We support reforms to the financial marketplace to curb bad practices by banks and lenders.
Student Loans
Publications
- Dept. of Ed. Releases Forms for PubIic Service Loan Forgiveness Program
On January 31, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education released important new information about how student loan borrowers can certify that they are on track toward qualifying for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF website now includes an “employer certification” form, to help borrowers make sure that they are meeting the Department’s requirements to qualify for PSLF. Continue Reading
- 6 Tips for Graduating with Less Student Debt
The cost of higher education is skyrocketing, and students often end up graduating with massive debts as a result. Student loan borrowers are also defaulting on their loans at a higher rate than ever before.
- It’s time Washington looks out for us!
If you don’t think it matters having an aggressive watchdog in Washington looking out for consumers, just consider your credit card bill.
The full House just approved a new financial sheriff – now we need the Senate to do the same so we don’t have to endure more abusive tactics. Tell your Senators you want a watchdog who looks out for us.
- High-Cost Credit
Are you in debt with small, short-term loans?
- Low cost ways to fund your college education
- Student Loans
Private Student Loans Nearly 50 percent of undergraduate private student loan borrowers fail to exhaust their low-cost federal student loans to finance their college education. Families need help understanding college financing.
- How to choose a private student loan
Use private student loans to pay your college costs only after you have exhausted your federal loans. Federal loans are less expensive than private loans.
- Another week, another identity theft scandal
Recent data security breaches have underscored the need for stronger identity theft protections for consumers.
- Measures to prevent ID theft outlined for Senate hearing
Should require businesses, others to notify consumers when their personal info is breached.
- Letter to the Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan regarding application of merger
CU opposes the approval of the application filed by Travelers Group Inc. to merge with Citicorp
Press Releases
- Familes need help understanding college financing
CU issues report on how to improve student loan disclosures and counseling
Blog Posts
- Bankruptcy Lawyers: Student Loans May Be the Next “Debt Bomb”
With outstanding student loans topping $1 trillion – now surpassing credit card debt – and few options for relief, yet another group of experts is weighing in to warn of a student loan crisis. The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys just released a survey and a report showing that bankruptcy lawyers are seeing a Continue Reading
- President Obama Lays Blueprint for Keeping College Affordable
President Obama stopped by the University of Michigan on Friday to announce a comprehensive plan to rein in the skyrocketing costs of going to college. The plan includes key reforms to reduce the need for costly student loans. Relief from high student debt loads is clearly needed – student loan debt in the U.S. Continue Reading
- College Students: Warnings about the Higher One Card
Campuses across the nation have been adopting the Higher One card for their students. While these cards may be providing cost savings to college institutions, students are finding huge problems.
- Senate debate on financial reform heats up
Now that the Senate floor debate on financial reform has started in earnest, supporters are ofering a number of amendments to strengthen the bill so that it better protects consumers from unsafe financial products and creates new rules to stop banks from getting so big that they could threaten the financial system.
- Dangers Of Debt Contest
DefendYourDollars.org wants you to show us what the Dangers of Debt mean to you. Winner receives $1,000 and a years subscription to Consumer Reports Online! - New Way of Lending?
College students may have another way of raising funds to pay for their room, board, books and other necessities for the upcoming school year. Social networking has now extended itself into the lending business.
- To the Grad: Words of Wisdom from Consumer Advocates
Congrats graduates! Money mom would like to share a recent article that ran in the San Francisco Chronicle which provides some money management wisdom from consumer advocates around the country.
- Dirty Deeds: Abuses and Fraudulent Practices in California’s Home Equity Market
October 1995 Dirty Deeds: Abuses and Fraudulent Practices in California’s Home Equity Market by Norma Paz Garcia Executive Summary Through home equity loan abuse and fraud, homes are stolen and lives are devastated. High cost home equity loans sold to homeowners with no reasonable ability to repay them, have taken the homes and devastated the Continue Reading
Cordray Appointed!
The administration finally appointed Cordray after months of fruitless negotiation with opponents who wished to weaken the agency itself before they would vote to confirm its head.
A group of 45 Senators blocked anyone from leading the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau--until January, when President Obama finally made a recess appointment. Finally, someone to protect hardworking Americans from the abusive tactics of banks, credit card companies and Wall Street. Read more.
Worried about retirement?
The stock market has been unusually volatile, plunging hundreds of points, creeping back, only to plunge again. It is hard to stay disciplined about saving when every dime you’ve invested can evaporate in a day.
What is your biggest concern about your own retirement? We want to hear from you.
Where to complain
Online, by mail, phone or fax... Agencies need to hear from you!