Understanding Vehicle Financing
This Federal Citizen Information System website walks you through the steps for purchasing a car. Included is a vehicle financing worksheet to assist in making good choices.
Loan Calculator
(FINRA)
Use this calculator to determine the monthly payment for that car loan.
See if an extra year on the term of the loan really makes sense. Use our
calculator to find out.
Lemon Law – Ohio
If you are having problems with your newly purchased or leased vehicle, check out lemon law information on the Ohio Attorney General's website.
Consumer Reports Car Buying Advice
The magazine, Consumer Reports, has a web guide that provides essential information for choosing, buying, and financing a car. It includes links to its rating information on vehicles and to calculators and worksheets for the number-crunching of a purchase.
Federal Trade Commission Automobile Purchase Advice
FTC provides advice for a consumer that includes links to information on auto service contracts, alternative cars and fuels, purchase hints, and vehicle repossession. Also available in Spanish.
Manufacturers' Technical Service Bulletins
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's link to its technical service bulletin database allows searches of summaries of the manufacturers' technical service bulletins by single year, make, model, and vehicle component.
Leasing An Automobile
Check out this link from the Federal Reserve Board if you are considering leasing rather than purchasing your automobile. Also available in Spanish.
Energy Efficient Tax Credits For Automobiles
Information from the Alliance to Save Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy that shows you how purchases of energy efficient items (automotive and home) result in tax credits. Also available in Spanish.
Purchasing A Used Vehicle
This Federal Citizen Information System website provides important points to consider when you are thinking of purchasing a used vehicle. Additional links connect to authoritative information.
Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles – Used Vehicle Purchase
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides tips on purchasing a used vehicle.
AUTOMOBILES - CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
Vehicle Complaints
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receives complaints about vehicles. These are entered into their vehicle owner's complaint database “to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists”. A link is available for filing a complaint about a vehicle.
Vehicle Defects And Recalls
Are you having too many problems with your car? Check your vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's database to determine its defects and recall records.
Secret Warranties, Recalls, Lemon Laws
Information on secret warranties, recalls, and lemon laws, including links for access to databases that provide data on recalls and service bulletin alerts.
Automobile Complaint Contacts
The federal government's Consumer Action website provides contact information for registering a complaint to an automobile manufacturer. Also included are contacts for automotive dispute resolution programs.
Buying A Home – Tips From
HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information on every step in the home buying process, including HUD's special home buying programs.
Buying, Selling, Renting, Maintaining Basics
Check this website for the basic information on the place that you call or will call home.
Protecting Your Move
Check out the information from the website of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before you choose a mover. Along with tips and guidelines, you can search their database on movers and their complaint history.
Tips About Home Inspections
Before you buy a home, it is suggested that it be professionally inspected. Tips from the Better Business Bureau on selecting a home inspector can begin the process.
Buying A Home – Advice From The
FTC
Learn about real estate brokers, agents, and sales commissions via this Federal Trade Commission link. Also available in Spanish.
Know Your Protection When Purchasing A Home
You are protected from lenders who try to violate the law. Learn how you are protected from them and their practices and how action can be taken against such a lender. Also available in Spanish.
Using Your Home For A Loan
Are you thinking of using your home as collateral for a loan? Check out information from the Federal Trade Commission before taking any steps. A handy worksheet for comparison of lenders accompanies it. Also available in Spanish.
New Home Warranties
Know your options on warranties available for your newly-built home.
Homebuyer's Calculator
Ginnie Mae's website provides three calculators to be used in making decisions on home ownership: Buy vs. Rent Calculator, Affordability Calculator, and Loan Estimator Calculator.
GINNIE MAE Homeownership Center
Learn about all phases of the home buying process from first steps to closing. Included are the following: Homeownership 101, Finding a Home, Applying for a Loan, Making the Purchase, and Credit Counseling.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency – First-Time Homeowner Program
The
Ohio Housing Finance Agency, formerly a division of the Ohio Department
of Development, is now an independent state agency whose mission is to
better serve the “long term affordable housing needs of Ohioans”. Low
and moderate income Ohioans can purchase homes through this program.
