Economic Sustainability

Native Hawaiian Perspectives December Webinar – December 1, 2022 – 12noon HST

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Click here to register for the webinar

Hawaii Island Economic Development Board is honored to announce panelists for the upcoming webinar happening Thursday, December 1 at noon HST. The conversation will be moderated by Jacqui Hoover, HIEDB Executive Director.

Panelist: Lee-Ann Noelani M.H. Heely, DM

Dr. Lee-Ann Noelani Heely is the Director of Health Equity Department at Hawaii Island Community Health Center. The Health Equity Department supports the spectrum of community health providing upstream and midstream preventive education, community outreach and SDOH support through a team of Community Health Educators, Community Health Workers and SDOH Case Managers.

 

The goal is to reduce health disparities, increase health literacy, increase access to healthcare, link patients and non-patients with community-based organizations that support the social determinants of health.

Panelist: Wally Lau

Originally from Oahu, Wally Lau relocated with his ohana to Hawaii Island in 1997, first residing in Waimea then in Kailua-Kona. A graduate of Central Washington University, and passionate in helping strengthen families and communities, Wally began his career at Salvation Army Treatment Center for Children and Youth and Kamehameha Schools Alternative Education Programs on Oahu. Upon relocating to Hawaii Island, he started the E Ala Ike day treatment school for youths in Kapulena and the Neighborhood Place of Kona before accepting the appointment as Deputy Managing Director and then Managing Director for the County of Hawaii. 

 

He currently serves as the Cultural Liaison for the Hawaii Island Community Health Center and is a member of the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force. Wally continues to strengthen families and communities through his volunteer work with such organizations as Royal Order of Kamehameha Ekahi, Kahu Ku Mauna, Kukio Community Fund, Hokupa`a Navigational Council, Five Mountain Hawaii and Na Leo O Hawaii Public TV.

Panelist: Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen

Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen is a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Kona. He comes from a humble family who fished and farmed where he learned the importance of malama aina. 

Shane is the president of Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona, honoring Hawai’i Island’s first Governor, whose philosophy and focus was attuned to the diverse approaches to economic development. Shane also leads several Native Hawaiian organizations that promote and perpetuate ‘ike kupuna (traditional knowledge) and its role in modern Hawai’i. 

He currently is a Public Policy Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and enjoys spending ‘ohana time in gathering and celebrating generational traditions and customs. 

Moderator: Jacqui Hoover

Born and raised on Hawaii Island, Jacqui Hoover serves concurrently as President of Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference and as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board.  

She currently serves on the Military Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, Pohakuloa Training Area Community Advisory Group, State of Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative Steering Committee, Hawaii Aerospace Advisory Committee and other boards and commissions.

Register Today!
About Hawaii Island Economic Development Board
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board incorporated in 1984 is a private non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to provide and promote private sector support and expertise for balanced growth in Hawai`i County in partnership with Federal, State, County, and private resources. HIEDB’s work includes developing and publishing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Hawai`i Island and contributing to the CEDS for the State of Hawai`i (first published in 2005). Updated every five years, HIEDB is preparing to work with the community to update this important economic roadmap in 2021. Since 2006, HIEDB has also focused on its Kama`aina Come Home ®initiative to offer pathways for Hawai`i expatriates to return home.  To learn more, please visit www.HIEDB.org or call (808) 935-2180.
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board | 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Unit D-104 #353 , Kamuela , HI 96743

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HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTERS

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Mitchell D. Roth – Mayor
Lee E. Lord – Managing Director

County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor

HILO: 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 * Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720* (808) 961-8211 * Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C * Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 * (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cyrus Johnasen,  Email: cyrus.johnasen@hawaiicounty.gov
October 26, 2021 Mobile: (808) 345-9434

 

HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTERS

Hawaiʻi County announces the opening of its newly established Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs). Established through a partnership between the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Hawai’i Community Foundation, Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), and Hawai`i First Federal Credit Union (HFFCU), the centers offer free professional, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching as a public service to residents. Counseling sessions can range from 30 – 60 minutes, with no limitation to the number of free sessions an individual can participate in. The FECs are staffed with professionally trained financial counselors who can help residents 18 and older, regardless of income, manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products. Financial counselors can also make referrals to other services and organizations as needed.

