• Bankruptcy
    • Understanding the Bankruptcy Reform
      Better understand the 2005 changes to the bankruptcy code and the effects of filing on your credit rating.

  • Consumer Protection
    • Automatic Debit Scams
      Learn to avoid scams that result in unauthorized withdrawals from your accounts.

    • Avoiding Credit & Charge Card Fraud
      Protect yourself from credit card scams, identity theft and more.

    • Beware of False Advertisements
      Learn how to read between the lines when you see advertisements that offer quick fixes.

    • Choosing a Credit Counselor
      Learn what to look for when choosing a credit counselor.

    • Credit Protection Laws
      You are protected; learn more about the laws supporting you.

    • Credit Repair Clinics
      Do you need them or can you do it yourself?

    • Dealing with Billing Errors
      Righting "wrongs:" the dos and don'ts of correcting your creditors.

    • Home Equity Scams
      Learn to recognize a scam and avoid putting your greatest asset at risk.

    • Identity Crisis...What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen
      Regain control of your finances after an identity theft.

    • Learn to Detect Elderly Fraud
      Know the red flags associated with this common problem and ways to help a vulnerable adult.

    • Mortgage Discrimination
      Know your rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

    • Payday Loans = Costly Cash
      They can be very tempting when money is short, but can you afford the interest?

    • Remove Your Name from Marketing Lists
      Stop those calls today!

    • Security on the Internet
      Protecting your privacy when surfing and purchasing on the Web.

    • Shopping for Home Financing
      Because finding the right loan is as important as finding the right house.

    • Telemarketing Fraud
      Learn to identify the warning signs of telemarketing fraud.

    • Tips For Avoiding Advance Fee Loan Scams
      Following these tips will help you avoid a lot of trouble.

    • Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
      Following the tips on this list will help you avoid the troubles caused by identity theft.

    • Money Saving Tips
      Spend less and get closer to a balanced budget or a financial goal.

  • Credit
    • Charge-Offs
      Find out what happens when an account is charged off. Know what steps you should take next.

    • Credit Card Do's and Don'ts
      Valuable tips for managing your credit card accounts and usage.

    • Credit Scoring
      The how's, why's and what's of credit scoring

    • Divorce and Credit
      Understanding the different kinds of credit accounts opened during a marriage may help illuminate the potential benefits and pitfalls of each.

    • Do You Need to See a Credit Counselor
      Things to think about if you are considering credit counseling.

    • How Much Credit Can You Afford
      Determine what you can afford; it is probably quite a bit less than what lenders may be willing to lend you.

    • How to Establish Credit
      How to start from scratch proving you are a good risk to lenders.

    • Sample Letter to Creditors
      Learn how to request a temporary change in the repayment terms of your accounts in case of job loss or another financially challenging event.

    • The Wise Use of Credit
      Using credit carefully lowers your risks of defaulting --- and suffering the consequences.

    • What is a Credit Report
      This article explains the credit reporting process.

    • Disputing an Item on Your Credit Report
      Things to consider when disputing an item on your credit report.

  • Credit History
    • Fair Credit Reporting Act
      Learn about your federally granted rights regarding credit reporting.

    • Have You Been Denied Credit
      Next steps after you've been denied credit.

    • Your Credit History
      How to establish, or re-establish, your credit history.

    • Avoid being in the "red" on Valentine's Day
      Don't go in the red this February 14; check for early deals on flowers and online shopping coupons.

  • Cutting Costs
    • Dollar Store Deals
      You will be pleasantly surprised at the great deals you can find at dollar stores. Items such as gift wrap and cleaning supplies are much cheaper here than at a chain store.

    • Dramatically Cut Your Gas Bill
      Reduce transportation costs with ease.

    • Eight Simple Ways to Save on Energy Costs
      Follow these useful tips and reduce your winter energy bill.

    • Grad Gifts
      Consider these low-cost options when attending a graduation party.

    • Minimize your Holiday Debt
      Simple rules to help you avoid overspending.

    • Money-Smart Travel Tips
      If you would rather not drive, want to take a vacation by driving, use some of these tips to save on airfare.

    • Save on Groceries
      Try these helpful tips next time you're tempted to overspend at the supermarket.

    • Say "I do" to Savings
      Follow these simple suggestions to avoid going broke on the big event.

    • Adjustable Rate Mortgages
      With soaring gas prices and the doubling of credit card minimum monthly payments, consumers with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage may be struggling to make ends meet. Explore other options, like refinancing or downsizing.

  • Housing
    • Buying A Home
      Consider the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home.

    • Hints for First-Time Homebuyers
      A few crucial activities before you begin the search for your first home will make a big difference.

    • Looking for the Best Mortgage
      Considerations in determining which mortgage is best for you and your family.

    • Refinancing Your Home
      Learn how to decide if refinancing makes good sense.

    • Rescinding a Loan
      Learn about a credit law that gives you extra time to reconsider loan agreements when you've put your home up as collateral.

    • Reverse Mortgage Counseling
      What is a reverse mortgage? Under which circumstances is it right for me?

    • Reverse Mortgages
      This article describes similarities and differences among reverse mortgage plans, including the benefits and drawbacks of each.