Check this website for details on qualifications, loan features and
types, application procedures, and more.
Ohio Housing Locator
If you decide to rent
rather than own, use this free website to search the state for
apartments and houses to rent by location, cost and features. The site
is supported by the
Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council,
Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio
Department of Job & Family Services.
Mortgage Information And Advice – Federal Citizen Information System
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's website provides up-to-date information on obtaining mortgages or refinancing one in our new housing climate.
Consumer Handbook On Adjustable
Mortgage Rates
If you are considering this type of mortgage, check the timely information from the Federal Reserve Board. The link also provides a Mortgage Shopping Worksheet to assist in your decision making.
Shopping Around For A Home Loan Or Mortgage
To obtain the best deal for your home loan or mortgage, your are advised to shop around. This link on the Federal Reserve Board's website shows you the process. Also available in Spanish.
Mortgage Ad Alert
Don't be fooled by advertisements for mortgages. Understand the language used in these ads and learn what important information may not be included. Also available in Spanish.
Shop, Compare, And Negotiate For Your Mortgage
Find the best mortgage by looking at information from the Fair Trade Commission and by using its mortgage shopping worksheet. Also available in Spanish.
Mortgage Discrimination
Do you have suspicions that the rejection of your loan request was based on possible discrimination? Learn about your rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act from the website of the Federal Trade Commission. Also available in Spanish.
Mortgage Closing Costs
Check out the Federal Reserve Board's guide on mortgage settlement costs for a better understanding of this part of the mortgage process.
Mortgage Comparison Calculator
This calculator from the Federal Reserve Board will help you compare the monthly payments and the amount of equity you can build into your home for several kinds of fixed and adjustable rate mortgages.
Loan Calculator
(FINRA)
Use this calculator to determine the monthly payment for that car loan.
See if an extra year on the term of the loan really makes sense. Use our
calculator to find out.
Mortgage APR Calculator
This Ohio State Treasurer's link provides a calculator to determine the
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for your mortgage. A report is generated from
the results of the calculation.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency – First-Time Homeowner Program
The
Ohio Housing Finance Agency, formerly a division of the Ohio Department
of Development, is now an independent state agency whose mission is to
better serve the “long term affordable housing needs of Ohioans”. Low
and moderate income Ohioans can purchase homes through this program.
Check this website for details on qualifications, loan features and
types, application procedures, and more.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency – Ohio Heroes Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, formerly a division of the Ohio Department of Development, is now an independent state agency whose mission is to better serve the “long term affordable housing needs of Ohioans”. Eight career categories qualify for special mortgage rates through the agency: Active Military, Emergency Medical Technicians, Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, Military Veterans, Paramedics, Police Officers, and Teachers. Check the website for details.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency –
Target Area Loan Program
A target
area is an economically distressed area designated by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). OHFA’s Target Area
Loan Program helps revitalize Ohio target areas through their first-time
homebuyer loan products and competitive interest rates available to “ANY
qualifying buyer purchasing a home in these areas.” Check this website
for details, including target area maps for your Ohio county.
How To Solve Mortgage Payment Problems
Look to information from the Federal Trade Commission if you are having trouble paying your mortgage. Also available in Spanish.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams – How To Avoid Them
If you are having difficulty meeting your mortgage payments, learn how to find legitimate help and how to avoid scams. Also available in Spanish.
Foreclosure Information from the Ohio State Treasurer
This Ohio State Treasurer's web portal provides much information and
contacts for those dealing with foreclosures, loss mitigation and
refinancing. Access to local coalitions that help consumers with such
problems is available. Explore these informative links if you and your
family are facing such problems.
Save the Dream: Ohio's
Foreclosure Prevention Effort
Save the Dream of home
ownership with help from Ohio's Foreclosure Prevention Task Force.
Shopper's
Guide to Auto Insurance
Link to an Ohio
Department of Insurance online publication that provides information on
different types of coverage provided by automobile insurance policies. Its
forty-seven pages include complaint information, sample company premiums,
shopping tips and more.