“Financial empowerment will play a key role in how we begin to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic and return to a vibrant and thriving Hawaiʻi Island,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We encourage everyone in our community to take advantage of this free service, regardless of their income level. Making sure that our residents have the resources they need to succeed is all part of creating a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island, where our keiki can raise their keiki for generations to come – and that is really our number one priority.”

Interested residents may schedule an appointment today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/5h9kfzvr. Appointments may be scheduled to convene in person or via Zoom.

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Robert H. Command
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

Now Accepting Applications

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NACHW JOINS NATIONAL COVID-19 NETWORK TO BUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST PANDEMIC AND PARTNERS WITH KA’U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.

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                                                     2021-krhcai-morehouse-ncrn2021-KRHCAI-NACHW

 


PRESS RELEASE
  For media inquiries, contact:
  National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW)
  Aurora Grant Wingate
  NACHW NCRN Coordinator
  agrantwingate@hria.org

NACHW JOINS NATIONAL COVID-19 NETWORK TO BUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST PANDEMIC AND PARTNERS WITH KA’U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Nearly 40 national partner organizations band together to bring communities culturally appropriate information and health services.

The National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) has joined the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) of partners to inform community-driven response, recovery, and resiliency strategies for addressing the impact of COVID-19 on communities.

In response to the needs of communities most impacted by COVID-19, NACHW has partnered with Morehouse to integrate the qualities, roles and expertise of Community Health Workers (CHWs, including Promotoras de Salud and Community Health Representatives) to improve the cultural humility and appropriateness of community engagement, education, data collection and information dissemination strategies with communities that experience physical and social vulnerabilities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. NACHW has been awarded a contract from Morehouse to recruit, hire and support eleven CHW Liaisons who share trusting relationships, lived experience, culture, language and geography with specific priority communities in the NCRN initiative. Liaisons will develop and cultivate partnerships with individuals and organizations in these geographic areas, as they support six national goals in the NCRN initiative.

2021-KRHCAI-JessanieMarques

One of the organizations NACHW has partnered is Ka’u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. Jessanie “Auntie Jessie” Marques, a lifelong CHW and Executive Director of Ka’u Rural Health Community Association, has signed on to support NACHW’s partnership with NCRN as a NACHW COVID-19 Community Engagement Liaison.

 

“Our partnership with Morehouse provides a unique opportunity for NACHW to amplify CHWs as equity leaders, community partners and skilled providers who can increase access to COVID-19 education, testing, contact tracing, health and psychosocial services and vaccines for communities who experience historic and systemic barriers,” says NACHW Executive Director, Denise Octavia Smith, MBA, CHW, PN.

The launch of the NCRN occurs alongside the release of new digital technology accessible through the NCRN website. It provides location-based recommendations on where community members can get a COVID-19 test, fill prescriptions and get a COVID-19 vaccine when distribution increases in the coming months.

“Our national network connects individuals, families, community organizations and clinical providers to timely and relevant COVID-19 information and services in their neighborhood,” says Dominic Mack, MD, MBA, Professor of Family Medicine and Co-Director of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network in the National Center for Primary Care at MSM.

The NCRN launch follows a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to coordinate a strategic network focused on delivering COVID-19-related information to communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

To access new COVID-19 resources, visit www.msm.edu/ncrn.


About the National Association of Community Health Workers

The National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) strives to unify the voices of the community health workers and strengthen the profession’s capacity to promote healthy communities through our six key values of self-empowerment, self-determination, social justice and equity, unity, integrity, and dignity and respect. Community Health Workers (CHWs), also known as promotoras de salud, Community Health Representatives, Outreach Specialist, Peers, etc, are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. Visit our website to learn more and to join our membership.

About Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, GA, exists to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service, with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world. MSM is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians and has twice been recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its dedication to the social mission of education. The faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, and are known in the community for exceptional, culturally appropriate patient care. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctorate and master’s degrees.

Status of SB858 Relating to Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Testimonies

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Aloha KRHCAI Board & Members;

Mahalo for all who provided testimony in support of SB858 Relating to CHWs for your reference. Please note amendments to SB858: deleted certification and reimbursements; supported establishing a Task Force.

