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Client Resources

The web links listed below are additional resources your can use to maximize your financial knowledge. These sites offer a variety of topics ranging from saving for college to buying a home. Bookmark this page, as we will add new links from time to time. Remember, a smart consumer is a well-informed consumer. Should you encounter any bad links, please send us a note via our "Contact GFM" page.

Consumer Resources
Credit Resources
Financial Planning Resources
Home Buying Resources
Money Management Resources
College Resources & Money Tips
Other Related Resources

Consumer Resources

Consumer Affairs
Knowledge is Power! Consumer news, reviews, complaints, resources, safety recalls

Charitable Giving
Research the legitimacy of organizations you're considering donating money to

Workforce Centers
Find a Workforce Center in your area

Government Benefits
Research and apply for a wide variety of government benefits

Consumer Debit Resource
Access to credit reports as well as Chex Systems reports with background information on both

Find Legal Help
Find free or low-cost legal aid in your state

Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Information on the The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission's site on identity theft

IVR Cheat Sheet
Codes that will bypass the automated phone systems of many major companies and get you straight to a human being

Car Buying Tips
Kelly Blue Book - A free guide to buying or leasing new and used cars while avoiding scams

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Information on the food stamp program and how to qualify

Truth In Lending Act
The Truth In Lending Act (the Consumer Protection Act)

Truth In Lending Act - Less Sophisticated
Less complex version of the Truth In Lending Act

Consumer.gov
A list of various federal consumer agencies

The Consumer Action Center
A list of consumer topics that allows you to access tips for purchasing specific goods and services, like cars, home improvement, insurance, and more

Better Business Bureau
Search a company's rating with the BBB

Do Not Call Registry
Register your phone number to stop telemarketing calls

Free Annual Credit Report
This is the site where you can download a copy of your credit report for free once a year

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit abusive practices by debt collectors

Fair Credit Billing Act
Information on what your rights are when dealing with billing errors

Get Checking
A nationwide program that can help you establish- or re-establish- a banking relationship if you've had trouble maintaining bank accounts in the past

Your Money - Saving Tips
A great place for tips on how to stretch your hard earned dollars. Their motto is "Living Better For Less"

The Dollar Stretcher
The Dollar Stretcher's motto is "Living Better For Less"; It's a great place for tips on how to stretch your hard earned dollars.

Debtors Anonymous
Support groups and information for dealing with compulsive overspending and debt

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Credit

What's In Your Credit Report?
Know what kind of information is in your credit report?

Credit Scoring
What's in your credit score?

Know Your Score
Know your credit score

Improving Your Credit Score
Fair Isaac's guide on how to improve your credit score

Fake Credit Report Sites: Cashing in on Your Personal Information
The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Alert on fake credit reports

Opt Out/In
Lets you opt out from receiving those annoying "You Are Pre-Approved" offers in the mail

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Financial Planning

Choose To Save
Calculate how much money you need to save to fund a comfortable retirement

Smart Money
Investor education for both beginners and more seasoned money managers

Tax-Planning Tips
An article on how to plan ahead for a stress-free and prosperous tax season

Roth IRA
Lots of good information pertaining to a Roth IRA

Mutual Fund Investment Center
The basics on investing in mutual funds

Investing For Your Future
A home-study course in basic investing

401k Information
Information on 401k retirement plans

Investing In Bonds
Information on how to invest in bonds

Wills
An introduction to wills

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Home Buying

Home Advice
Resources to many topics on home buying, renting, insurance, mortgages, inspections and government programs

Free Home Buying Guides
Home buying guides from the Fannie Mae Foundation

Cost of Living Comparison
Compare the cost of living between two cities

Estimating Moving Costs
A calculator to estimate moving costs

Rent vs Buying
Does buying make more sense than renting?

Mortgage Qualifier
How much home are you qualified to purchase?

Mortgage Amorization Schedule
Calculator showing amortization of a mortgage

Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgage information

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Money Management Resources

66 Ways to Save Money
The Federal Trade Commission's tips on how to save money

Women's Institute for Financial Education
Articles and resources on money management specifically for women

Frugal shopping
Tons of bargains, coupons, discount offers and money-saving tip

U.S. Mint's Page For Kids
Games, puzzles, and fun facts about money for kids

Saving On Energy
101 ways to curb your utility bills

Frugal Living
Creative ideas for saving money on anything and everything

Budgeting Basics
Get started on developing a budget

Parenting Pipeline/Centsible Parenting Newsletters
A source for monthly newsletters with age-appropriate ideas for teaching various life skills- such as money management- to kids

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