Financial Education Resource Guide

Personal Finance and Money Management
Learn practical skills to help you manage your money, save for the future and build a strong financial foundation.

• My Money
  Financial education help from over 20 different Federal web sites in one place.
   
• Tomorrow's Money
  Budget calculators and step-by-step financial planning.
   
• Money Smart
  Computer-based instruction tool available in English and Spanish.
    
• Smart About Money
  Collaboration of free materials from several organizations.
   
• Practical Money Skills for Life
  Pamphlets, Podcasts, news reports and helpful tips.
   
• My Money Management
  Financial tips and advice, tools, calculators and more.
   
• Choose To Save
  Simple savings tips, such as saving money on your utilities and more.
   
• Smart Money
  Financial planning, saving, investing and retirment planning resources.
  
• Save Hard Spend Smart
  Online discussions and blogs, daily spending/saving tips and a savings calculator 
   
• FDIC
  Frequently asked questions on deposit insurance.
  

Understanding Credit
There's more to your credit than just your credit score; explore these sites to learn more about how credit works.

• The Foundation of Credit Education
  Easy to read online primer for understanding your credit.
    
• American Bankers Association Education Foundation
  Ten tips for getting smart.
   
• Get Credit Wise (PDF)
  Download an informational credit wise booklet. 
   
• Managing Credit and Debt (PDF)
  Download an information booklet on managing credit and Debt. 
   
• my FICO
  What's in your FICO score and how to improve it, plus tips on how to responsibly manage credit over time.
   
• What's My Score
  Provides free credit score estimate and tips on building solid credit.
  
• Card Policy Info
  Extensive background information on credit cards, the ongoing legislative and regulatory process, and tips for consumers on using credit cards wisely

Home Buying 101
Simplify the process of buying a home with the help of these resources.

• Home Purchase Assistance Program
  This OBA program helps low-income families realize their dream of owning a home.
   
• Homebuyer Education (PDF)
  Find a homebuyer education course in your area. 
   
• Regional Housing Center 
  Local resources to help low and moderate income families rent and purchase affordable housing.
   
• A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancing
  Along with the potential benefits to refinancing, there are also costs, learn what you need to know about refinancing your home.

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Learn what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft and keep your personal information secure.

• Identity Theft Protection Act (PDF)
  Download an informational brochure on how the Identity Theft Protection Act can help you.
   
• Oregon Department of Justice
  What to do if you become a victim.
   
• Clatsop County Oregon
  Resources to help you minizime your risk.
   
• Federal Trade Commission
  Learn how to avoid identity theft - and what to do if your identity is stolen.
    
• National Consumers League
  Step-by-step advice for prevention and intervention.
  
  
• Identity Theft Quiz
  Find out how vulnerable you may be to identity theft.

Investing 101
Explore information on investing wisely.

• Path to Investing
  Online quizes, games, calculators, worksheets and a dictionary of financial terms.
   
• Investment Education Forum
  Attend for free and learn the difference between a good investment and a scam.
   
• Investor Bill of Rights
  10 things you should know before you invest.
      
• Downloadable Guides (PDF):
  • Investing for Beginners
  • Risky Investments - A practical guide for protecting your investment dollars
  • ABC's of Online Investing
  • Before You Invest, Ask Questions 
  • Questions to Ask Your Broker 

Just for Women
Financial information from saving and investing, to preparing for retirement, all designed especially for women.

• MsMoney Women & Finance
  Tips on financial health, investing, life planning, debt reduction and more.
    
• Women's Institute for Financial Education
  Education for women seeking financial independence.
   
• Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement
  Resources for retirement planning.
   
• Wiser Women (PDF)  
  A comprehensive manual - What women need to know about retirement.

Money Management Basics
These resources are specifically designed to help kids and teens learn practical skills to manage money, save for the future and build a strong financial foundation.

• Bond Market Foundation
  Step-by-step financial planning and budget calculators.
    
• Oregon Jump$tart Coalition
  Connect with an organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of Oregon's youth.
   
• Bank Jr.
  Check out the Save-O-Matic - at tool to help you save up for that big purchase.
   
• Kids Bank
  Interactive cartoons teaching money basics.
   
• The Mint  
  Comprehensive resources for earning, saving, investing, giving and much more.
   
• Wise Pockets
  Cartoon tutorials for saving, earning, credit and more.
   
• Planet Orange 
  Join interactive anime characters as they explore the world of money. 
   
• Choice Nerd, Money Matters 
  Financial planning for young adults.
   
• It All Adds Up
  A site for teens who want to get a head start on their financial future.
   
• Bank High School
  Budgeting program, stock market simulator and more.
   
• Smart About Money
  Download this detailed guide with 40 money management tips for college students.
   
• Money Talks
  Games, videos, links and feedback - especially for teens.
   
• MoneySKILL Financial Literacy Course
  Free interactive internet-based course on personal finance.

Investment Education for Kids
Browse the following sites and get a head start on investing for your future.

• Investing for Kids - for kids, by kids 
  Interactive tools for beginners through advanced investors.
   
• Young Investors Network
  Planning, setting goals, investment basics, and building a watch list.
   
• Young Investor
  Detailed tips on planning, earning, and investing your money.

Teens and Credit
Explore these sites to learn more about building your credit

• Get Smart About Credit
  Resources compiled by the American Bankers Association. 
   
• Choice Nerd, Credit Center
  Tools to make smart credit decisions.

Do you know of a great resource that should be listed here? 
Please email the link to arose@oregonbankers.com.