Attached is full Health Committee report on Hearing and its referral to Ways and Means (WAM) and Consumer Protection (CPN) committees. Phone: (808)974-4000 x 66090.

1. The next step is contact Sen. Donovan DelaCruz WAM Chair office to request a hearing on SB858. This is where it is critical for as many to call Sen. Dela Cruz office and request a hearing ASAP, so a hearing date/time can be placed on the calendar.

2. Review SB858 with Amendments (SSCR498), then prepare testimony in support of SB858 / SSCR498. I can assist in preparing testimony if anyone would like to submit. Legislative turn around time is 72hrs. when Hearing is posted that we have to submit testimony.

3. If you have never submitted testimony, please note that you must first register at Hawaii State Legislature website.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on SB 858: SSCR498.

Mahalo
Stacyn Sakuma <cas61315@gmail.com>
Monday, February 22, 2021, 9:32:40 AM HST


Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI)

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From: Pono Shim <pshim@oedb.biz>
Date: September 20, 2020 at 10:30:10 AM HST

Aloha mai kakou,  

For the past 3 months we (Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, skilled consultants, and program designer Omar Sultan) have been working on a program to work with the State of Hawaii to use Cares Act Funding to assist displaced workers or individuals who have been significantly affected financially by COVID 19. This past week with the signing of the contract the Governor issued the Press Release with the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.  

The State’s program funding will help 350 participants to be placed in Host Companies who have the ability and need to host, train, and support a couple of participants in their organizations thru a paid internship thru December 15th. We know that we cannot help the thousands of individuals suffering thru the pandemic and that there are more businesses that would like to participate then we can onboard. However, we strongly recommend and hope that you will register as either a “Participant” or “Host Company” (if you can support a couple of interns and are aligned with the objectives/compliance of the program).  

Please visit www.edahawaii.org and click on Aloha Connects Innovation “learn more” tab. When you enter the page please select either Participant or Host Company based on your interest and review the information. When you get to the bottom of the page you can select “learn more” to be a Participant (you can register there) or if you’re desiring to be a Host Company you can select “register”. We should be following up with you within the week.  

To reiterate we know we cannot assist all (including companies who would like to Host participants) in being placed in ACI but please don’t be discouraged. If more funding is released thru Congress and subsequently our local Government we believe that we have designed infrastructure for more funding to be invested to help more people discover new career opportunities and skills for their future thru ACI.  

To that point we would love the opportunity to train/prepare displaced workers to position themselves for these types of opportunities regardless if they get placed or not. In a partnership with Microsoft and my Higher Skills Academy training we have opened up training that we begin every 2 weeks for free. We also know that thru these trainings we are opening relationships with ourselves with the hope that these relationships can be helpful to your future. If this is of value to you please register here:

Friday, October 2, 2020 10:00 AM Hawaii – Higher Skills Academy
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqf-GhpjgpE9AyISQQ8hakSCr4YqU2-gLG

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.   Another free training (thru the end of the 2020 year) you can immediately register thru the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation website https://www.htdc.org/workforce-recovery-initiative-by-coursera/ for over 3800 courses thru the Coursera online learning platform.  

If the menu options are too vast and you don’t know where to begin or choose and would like assistance in considering career opportunities and what pathway you might consider we are hosting a free “Choosing a Path” webinar on September 28 at noon please register here:

Monday, September 28, 2020 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Hawaii –
“Choosing a Path” Webinar
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeqqpz4oH9zFR5PZobyQXJd5umUeaSl9

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please feel free to share this message with others.  

Mahalo nui loa,
Pono  
Pono Shim Oahu Economic Development Board

 Additional Higher Skills Academy registration dates will be posted on the OEDB websiteat www.oedb.biz as the information becomes available.

Business Planning for Non-Profits – A FREE One Day Event at Alu Like, Inc. Office in Hilo

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To assist the communities we serve, Hiilei Aloha, LLC and Alu Like, Inc. are collaborating to bring Business Planning for Non-Profits in Hilo. This FREE one day event will occur on March 4, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Seating is limited to 15 people. Registration forms need to be received before/on March 2, 2015.

