Bankruptcy

Financial Keys to 2010

By Meaghan Olson

With credit scores, student loans, mortgages, credit card debt, car loans, bank accounts, retirement funds and everything else you have to worry about to keep up with your finances, it?s no wonder if you feel overwhelmed from time to time.

Luckily, the General Services Administration?s Office of Citizen Services publishes a Consumer Handbook for American citizens every year ? and, as a taxpaying consumer in the U.S., the book is absolutely free to you. Order your copy at http://www.consumeraction.gov/.

Financial Help at Your Fingertips

If you don't have the time to sort through everything in the 172-page book, here?s a brief look at what this year?s handbook offers:

• Sample complaint letter: The one-page template can serve as a guide when you feel moved to lodge a complaint against those you suspect of unfair or fraudulent practices.
• Corporate consumer office contact information: This section details how to get in touch with organizations and outfits designed specifically to help with whatever concerns or problems you have.
• Car manufacturers and resolution programs: Car questions? This section lists the digits for every manufacturer included in the handbook.
• State government resources: When you need information about local laws or other pertinent information specific to your state or region, this section is the place to turn: it has contact details for non-national government entities.
• Banking: Need help figuring out your account, opening a new account or adapting your saving strategy? Take a look at this section, where you?ll find information for State Banking Authorities.
• Insurance: Unsure where to turn for coverage? Unsure whether you need more insurance? Check out this section, which will give you contact options for State Insurance Regulators.
• Securities: Contact information for State Securities Administrators is offered here.
• Utilities: Need to know more about your utility bills and options for getting power and water in your home? This section lists State Utility Commissions and how to contact them. If you need utility bill debt relief, while this section may help, you may also want to consider bankruptcy.
• Federal agencies: Maybe you?re not sure whether there?s a government entity that can help with what ails you. Check out this section for listings.
• Better Business Bureaus: This section lists the BBBs you may need to contact with consumer complaints or concerns.
• Consumer organizations: Turn here to find out which groups are working to help you ? and contact them to see how you can offer assistance.
• Trade Associations: This section offers listings for Trade and Professional Associations mentioned in the handbook.

Full post as published by The Bankruptcy Blog on March 20, 2010 (boomark / email).