Defend Your Dollars

Consumer Financial Protection Agency - What it is and What it does

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:07:35 -0800

The President’ today released his comprehensive plan to fix the oversight of financial products and markets.

Credit Union Insurance Coverage

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:15:22 -0800

E-Calculator: The Electronic Share Insurance Calculator

FDIC Insurance Calculator

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:14:21 -0800

Insurance

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:04:27 -0800

Economic Downturn

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:46:48 -0800

Did your plans for the future change because of the economy?

Lauren Z. Bowne, Staff Attorney

Thu, 07 May 2009 09:42:00 -0800

Lauren came to CU as a staff attorney in May of 2005 to work on children's health insurance with the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools Project. She spent three years working on issues ranging from childhood obesity and marketing to children to nonprofit health entity conversions and health marketplace reform. Since 2008 she?s been a member of the Financial Services Advocacy Team and focuses on issues related to credit cards and bank products. During law school Lauren studied consumer food issues and environmental policy. Before getting her legal education Lauren spent time working with a bay area organization that advocates for children's after-school and child-care programs. Lauren lives in San Francisco.

New Jersey

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:09:54 -0800

Eligibility: All consumers
Fees: No fee to place the first security freeze. $5 fee to lift the freeze temporarily, remove it altogether, or to have PIN reissued.
Note: Consumers are also permitted to make such requests directly to consumer reporting
agencies via secured electronic mail.
Effective date of law: January 1, 2006
Permanent freeze remains until removal requested by consumer.
Copy of New Jersey’s security freeze law
Instructions for using New Jersey’s security freeze law from NJ’s Dept of Banking and Insurance

Langdon McAlpin

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:12:37 -0800

This disabled police officer in Loganville, Georgia says he was sold a mortgage he couldn’t afford. He’s lived in his home for 19 years.

OCC response on prepaid cards and FDIC insurance coverage

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:05:15 -0800

Per Consumers Union letter, Comptroller of the Currency responds regarding prepaid cards.

Letter to the Comptroller of the Currency regarding stored value cards

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:36:40 -0800

Consumers should have peace of mind that the funds on their prepaid cards are protected.

Letter to President-Elect Obama from Consumers Union President

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:53:48 -0800

CU looks forward to working with the new administration on initiatives that can improve the health, safety, and financial well-being of consumers.

Schwarzenegger urged to address foreclosures

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:58:32 -0800

CU joins consumer and housing groups to call on governor to make mortgage reform a top priority

Senate approves Wall Street rescue package

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:30:57 -0800

Senate bill strengthens Bush Administration plan, but critical protections for consumers and taxpayers still needed

Best plan of action for your money- Stay Put

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:58:17 -0800

We understand that it is nerve wrecking to hear about bank failures and government bailouts, but rest assured, your money is safer where it is than in a shoebox under the bed.

Is my money safe?

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:46:43 -0800

Bank accounts are insured for $250,000 under federal deposit insurance, and most brokerage investments are protected by a private scheme for losses of up to $500,000, but your money might not be protected if you have money on a retailer gift card or this month’s paycheck on a prepaid card.