Credit unions are committed to providing timely information about important consumer financial issues. If you have questions about managing your finances or protecting your privacy, your local credit union can help.

Here some links to online financial resources that also may help.

NOTE: Some of the files are Portable Document Format (PDF) and require Adobe Reader to view. To download a free copy of the software, go to www.adobe.com/products/reader/.

INVEST WISELY

Budgeting

There are many online tools and resources available to help consumers budget, spend wisely, and start saving. Here are some to get you started.

• www.kiplinger.com/tools/budget
• MSN Article: Managing Your Budget

Fighting Fraud and Scams

Fraudsters take advantage of innocent consumers daily through check, ATM (automated teller machine), and Internet scams. Knowing the latest trends in the scamming industry can help you protect yourself from being victimized.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Identity Theft

• Identity Theft Resource Page - US Dept. of Treasury
• Consumer Publications from the Federal Trade Commission

Internet Fraud

• www.cuna.org/initiatives/internet_fraud.html
• www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/cyberfraud.htm
• www.creditunion.coop/scams.html

Protecting Your Home PC

• www.onguardonline.gov

Passwords

• Creating & Using Strong Passwords

Other Scam Information

• Senior Scambuster Kit

Insurance

The California Department of Insurance maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date consumer insurance information website.

Auto Insurance

• Information Guide - California Dept. of Insurance

Health Insurance

• Consumers' Guide to Health Insurance - California Dept. of Insurance (.pdf)

Homeowners Insurance

• Residential Insurance Information - California Dept. of Insurance

Life Insurance

• Life Insurance Information - California Dept. of Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance

• Long Term Care Insurance Information - California Dept. of Insurance
• Long Term Disability Income Insurance Information (.pdf) - Consumer Federation of America

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Buying a home

• www.hud.gov/buying/

College loans

• Federal Student Aid Budget Calculator

Buying a car

• CUDL Auto Smart
• www.fool.com/car/car.htm

Planning for retirement

Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you'll need about 70 percent of your pre-retirement income - lower earners, 90 percent or more - to maintain your standard of living when you stop working.

The U.S. Department of Labor has prepared an excellent guide, "Top 10 ways to prepare for retirement".