Click on the links for more information or to print and submit your registration. Hiilei Aloha, LLC - Registration FormHiilei Aloha, LLC - Registration Announcement

Registration Form      Registration Announcement

4/24/2013 Release from CFPB

Posted on Updated on

Assets Hawaii

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 24, 2013

CONTACT:

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Tel: (202) 435-9572

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU FINDS PAYDAY AND DEPOSIT ADVANCE LOANS CAN TRAP CONSUMERS IN DEBT

Sustained Use of Loans Raises Consumer Protection Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on payday and deposit advance loans finding that for many consumers these products lead to a cycle of indebtedness. Loose lending standards, high costs, and risky loan structures may contribute to the sustained use of these products which can trap borrowers in debt.

“This comprehensive study shows that payday and deposit advance loans put many consumers at risk of turning what is supposed to be a short-term, emergency loan into a long-term, expensive debt burden,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “For too many consumers, payday and deposit advance loans are debt traps that cause them to be living their lives off money borrowed at huge interest rates.” The Payday Loans and Deposit Advance Products report is at: http://assetshawaii.org/r/D/NjY5MA/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL2ZpbGVzLmNvbnN1bWVyZmluYW5jZS5nb3YvZi8yMDEzMDRfY2ZwYl9wYXlkYXktZGFwLXdoaXRlcGFwZXIucGRmIyEjIQ/0

The report found that payday loans and the deposit advance loans offered by a small but growing number of banks and other depository institutions are generally similar in structure, purpose, and the consumer protection concerns they raise. Both are typically described as a way to bridge a cash flow shortage between paychecks or other income. They offer quick and easy accessibility, especially for consumers who may not qualify for other credit. The loans generally have three features: they are small-dollar amounts; borrowers must repay them quickly; and they require that a borrower repay the full amount or give lenders access to repayment through a claim on the borrower’s deposit account.

The CFPB study is one of the most comprehensive ever undertaken on the market. It looked at a 12-month period with more than 15 million storefront payday loans and data from multiple depository institutions that offer deposit advance products.

Key Finding: Payday and deposit advance loans can become debt traps for consumers

The report found many consumers repeatedly roll over their payday and deposit advance loans or take out additional loans; often a short time after the previous one was repaid. This means that a sizable share of consumers end up in cycles of repeated borrowing and incur significant costs over time. The study also confirmed that these loans are quite expensive and not suitable for sustained use. Specifically, the study found limited underwriting and the single payment structure of the loans may contribute to trapping consumers in debt.

Loose Lending: Lenders often do not take a borrower’s ability to repay into consideration when making a loan. Instead, they may rely on ensuring they are one of the first in line to be repaid from a borrower’s income. For the consumer, this means there may not be sufficient funds after paying off the loan for expenses such as for their rent or groceries – leading them to return to the bank or payday lender for more money. ·

Payday: Eligibility to qualify for a payday loan usually requires proper identification, proof of income, and a personal checking account. No collateral is held for the loan, although the borrower does provide the lender with a personal check or authorization to debit her checking account for repayment. Credit score and financial obligations are generally not taken in to account. ·

Deposit Advance: Depository institutions have various eligibility rules for their customers, who generally already have checking accounts with them. The borrower authorizes the bank to claim repayment as soon as the next qualifying electronic deposit is received. Typically, though, a customer’s ability to repay the loan outside of other debts and ordinary living expenses is not taken into account.

Risky Loan Structures: The risk posed by the loose underwriting is compounded by some of the features of payday and deposit advance loans, particularly the rapid repayment structure. Paying back a lump sum when a consumer’s next paycheck or other deposit arrives can be difficult for an already cash-strapped consumer, leading them to take out another loan. ·

Payday: Payday loans typically must be repaid in full when the borrower’s next paycheck or other income is due. The report finds the median loan term to be just 14 days. ·

Deposit Advance: There is not a fixed due date with a deposit advance. Instead, the bank will repay itself from the next qualifying electronic deposit into the borrower’s account. The report finds that deposit advance “episodes,” which may include multiple advances, have a median duration of 12 days.

High Costs: Both payday loans and deposit advances are designed for short-term use and can have very high costs. These high costs can add up – on top of the already existing loans that a consumer is taking on. ·

Payday: Fees for storefront payday loans generally range from $10-$20 per $100 borrowed. For the typical loan of $350, for example, the median $15 fee per $100 would mean that the borrower must come up with more than $400 in just two weeks. A loan outstanding for two weeks with a $15 fee per $100 has an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 391 percent. ·

Deposit Advance: Fees generally are about $10 per $100 borrowed. For a deposit advance with a $10 fee per $100 borrowed on a 12-day loan, for example, the APR would be 304 percent.