Insurance
Company Research
The Ohio Department of Insurance provides links to financial data and
independent ratings of insurance companies. The department also provides a
list of insurance companies that are authorized to transact business in
Ohio.
Key Information On Insurance
Companies
The National Association of
Insurance Commissioners provides a way to access information about an
insurance company before your decision to purchase a policy. Find key
information, including closed complaints, licensing information and
financial data, through its Consumer Information Source.
Automobile Insurance Basics And Beyond
The Insurance Information Institute provides links to automobile insurance basics, buying a policy, and filing claims.
State Of Ohio Coverage Requirements For Automobile Insurance
Learn about the financial responsibility of the automobile owner as required by the State of Ohio.
Shop & Save Tips From The Ohio Insurance Institute
The Ohio Insurance Institute provides tips on how to generate savings on your automobile insurance without compromising your insurance needs.
Ohio
Department Of Insurance Complaint Data
The Ohio Department of insurance
“publishes complaint ratio data on an annual basis after receiving premium
information for the previous year from Ohio insurance companies”. Check
out an insurance company for the complaints of its customers.
Ohio’s Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)
Program
The State of Ohio has
recently implemented the federal Health
Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) Program. The program pays “up to 65
percent of the cost of qualified health coverage for eligible Ohioans who
have lost their jobs or pension benefits due to economic changes related to
foreign trade issues”. Check this website for details about the program,
including qualifications for coverage.
Insurance Company Research
Insurance
Company Research
The Ohio Department of Insurance provides links to financial data and
independent ratings of insurance companies. The department also provides a
list of insurance companies that are authorized to transact business in
Ohio.
Purchasing Health
Insurance
Basic and beyond information on
purchasing health insurance from the Insurance Information Institute.
Health Insurance
and Women
The National Women’s Health
Information Center provides information on health insurance, including
information specific to the needs of women.
HIPPA
(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
This federal law improves the
portability and continuity of health insurance coverage. It
provides new rights and protections for participants and beneficiaries
enrolled in group health plans. Check this website for information
that may impact your coverage.
A Guide to Health Insurance
The Federal Citizen Information
Center provides a 19-part guide to understanding health insurance and the
process for purchasing it.
Ohio
Department Of Insurance Complaint Data
The Ohio Department of insurance
“publishes complaint ratio data on an annual basis after receiving premium
information for the previous year from Ohio insurance companies”. Check
out an insurance company for the complaints of its customers.
Key Information On Insurance
Companies
The National Association of
Insurance Commissioners provides a way to access information about an
insurance company before your decision to purchase a policy. Find key
information, including closed complaints, licensing information and
financial data, through its Consumer Information Source.
12 Ways To Lower Your Home Insurance Costs
Walk through these 12 steps from the Insurance Information Institute and find ways to save on your home insurance. Additional links to consumer information on home insurance is available.
Insurance
Company Research
The Ohio Department of Insurance provides links to financial data and
independent ratings of insurance companies. The department also provides a
list of insurance companies that are authorized to transact business in
Ohio.
Tips For Purchasing Home Or Rental Insurance
Can't have enough tips when we make this all-important decision, and the federal government's Consumer Action Website adds to the mix.
Insurance For Your Home And Possessions
Protect your home and possessions with these tips from the Insurance Information Institute.
Am I Covered? Home Insurance Questions Answered
The Insurance Information Institute Explains what is covered in a standard homeowners policy…. and what is not. Find the gaps in coverage in your policy and how to correct the situation.
10 Things You Should Know About Purchasing Home Insurance
Research ten basic areas before you purchase your home insurance. These tips are brought to you by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Flood Insurance Policies – Yes? No?
Explore the many links from the website of the National Flood Insurance Program to learn about this type of insurance protection for your home.
Home Insurance From The Point Of View Of Consumer Reports
An alert from Consumer Reports on “home-insurance traps” in policies.