    • Tips on Homeownership
      Qualifying for a loan is often different than being able to afford the loan. Ask yourself some important questions

    • Types of Housing Counseling
      Housing counseling can help people make wise decisions. Find out what help is available.

    • An Introduction to Insurance
      Get the basics on how insurance works

  • Insurance
    • Types of Insurance
      This article explores the different types of insurance plans available.

    • 10 Indicators of Financial Trouble
      You know you're in trouble if.Review this list of indicators to see if it's time to get help.

  • Manage Your Money Now
    • Are you financially fit
      Determine your personal financial health.

    • Cosigning a Loan
      It's certainly a kind thing to do for a friend or family member, but it could put your financial wellness in danger.

    • Current Spending Plan
      Use this worksheet to determine your monthly expense budget.

    • Dealing With a Financial Emergency
      This article helps you plan and prepare for emergencies by suggesting certain priorities.

    • Debt Settlement Considerations
      If you are considering debt settlement as an option, there is a lot to consider. This article will help you determine whether this is the right choice for you.

    • Don't Let Your Tax Refund Go MIA
      Make sure your refund comes to you and avoid being one of the thousands of Americans whose refund goes missing.

    • Family Money Management System
      This article discusses how to use a critical tool for achieving family financial goals.

    • Holiday Planner
      How to give generously, but avoid overspending during the holidays.

    • Keep a Home File
      Learn about simple record keeping that maximizes the efficiency of your financial records.

    • Net Worth Statement
      How much are you worth? This tool will help you find out.

    • Payday Loans = Costly Cash
      Get the details you need to decide if a payday loan is worth its cost.

    • Reducing Your Debts
      Tips for reducing debt and improving financial wellness.

    • Requesting Vital Records
      A how-to for getting copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce documents from the state of Michigan.

    • Savings is Security
      How to save for the future and increase security.

    • Seven Steps to a Successful Budget
      Budgeting tips you don't want to miss.

    • Successfully Managing Your Money
      This article explores money management basics.

    • Trash That Paper: what to toss, what to keep
      Personal record keeping tips that work.

    • Use Your Tax Refund Wisely
      Smart ways to use your refund include paying off your credit card debt and establishing an emergency fund.

    • Using Community Resources
      If you're ready to get help from a community credit counseling agency, this list of things to bring with you will be extremely helpful.

    • Backyard Vows: Priceless Setting, Elusive Savings
      Backyard affairs often have unexpected costs.

  • Miscellaneous
    • College Loan Rate Increases
      Is your child headed off to college? Learn about the interest rates associated with college loans.

    • Cosigning a Loan Can Cost You
      Don't get pressured into consigning a friend's loan or lease; the risks far outweigh the rewards.

    • Creative Holiday donations
      If you want to make a donation during the holidays but can't afford a monetary contribution, read about the other ways you can help like donating gently used clothes or giving blood.

    • Free College Tuition for Low-Income Families
      Some big-name public and private universities offer special deals on tuition for financially struggling families.

    • Keeping Your Job
      Make it difficult for your employer to fire you by promoting yourself in the workplace.

    • Life Cycle Demands
      Explore the various financial goals of different age groups.

    • Love and Money Can Go Together
      Even your money management styles are different! It doesn't have to cause relationship woes.

    • Newlyweds and Finances
      Merging and managing your personal finances after the wedding can be difficult. Learn how to plan a budget and establish an emergency fund.

    • Stages of the financial life cycle
      The needs of beginning and expanding families are very different. Explore how with this useful assessment of needs.

    • Study Affirms Value of Credit Counseling
      A 2002 study proved that credit counseling significantly improves consumers' borrowing and payment behavior in the years following completion of a counseling program.

    • Use Your Debit Card Wisely
      A debit card is a great tool for learning smart money management skills. Just try not to overdraft your account or incur excessive ATM fees

    • When to Accept a Buyout
      Consumers across the country are being faced with company downsizing. Check out some helpful tips to help with your decision-making process.

  • Retirement
    • Dipping Into Your Nest Egg
      This chart helps retirees determine how much they can take from their savings to leave the nest egg intact.

    • Drawing Up a Will
      Basics about wills, your testimony to how you want your assets distributed after your death.

    • Financial Checklist For Retirement
      Helpful tips to consider when determining what you'll need in retirement.

    • Getting Credit When You Are Over 62
      This article explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining credit.

    • Preparing for Retirement
      Saving for retirement is very important but also a challenging task. Starting the process early can make a huge difference.

    • Budgeting for Student Loans
      Read what the Michigan Association of CPAs has to say about the importance of planning for the repayment of your student loan.

  • Youth and Money Management
    • Financial Planning for College Study
      A ready-to-use budget worksheet for students.

    • Jobs and Teens
      Discuss the importance of managing your personal finances while helping your children search for a summer job.

    • Students: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
      College students are especially susceptible to identity theft. Check out these tips to avoid becoming a victim.

    • Teaching Children to Manage Money
      Learning money-management skills early can be key to their future success.

    • Teens Budget Worksheet
      This ready-to-use budget worksheet gives teens a solid look at their financial situations

    • The Cost of Buying a Car
      This article explains how to look for a car loan that is most suitable for you.