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The US federal government provides numerous types of up to date reports on just about every subject imaginable. These are a few of them on Credit, Investing & Saving, Retirement Planning plus Money.

FTC Lending Reports


Credit

     Choosing & Using Credit Cards. Credit cards vary widely in their charges and how fees are calculated. Learn how to compare costs for the best deal.

     Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws. Explains how consumer credit laws can help you apply for credit, keep up a good credit standing, and complain about an unfair deal.

     Credit and Divorce. Compares the benefits and disadvantages of individual, joint and "user" accounts. Steps to take if you divorce or separate.

     Fair Credit Reporting. If you've ever applied for a loan or credit card, you have a credit report. Use this booklet to learn what's in your credit report, how you can get a copy, and who else can use this information.

     Fair Debt Collection. Describes what debt collectors may and may not do if you owe money. How and where to complain if you are harassed, threatened, or abused.

     Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor. Credit counselors offer a variety of services that can help you get in shape and put your financial life back in order. Use this guide to choose the credit counselor that is right for you.

     How to Dispute Credit Report Errors Giv.es tips on correcting errors, registering a dispute, and adding information to your file.

     Identity Crisis.What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen. It sounds like something out of a spy movie-but it can happen. Thieves can get your bank, credit, debit, charge, and Social Security card numbers. Find out how to protect yourself.

     Managing Your Debts: How to Regain Financial Health Learn where to begin-what you can do for yourself, how credit counseling can help, facts about bankruptcy, and much more.

     Ready, Set....Credit. How to check your credit record and establish a good history. What to do if your credit card is lost, stolen, or turned down.

     Shop...The Card You Pick Can Save You Money. Use the helpful chart of major credit card issuers to select the best card for you by comparing annual percentage rates, fees, and other features.

     What Savvy Consumers Need to Know About Debit Cards. Explains how debit cards work and what to do if your debit card is lost or stolen. Includes 10 tips on how to protect your card and a special form to keep track of card numbers.


Investing & Saving

     66 Ways to Save Money. Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more.

     Before Disaster Strikes. Suggests ways to be financially prepared to deal with a natural disaster. Information on buying insurance, preparing a household inventory, filling an evacuation box, and more.

     Consumer's Almanac. Organize your daily expenses, save and invest for the future, and manage your credit with monthly calendars and worksheets.

     Introduction to Mutual Funds. Explains what they are, how to compare them, what to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

     Advice From Your Securities Industry Regulators. Basic tips to help you select a brokerage firm and representative, and make and monitor an investment Identifies questions to ask and warning signs to look for to avoid problems.

     Investment Swindles: How They Work and How to Avoid Them. Protect against illegal, yet legitimate-sounding, telemarketing and direct mail offers.

     Investors' Bill of Rights. Here are some tips on what you should know about investments and what information you are entitled to before investing.

    Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner. ...cover credentials, costs, and services. Includes an interview checklist and resources to contact for more information.

     U.S. Savings Bonds Investor Information. Detailed information on savings bond purchase, interest, maturity, replacement, redemption, exchange, and taxes.

     Understanding Opportunities & Risks in Futures Trading. Explains the commodities market, the risks involved, and regulations governing it.

     What You Should Know About Buying Life Insurance. Describes various types with tips on choosing a company and agent, and making sure a policy meets your needs. 23 pp.

    What You Should Know About Financial Planning. Planning to buy a house or retire in the near future? This useful guide explains the benefits of financial planning and can help you get started.

     Year 2000, Your Bank and You. What's going to happen to your money on January 1, 2000? Get the facts on what your bank is doing to prepare and how you can protect yourself with this guide.


Retirement Planning

           Predictable, Secure Pension for Life. Describes traditional benefit pension plans, how they operate, and the rights and options of workers covered by them.

     Top 10 Ways to Beat the Clock and Prepare for RetirementTop 10 Ways to Beat the Clock and Prepare for Retirement. Gives practical tips to help build your retirement savings and resources for more information.

     Women and PensionsWomen and Pensions. Provides a checklist of questions to ask about retirement benefits, including plan type, eligibility, penalties, spousal benefits, and more.

Money

      At-Home Shopping RightsAt-Home Shopping Rights. How to deal with late deliveries, unordered merchandise, billing errors and much more when making purchases by mail or phone order.

     Buying Time: The Facts About Pre-Paid Phone CardsBuying Time: The Facts About Pre-Paid Phone Cards. How to buy long distance telephone services in advance.

     Federal Credit Unions. How they work, what services are offered, and how to become a member.

     Getting What You Pay For: Weights & Measures Tips for ConsumersGetting What You Pay For: Weights & Measures Tips for Consumers. Get the best buys on items like gasoline, groceries, and firewood sold by weights and measures. Tells who to contact with problems or questions.

       Making Sense of Savings. How to compare the various types of banking accounts available. Describes the different services and fees, and gives questions to ask about interest rates and service charges.

       Shop Safely OnlineShop Safely Online. Good deals, convenience and choice abound on the Internet. But you need to be "cyber" smart to make the most of your online experience.

 

Credit Handbook serial version , Debt Collection serial version