Key Information On Insurance Companies
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides a way to access information about an insurance company before your decision to purchase a policy. Find key information, including closed complaints, licensing information and financial data, through its Consumer Information Source.
Ohio
Department Of Insurance Complaint Data
The Ohio Department of insurance
“publishes complaint ratio data on an annual basis after receiving premium
information for the previous year from Ohio insurance companies”. Check
out an insurance company for the complaints of its customers.
Insurance
Company Research
The Ohio Department of Insurance provides links to financial data and
independent ratings of insurance companies. The department also provides a
list of insurance companies that are authorized to transact business in
Ohio.
What You Should Know About
Buying Life Insurance
The American Council of Life
Insurers (ACLI) has provided information on the purchase of life insurance
for the federal government’s consumer information link.
Should You Exchange Your Life Insurance Policy? (FINRA INVESTOR ALERT)
If you own a life
insurance policy, you may have been approached to exchange it for another
new policy. You need to know that even though the tax laws make the
exchange income tax free and the new policy may appear better to you, you
may be losing - not gaining - if you make the exchange.
What You Should Know about
Life Settlements
(FINRA
INVESTOR ALERT)
Lately, more and more
seniors are hearing about opportunities to sell their existing life
insurance for cash in transactions known as life settlements. A life
settlement, or senior settlement, as they are sometimes called, involves
selling an existing life insurance policy to a third party—a person or an
entity other than the company that issued the policy—for more than the
policy's
cash surrender value,
but less than the
net death benefit.
Learn more….
Should You Exchange Your Variable Annuity?
(FINRA
INVESTOR ALERT)
If you have a life
insurance or annuity contract, you may have been approached to exchange it
for a new model, one with better or the latest features. You need to know
that even though tax law makes the exchange income tax free and the new
contract may sound better for you, you may be losing – not gaining – if
you make the exchange.
Equity-Indexed Annuities: A
Complex Choice
(FINRA
INVESTOR ALERT)
Equity-Indexed Annuities
are anything but easy to understand. One of the most confusing features of
an EIA is the method used to calculate the gain in the index to which the
annuity is linked. Before you buy an EIA, you should understand the
various features of this investment and be prepared to ask your insurance
agent, broker, financial planner, or other financial professional lots of
questions about whether an EIA is right for you.
Ohio
Department Of Insurance Complaint Data
The Ohio Department of insurance
“publishes complaint ratio data on an annual basis after receiving premium
information for the previous year from Ohio insurance companies”. Check
out an insurance company for the complaints of its customers.
Key
Information On Insurance Companies
The National Association of
Insurance Commissioners provides a way to access information about an
insurance company before your decision to purchase a policy. Find
key information, including closed complaints, licensing information and
financial data, through its Consumer Information Source.
Energy Star Qualified Appliances
When you consider the purchase of a major appliance, consider its energy efficiency. Learn about the ENERGY STAR designation on appliances, and learn how the designation can save you money. Click on links for individual appliance information.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Learn to shop for these major purchases by factoring in their energy efficiency. Provides tips on how to evaluate appliances before making the decision.
Energy Efficient Tax Credits
The Alliance to Save Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy provide information on how purchases of energy efficient items (automotive and home) result in tax credits. Also available in Spanish.
Consumer Reports On Appliances
The Consumer Reports website provides detailed information on purchasing major appliances as well as providing their ratings on these products.
Energy Efficient Appliances- A Guide To Purchasing
An overview on the purchase of energy efficient appliances and home electronic products, from the National Resources Defense Council. Also available in Spanish.
back to topThis program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart Investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association. The PLYMC has formed local partnerships with the following community agencies to promote financial literacy initiatives especially to young families: Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership, Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP), Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Inc., Mahoning County Coalition for Community Reinvestment, Child Care Connection, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, Youngstown Economic Development Office, WFMJ-TV 21, WKBN-TV-27, and WYTV-TV -33.
Home | Library Catalog | LibraryKidsville.org | TeenXTremeOnline.org | Site Map
© 1997-2008 Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio. All rights reserved