Consumer Education Category: Financial Literacy Education and Resources
Elder Financial Topics
Elder Financial topics are important to be familiar with and understand in order to be aware of the potential financial red flags that elderly adults might fall victim to.
https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/money-smart-older-adults
For older adults and their caregivers on how to prevent elder financial exploitation and to encourage advance planning and informed financial decision making.
https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/file/829266/dl
This U.S. Department of Justice’s website is designed to help people report and resolve financial exploitation incidents.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network.html/
AARP Fraud Watch Network.
https://aging.idaho.gov/program/stay-at-home/national-family-caregiver-support-program/
The Idaho Commission on Aging provides resources for local assistance for caregivers in Idaho.
https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/general-resources/publications-research/publications/guide-seniors-protect
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission offers topics for older investors to continue learning about keeping finances and investments protected.
https://www.nasaa.org/serveourseniors/
NASAA provides seniors with helpful resources, contacts and training materials on financial matters.
https://www.finra.org/investors/need-help/helpline-seniors
FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors is available for senior investors who need support.
https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-safe/online-reporting-tools/
Report on suspected elder financial abuse to the Idaho Commission on Aging.
Financial Literacy Education and Resources
Financial Literacy means obtaining skills, knowledge and behaviors that allow an individual to make informed decisions about money. Financial Literacy Education is growing increasingly important and benefits everyone throughout their lifetime.
Earn, save, invest, protect, spend, and borrow.
https://www.mymoney.gov/lifeevents/
Resources to navigate financial milestones associated with various life-stages.
https://consumer.gov/
This FTC website helps consumers manage and use money wisely, use credit and loans carefully, and tools to protect your identity and money.
https://consumidor.gov/
A Spanish version of the FTC website is available to Spanish speaking consumers. This includes guides to manage and use money wisely, use credit and loans carefully, and tools to protect your identity and money.
https://www.annuity.org/financial-literacy/
Annuity gives consumers more background on the principles of financial literacy.
https://playmoneysmart.fdic.gov/games/
FDIC games and resources to test how money smart you are.
https://www.finance.idaho.gov/consumer-education/financial-terms/
Financial terms outlined on the Idaho Department of Finance website.
https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness/
Tips for financial preparedness.
Budgeting and Saving Resources
Building and Protecting Your Credit
Elder Financial Topics
Financial Literacy Education and Resources
Resources For Students
Servicemembers & Veterans Resources
Resources For Students
Resources for students are pertinent to financial success as students navigate through different phases of life.
https://www.jumpstart.org/
Jumpstart is a national nonprofit coalition that aims to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy and the need for financial education for young adults and youth.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/your-financial-path-to-graduation/
CFPB resource that helps guide consumers on financial aid and how to navigate understanding a financial aid offer.
https://studentaid.gov/resources
Federal Student Aid resources that provide publications, fact sheets online tools & other resources to help prepare on how to pay for college or career school.
https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive.
https://www.investopedia.com/financial-literacy-resource-center-7151950
A financial literacy resource center for students catered towards a wide range of ages and grades.
http://lili.org/
150 prime academic research and learning databases that are free to Idaho Residents.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/repay-student-debt/
CFPB guidance about basic information regarding student loans and guides for students to get key information on student loans.
Budgeting and Saving Resources
Budgeting and saving are crucial tools for making sound financial decisions and can set you up for lifelong success.
How to budget:
- Calculate monthly income and map out the best budgeting method for your style.
- Try the 50/30/20 rule.
- 50% of income for needs, leave 30% of your income for wants, use 20% of your income for savings and debt repayment.
- Track and manage your budget.
How to save:
- Record your expenses to figure out how much money is spent per month.
- Include saving in your budget and plan how much money can be allocated from your income.
- Find ways to decrease spending.
- Set goals!
Find links to valuable resources to help you start saving and budgeting.
https://americasaves.org/
https://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/retirement_calculator/
https://www.mymoney.gov/tools/
This budget calculator is a great tool for personal finance planning and creating a cohesive budget.
Building and Protecting Your Credit
Building and Protecting credit is key to financial security. It is vital to maintain a good credit score in order to apply for a loan, rent an apartment, or even get a new job.
Tips to help build your credit score
- Regularly monitor credit reports
- Make on time payments
- Keep credit utilization low
- Diversify with different types of credit
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Free resource to pull credit reports through online platforms that are authorized by Federal Law.
https://www2.myfico.com/Downloads/Files/myFICO_UYFS_Booklet.pdf
Booklet that includes information about what FICO scores are and what you need to know about them.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/
CFPB offers resources that aid consumers on how to pull credit reports, how to request copies of tenant screenings, and where to learn about the difference between credit scores and credit reports.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-cards/
CFPB offers resources regarding the basics you need to know about credit cards and how to manage them. Servicemembers & Veterans Resources
Servicemembers and Veterans resources are available for the military community to help guide through financial decisions.
https://www.militaryconsumer.gov/
Offers tips and tools for personal finances for the military community.
https://finred.usalearning.gov/
The Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness website offers helpful tips and assessments geared toward financial wellness.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Military One Source offers 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources, and confidential help for the military community.