Sustained Use: The loose underwriting, the rapid repayment requirement, and the high costs all may contribute to turning a short-term loan into a very expensive, long-term loan. For consumers, it is unclear whether they fully appreciate the risk that they may end up using these products much longer than the original term. Or, that they may end up paying fees that equal or exceed the amount they borrowed, leading them into a revolving door of debt. ·

Payday: For payday borrowers, nearly half have more than 10 transactions a year, while 14 percent undertook 20 or more transactions annually. Payday borrowers are indebted a median of 55 percent (or 199 days) of the year. For the majority of payday borrowers, new loans are most frequently taken on the same day a previous loan is closed, or shortly thereafter. ·

Deposit Advance: More than half of all users borrow more than $3,000 per year while 14 percent borrow more than $9,000 per year. These borrowers typically have an outstanding balance at least 9 months of the year and typically are indebted more than 40 percent of the year. And while these products are sometimes described as a way to avoid the high cost of overdraft fees, 65 percent of deposit advance users incur such fees. The heaviest deposit advance borrowers accrue the most overdraft fees.

The CFPB has authority to oversee the payday loan market. It began its supervision of payday lenders in January 2012. The CFPB also has authority to examine the deposit advance loans at the banks and credit unions it supervises, which are insured depository institutions and credit unions, and their affiliates, that have more than $10 billion in assets. Today’s report will help educate regulators and consumers about how the industry works and provide market participants with a clear statement of CFPB concerns.

While today’s study looked at storefront payday lenders, the CFPB will continue to analyze the growing online presence of such businesses. The Bureau is also looking at bank and credit union deposit account overdraft programs which provide short-term, small-dollar, immediate access credit services. The CFPB will publish initial results from this overdraft study later this spring.

To help educate consumers about payday and deposit advance loans, today the CFPB updated its Ask CFPB web tool to assist consumers with their financial questions about these products.

A factsheet about payday and deposit advance loans is available at: http://assetshawaii.org/r/D/NjcwMg/MTM4/0/0/a3JoY2FpQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ/aHR0cDovL2ZpbGVzLmNvbnN1bWVyZmluYW5jZS5nb3YvZi8yMDEzMDRfY2ZwYl9wYXlkYXktZmFjdHNoZWV0LnBkZiMhIyE/0

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that helps consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers to take more control over their economic lives. For more information, visit consumerfinance.gov.

Law Passed to Eliminate Asset Limits for TANF Recipients

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Assets Hawaii

Great news Ho’owaiwai Networkers!

After years of collective work by the Ho’owaiwai Network and its supporters, the Governor recently signed HB 868 into law, which eliminates the asset test for recipients of benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program! We are only the 7th state to do so!

In preparation for a larger press release to celebrate the efforts of the Ho’owaiwai Network, we wanted to see if any of our partner organizations is interested in contributing to the documentation of this huge, huge achievement. We are generally looking for the following:

 

A client or family you have worked with who will directly benefit from the passing of this legislation and is willing to share their story

Stories from your own organizations around the efforts you have put in to ensure the passing of this legislation.

Any other related story!

 

If you are interested, please contact Brent Kakesako, Chief Operating Officer of the Hawai’i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED) via email (bkakesako@hacbed.org) or phone (808-550-2661) by Friday, May 10.

Mahalo for all of your efforts to build assets of families across Hawai’i to increase their self-sufficiency and control over their daily lives!

 

 

FDIC Features Consumer Tips on Hot Topics for National Consumer Protection Week

Posted on Updated on

Assets Hawaii

Press Release

FDIC Features Consumer Tips on Hot Topics for National Consumer Protection Week
Other FDIC resources for consumers also highlighted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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:
  • How to shop for an auto loan;
  • Advice on borrowing money to pay for college;
  • How long to keep documents such as bank statements and credit card bills; and
  • Tips for managing a mortgage.
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

The FDIC’s Greatest Hits: Some of Our Most Popular Articles for Consumers

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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