to consumers to help resolve complaints against businesses and health insurance carriers. The Division also provides information about complaints that have been filed against businesses, information regarding registrations, and provides publications to help consumers make good decisions in the marketplace.
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/default.aspx
The Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation is Maryland’s consumer financial protection agency and financial services regulator. The Office is responsible for chartering and supervising Maryland state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies; licensing and supervising state-licensed financial institutions.
Private Resources
The FINRA Foundation helps Americans build financial stability, invest for life goals and guard against fraud.
NonProfit Resources
BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. They do this by creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities and calling out substandard marketplace behavior.
Military Saves is a campaign coordinated by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and is dedicated to helping service members and their families save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.
Consumer Action is a nonprofit organization that focuses on consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income consumers to financially prosper.
The MCCFW promotes informed decision-making for students and families at critical decision points, including college/career selection and the borrowing and repayment of student loans.
Video Library – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClvriWC6ildLnz71RtaQY4Q