These free financial resources about debt, bankruptcy and foreclosure are provided by the FTC. Below are the descriptions with links to each item on the FTC site. The majority are in PDF format, feel free to download, use and share them.
- Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy – Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education: Advises consumers about the new bankruptcy law requiring credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy and debtor education after filing.
- Fiscal Fitness – Choosing a Credit Counselor: Defines debt repayment plans, explains the differences between secured and unsecured debt and offers questions to ask credit counseling agencies if you consider using their services.
- For People on Debt Management Plans – A Must-Do List: Lists must-dos for anyone with a Debt Management Plan and the steps to take if the credit counselor handling your DMP has gone out of business. Also offers a list of questions to ask when choosing a credit counselor.
- Defaulting on Your Mortgage Has Costly Consequences: Explains the costly consequences of default. Stresses that if you’re having trouble making your mortgage payments, you should contact your loan servicer to discuss your options as soon as you can.
- Debt Collection Arbitration – The Who, What, Why and How: Explains how debt collection arbitration works and what your rights are.
- Debt Collection Bookmark: Consumers have rights when dealing with debt collectors. This bookmark provides information on some of those rights according to federal law.
- Debt Collection FAQs – A Guide for Consumers: Answers commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which requires that debt collectors treat you fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: Full text of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
- Knee-Deep In Debt: If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy.
- Settling Your Credit Card Debts: Lists options for help in managing your debt, including dealing with your creditors directly, contacting a credit counselor and considering bankruptcy. What to watch out for from companies that promise to settle your debt.
- Vehicle Repossession – Understanding the Rules of the Road: Discusses your creditor’s rights in seizing and reselling your car for nonpayment and explains deficiency – the difference between what you owe on your loan and what your creditor gets for reselling your car.
