Consumer Action

Staying on Track with Credit - PowerPoint Slides

2008-11-17T14:04:34Z

The Staying on Track with Credit Powerpoint training file is available for download in the "Download File" section.

Staying on Track with Credit - Lesson Plan

2008-11-17T13:40:20Z

This packet provides guidance for teachers and team leaders. The 23-page packet contains a detailed curriculum, classroom activities and take home worksheets. (Note: It is only available as a PDF file.)

Insurance Issue [Fall 2008]

2008-11-12T14:08:02Z

In the Fall 2008 issue, Consumer Action focuses on insurance. The results of an online poll reveal details about consumers and insurance coverage, including the downsides to filing a claim. Other topics include credit car rental car coverage, how to add "riders" to policies, the privacy implications of "pay-as-you-drive" insurance, increased FDIC deposit insurance, rental insurance and news of a new insurance web site created by Consumer Action. For much more, see the Table of Contents below.

POLL: Consumers changing how they use credit

2008-11-06T17:02:36Z

As the country weathers the growing economic crisis and faces a potential credit crunch, a new poll released today by Consumer Action finds that consumers are beginning to feel the strain, and many are changing how they use and plan to use credit.

The poll of more than 1,000 Americans revealed that 69% of consumers will try to pay with cash and do not expect to take on additional debt in the next 12 months; 9% report they will use a home equity line of credit or credit cards to help make ends meet.

Keeping Your Home

2008-11-06T14:30:18Z

People who plan, budget and save for successful homeownership have a much better chance of keeping a roof over their heads and building wealth as property values increase over the years. This brochure covers the financial responsibilities of homeownership and how to manage them, how to maintain and protect your property, and how to build and preserve your home equity.

Successful Homeownership Leader’s Guide

2008-11-06T14:25:56Z

Buying a home is a major achievement. But successful homeownership does not begin and end when the closing documents are signed. This Leader’s Guide provides information and background to help you teach prospective, new and established homeowners what they need to know to be successful at homeownership.

Successful Homeownership - Seminar Lesson Plan & Class Activities

2008-11-06T14:20:24Z

This PDF packet provides guidance for teachers and team leaders. The 20-page packet contains a detailed curriculum, classroom activities and take home worksheets.

Successful Homeownership - Powerpoint Training Slides

2008-11-06T14:15:51Z

The Successful Homeownership Powerpoint training file is available for download in the "Download File" section.

Questions and Answers About Obtaining and Managing Credit

2008-10-29T16:04:36Z

By understanding how credit works, what it costs, and how to avoid accumulating too much debt, consumers can use credit to their advantage. The "Credit Training Manual" can help answer many questions about credit.

Staying on Track With Credit

2008-10-29T15:55:22Z

Credit can be a valuable financial tool for consumers who understand its costs and benefits and how to use it wisely. This brochure defines open-ended, or revolving, credit, including credit cards, home equity lines of credit and overdraft lines of credit, and discusses the pros and cons of using credit. It includes tips on high-cost credit to avoid.

2008 Summer Issue

2008-08-26T19:46:56Z

This issue of Consumer Action News focuses on credit cards, and includes the results of an online poll by Consumer Action which show that card issuers will lower your credit limit under some circumstances. Other stories include a run-down on our 2008 Credit Card Survey, rewards cards, credit cards from credit unions, foreign transaction fees and more.

CONSUMER ACTION 2008 Credit Card Survey

2008-07-23T17:15:20Z

Consumer Action’s 2008 Credit Card Survey examines 41 cards from 22 financial institutions, including the top 10 U.S. credit card issuers, six low-rate issuers and six large credit unions.

2008 Credit Card Survey

2008-07-23T04:15:36Z

Consumer Action's 2008 Credit Card Survey examines 41 cards from 22 financial institutions, including the top 10 U.S. credit card issuers, six low-rate issuers and six large credit unions.

Freeze Your Credit File

2008-06-05T06:30:06Z

A credit file "security freeze" is a preventive tool to help you avoid identity theft and to block impostors from using your personal information to establish credit. This publication explains how to "freeze" your credit file, which prevents new credit from being established in your name until you temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.

California Lifeline Leader’s Guide

2008-06-02T00:18:00Z

California Lifeline is a program that helps low-income and disabled individuals by providing discounts on residential phone service. This question-and-answer format guide is designed to answer frequently asked questions about California Lifeline and about changes to program eligibility requirements that took effect in 2006.

Connect to Lifeline and Save!

2008-06-01T21:55:00Z

Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS), also known as California Lifeline, provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. Consumers who qualify for California Lifeline pay a fraction of the regular cost for telephone connection and monthly local telephone service. This brochure explains the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what you must do to continue participation. Companion pieces include a leader's guide, Lifeline Training Guide and PowerPoint slides.

California Lifeline - PowerPoint Training Slides

2008-06-01T17:58:00Z

Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS), also known as California Lifeline, provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. These PowerPoint slides were developed to help trainers and advocates explain the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what consumers must do to continue their participation. Companion pieces include a multilingual brochure, a leader's guide and a Lifeline Training Guide.The California Lifeline Powerpoint training file is available for download in the "Download File" section.

California Lifeline Telephone Service - Training Guide

2008-06-01T08:56:00Z

Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS), also known as California Lifeline, provides discounts on basic residential telephone service to eligible low-income households. This training guide was developed to help eligible households understand the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program, and what they must do to continue their participation. Companion brochure, leader's guide and PowerPoint training slides are available.

Leave me alone (2008)

2008-05-23T08:14:17Z

Leave Me Alone! Your Privacy Online - and Offline explains the concept of personal privacy and why it is important to be careful about who has access to your personal information. Topics covered include privacy in cyberspace, cutting down on unwanted junk mail and spam e-mail from marketers and 'top ten' ways to protect your privacy on and off the Internet.

Sensitive Information - Privacy and Your Medical Records (2008)

2008-05-22T07:27:55Z

Your medical records are not as private as you might think. This booklet explains some steps you can take to guard the privacy and accuracy of your medical records. The misuse of medical records has led to loss of jobs, discrimination, identity theft and embarrassment.