Get Smart About Credit

http://www.aba.com/abaef/gsac.htm
This web site offers you lots of practical tips for managing your outstanding credit. Check out the Credit Dos and Don’ts, Understanding and Using Credit, Teaching Teens to Use Credit Wisely, Budgeting, the Credit Card Stress Test, and Protect Your Credit from Identity Theft. The American Bankers Association Education Foundation sponsors the Get Smart About Credit site, and also offers an easy-to-use Budgeting Worksheet that you can download now in PDF format.

Check Your Credit Report for Free

Your credit report is an important document. What it says can influence whether you get a loan, how much you’ll pay, and in some cases, whether you get a job. Under federal law, you’re entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report once every 12 months. Log on to annualcreditreport.com, or call 877-322-8228.

Need Help Managing Your Mortgage Payments?

If you’re having trouble making your mortgage payments, this publication from the Federal Trade Commission offers practical advice. Download PDF.

Compare Fixed-rate and Variable-rate Mortgages

https://www.federalreserve.gov/apps/mortcalc
Compare monthly mortgage payments and the amount of equity you will build for six types of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages with these calculators from the Federal Reserve.

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

Here are some quick tips from the American Bankers Association to help you avoid a foreclosure on your mortgage.

Tips to Improve Your Credit Score

This American Bankers fact sheet is a quick and easy read and offers sound advice for raising your credit score.

Building a Better Credit Report

Learn how to legally improve your credit report, how to deal with debt, how to spot credit-related scams, and more. This is a 16-page document produced by the Federal Trade Commission. Download the PDF now.

Healthy Credit

Learn more about how your credit report and credit score affect your ability to borrow money and stay healthy financially, with this 11-page publication produced by the Federal Citizen Information Center and the AARP. Download the PDF now.

Guide to Credit Cards

This guide, produced by the American Bankers Association, explains annual percentage rates, grace periods on purchases, the effect of only paying the minimum balance each month, late payments, credit limits, how payments are applied, and tips for choosing a credit card. Download PDF.