March 1, 2013

Media Contact:
Jay Rosenstein (202) 898-7303
jrosenstein@fdic.gov

In the last few years, there have been major changes in the way consumers handle their banking and other financial transactions. As a result of new laws and regulations and advancements in technology, it’s important for consumers to have as much information as possible to effectively manage their money and avoid scams. That’s why, in observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2013, the FDIC has compiled a list of some of the most popular articles from its quarterly newsletter, FDIC Consumer News. The list can be found at www.fdic.gov/ncpw.

“The FDIC recognizes the importance of providing consumers with useful information to help them make informed decisions about their money and to protect themselves against scams,” said Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. “For that reason, we are highlighting some of the FDIC’s most popular recent articles for the benefit of consumers with similar concerns.”

Examples of the articles that are featured on the FDIC’s Web page for NCPW include:

The goal of FDIC Consumer News is to deliver timely, reliable and innovative tips and information about financial matters, free of charge. To find current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News, visit www.fdic.gov/consumernews or request paper copies by contacting the FDIC’s Public Information Center toll-free at 1-877-275-3342, by e-mail to publicinfo@fdic.gov, or by writing to the FDIC Public Information Center, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, Room E-1002, Arlington, VA 22226.

Also in connection with NCPW 2013, which is March 3-9, www.fdic.gov/ncpw features other FDIC resources for consumers on a variety of topics. Among them are “EDIE,” the FDIC’s online calculator that assists consumers and businesses in determining their deposit insurance coverage; BankFind, the FDIC’s online directory of insured institutions, including banks that changed names or no longer exist; and Money Smart, a financial education curriculum concentrating on the development of consumers’ financial skills and positive banking relationships.

“The FDIC is proud to be a partner in this year’s National Consumer Protection Week campaign and to support efforts to help people become informed consumers,” Chairman Gruenberg added.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation’s banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation’s 7,083 banks and savings associations, and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically (go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC’s Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-16-2013

As part of National Consumer Protection Week 2013, the FDIC provides a list of some of the most popular articles from our quarterly newsletter, FDIC Consumer News (www.fdic.gov/consumernews). Take a look at the topics that many consumers are interested in (based in large part on “hits” on the FDIC’s Web site) and read the articles for helpful information and tips.

Your Financial Records: What to Toss and When
There are good reasons to hang on to financial documents such as receipts, bank statements and credit card bills, but how long should you keep them?
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NTk5OQ/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbndpbjEwMTEvZmlucmVjb3Jkcy5odG1sIyEjIQ

Online Banking, Bill Paying and Shopping: 10 Ways to Protect Your Money
Internet commerce is fast and convenient, but it pays to take precautions.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjAxMQ/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbndpbjA5MTAvb25saW5lX2JhbmtpbmcuaHRtbCMhIyE

Lost and Found or Safe and Sound: How to Solve Mysteries of Old Bank Accounts
If you’ve found records of an old bank account, certificate of deposit (CD) or safe deposit box, here are tips to help you research and perhaps recover something valuable.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjAyOQ/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnN1bTExL2xvc3RhbmRmb3VuZC5odG1sIyEjIQ

Your Credit Reports and Credit Scores: Simple Steps to Make Them Better
Your credit report plays a large role in determining whether you’ll be approved for a loan, insurance or an apartment. So, it’s important to know what’s on your credit reports and how to rebuild your credit history after a financial setback.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjA0Ng/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbmZhbGwxMS9jcmVkaXQuaHRtbCMhIyE

Market-Linked CDs: Don’t Let the Possibility of Higher Returns Cloud Your View of the Potential Risks
These CDs have the potential to earn more than traditional, fixed-rate CDs, but there are questions you should ask before you purchase one.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjA2NA/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnNwcjEyL21hcmtldGxpbmtlZGNkcy5odG1sIyEjIQ

Higher Education, Lower Debt: Ways to Minimize the Borrowing Costs for College
The cost of higher education continues to go up, as does the debt students and caregivers often take on to finance it. Here are tips to avoid debt overload.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjA3OA/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnNwcjEyL2VkdWNhdGlvbmRlYnQuaHRtbCMhIyE

What’s the Right Account for Your Everyday Banking Needs?
Take this self-test to help you decide which bank account is best for you.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjEwMg/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnN1bTEyL2Nob29zZWFjY291bnQuaHRtbCMhIyE

Auto Loans: Test Drive the Financing Before You Go to the Dealership
An auto loan is a big expense for most people, so research your options before committing to a loan for a car purchase.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjEyMA/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnNwcjEyL2F1dG9sb2Fucy5odG1sIyEjIQ

Debit, Credit and Prepaid Cards: There Are Differences
Many consumers use debit, credit and prepaid cards interchangeably, but they are quite different in how they work and the consumer protections available. Be sure to know the differences before you use them. http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjE0NA/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbnN1bTEyL3BheW1lbnRjYXJkcy5odG1sIyEjIQ

Managing Your Mortgage: Good Practices for Homeowners
Purchasing a home is a huge financial undertaking, so it’s important to carefully manage your mortgage. Here are some tips.
http://assetshawaii.org/r/C/NjE1OQ/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mZGljLmdvdi9jb25zdW1lcnMvY29uc3VtZXIvbmV3cy9jbndpbjEwMTEvbW9ydGdhZ2UuaHRtbCMhIyE