Consumer Tools
Budgeting and Spending Planning
Better Business Bureau
http://www.bbb.org
Bridge to Benefits Web Site (Children’s Defense Fund)
Discover potential eligibility for public health care, childcare, tax credits, food support and energy assistance:
http://www.bridgetobenefits.org
Help Mn Save
Resource emphasizing the importance of saving money.
www.helpmnsave.org
Minnesota Attorney General
Go to http://www.ag.state.mn.us
MN Dept. of Education
Resource emphasizing the importance of saving money.
http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us
MN Housing Finance Agency:
http://www.mnhousing.gov
MN Dept of Education:
http://parentsknow.state.mn.us/parentsknow/index.html
Social Security Administration
Information on social security:
United Way
United Way First Call For Help - 211
Dial 2-1-1 or for cell phones 1-800-543-7709
24x7 live information and referral telephone line to help people locate services in their area on a variety of topics. Free call.
Or search on-line database for your area.
http://www.211.org or http://www.thebeehive.org
United Way Financial Stability Partnership
www.unitedway.org/fsp
University of Minnesota Extension
Find financial information at www.extension.umn.edu/frm
Contact: Shirley Anderson-Porisch;
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ;
507-337-2812;
888-241-3261
U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission
Providing financial education resources for all Americans
http://www.mymoney.gov
USA Government
Variety of information topics:
http://www.usa.gov
U.S. Poverty Guidelines
Health & Human services eligibility guidelines:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/11poverty.shtml
Wise Pockets World
Resource for kids, parents, and teachers for learning money management.
http://www.umsl.edu/~wpockets/
Calculators
Cost of Living in Minnesota Wage & Budget Calculator
Wage and budget calculator for Minnesota:
http://www.jobsnowcoalition.org/calculator/calculator.html
Inflation Calculator
Shows the impact of inflation:
http://minneapolisfed.org/research/data/us/calc
Food Plans
USDA Cost of Food At Home for thrifty, low, moderate, liberal levels:
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USDAFoodCost-Home.htm
PowerPay
Interactive calculator for lowering debt by making larger payments; requires log in
http://extension.usu.edu/htm/finance
Credit and Debt Planning
Bankruptcy Resources
US Trustee Program information on bankruptcy process:
http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/index.htm
Consumer Credit Counseling
Non-profit helps with financial problems, including budgets, money management and debt repayment plans
National Foundation for Credit Counseling:
Consumer Credit Counseling Services (metro area):
651-439-4840; www.cccs.org
Consumer Credit Counseling Services (greater MN):
1-888-577-2227; www.cccs.org
LSS Financial Counseling Service (metro area only):
1-888-577-2227
Gambling Problems Resource Center
Recognize problem/compulsive gambling behavior, prevention and education programs and treatment resources in Minnesota.
http://www.miph.org/gambling/ or MN Problem Gambling Help Line - 1-800-333-HOPE (4673)
MN Attorney General's Office
For comprehensive information on handling credit, go to http://www.ag.state.mn.us/ On the left margin, click on "Publications" for The Credit Handbook.
Credit Reports
Annual Credit Reports
By internet: http://www.annualcreditreport.com
By telephone: 1-877-322-8228
By writing:
Annual Credit Report Request Service;
P.O. Box 105281; Atlanta, GA 30348-528
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