Credit and Banking

• Automatic Deductions: Watch Out for Pitfalls  Problems you may experience with authorizing an automatic deduction. (Nolo Press)
  
• Consumers and Banks: Filing a Complaint  The Federal Reserve System might be able to help if you have a complaint about a bank or other financial institution. (Federal Reserve Bank)
  
• Credit Scoring  Learn what your credit score is and how to improve it. (Nolo Press)
  
• Equal Credit Opportunity Protection for Consumers  The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. (Federal Trade Commission)
  
• If You Suspect Credit Discrimination  If you suspect credit discrimination, complain. Here's how... (Federal Trade Commission)
  
• Keeping Bank Fees Down  These days it seems that banks will charge for anything, even talking to a teller. Here are a few ways to save on fees. (Nolo Press)
  
• Shopping for Credit Cards  Before signing up for a credit card, learn about the key credit terms. (Nolo Press)
  
• What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen Here's a checklist of the steps you need to take if you suspect your identity has been stolen. (Nolo Press)
  
• Your Liability for Unauthorized Credit and Debit Card Charges Your liability for unauthorized credit card charges is usually, but not always, low. (Nolo Press)

Personal Finance

• Personal Finances 101: Overview  Set financial priorities and goals to gain power over your life. (Nolo Press)
  
• Making a Budget  section in Consumer Bankruptcy & Debt (FindLaw)
  
• Financial Tip: Stash Some Cash for Emergencies   Everyone should set aside a little extra cash in case of a job loss, medical expense, or other emergency -- learn how to start your emergency fund today. (Nolo Press)
  
• Financial Aspects of Marriage  Ch. 5 of the ABA Guide to Marriage, Divorce & Families (FindLaw Bookshelf)
  
• Promissory Notes: Personal Loans to Family and Friends  When making loans to family and friends, protect yourself with a promissory note. (Nolo Press)
• How to Invest Wisely for Retirement Learn the basics of smart retirement investing so you can make good choices.(Nolo Press)
• Saving for Your Child's Education Learn the best ways to save for your children's education. (Nolo Press)
• When You Can't Pay Your Student Loans: Cancellation, Deferment, and Forbearance How to defer your student loan payments, or cancel your loans altogether. (Nolo Press)

Travel

• Air Travel: Carry-On Items and Luggage  Guidelines for carry-on items, tips on transporting special items, and more. (FindLaw)
  
• New Passport Requirements  Beginning on January 23, 2007, all persons -- including U.S. citizens -- traveling by air will be required to have a passport in order to enter the United States. (FindLaw)
  
• Before You Book A Room  If you follow these suggestions before bedding down at a hotel, you may be able to sleep a little easier. (Nolo Press)
  
• Before You Buy a Tour  Before buying any tour, consider these questions. (Nolo Press)
  
• Children Traveling Alone  What you need to know if your child will fly alone. (Nolo Press)
  
• How to Resolve Disputes on the Road  Learn the most effective way to deal with problems that crop up during your travels. (Nolo Press)
  
• Renting a Car  It pays to learn some basic information about renting a car before you appear at the rental counter. (Nolo Press)

Insurance

• Protecting Yourself When You Deal With Your Insurance Company  What to do now so that you won't have unpleasant surprises when you make a claim. (Nolo Press)
  
• Getting the Most From Your Health Insurance  Learn the law and make your health insurance benefits work for you. (Nolo Press)
  
• The Risks and Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance Insurance companies advertise long-term care insurance as a necessary protection against the high cost of care. But is it really a good investment? (Nolo Press)
  
• Glossary: Automobile Insurance Terms  A glossary of common terms related to automobile insurance. (FindLaw)
  
• Travel Insurance: The Benefits and Limitations  The different types of travel insurance and what they cover. (Nolo Press)
  
• Do You Need Life Insurance? Not everyone needs life insurance. Find out whether or not you do. (Nolo)

Miscellaneous Consumer Topics

• Buying a New Car  If you want to get a good deal on a new car, do your homework ahead of time and learn how to negotiate with the dealer. (Nolo Press)
  
• Canceling a Contract Within Three Days  There are several federal laws that allow you to cancel certain contracts within a few days of signing them. (Nolo Press)
  
• Are You My Phone Company?  Your long distance carrier shouldn't be switched without your knowledge. But sometimes it happens, because of a phenomenon called "slamming." (Nolo Press)
  
• Home Improvement: How to Avoid Paying Twice  Protect yourself from mechanics liens if your contractor fails to pay his subcontractors or suppliers. (Nolo Press)
  
• State Consumer Protection Offices  Whether you've fallen prey to a consumer scam or just need information, your state or local consumer protection agency can help. Here's how to find the office in your area. (Nolo Press)
  
• What Does Invasion Of Privacy Mean?  Invasion of privacy wasn't "invented" as a legal concept until the 20th Century. (Nolo Press)