Library: English | Avoid pandemic-related ID theft and account fraud Coping with COVID-19. Identity thieves and fraudsters have taken advantage of the pandemic to get a hold of consumers’ personally identifying information and use it to steal their benefits, access their accounts and open new accounts in the victims’ names. This publication identifies some of the most prominent pandemic-related schemes consumers should be aware of, offers tips for safeguarding your personal and account data, explains how to detect fraud and ID theft, and outlines the steps to take if you discover you’re a victim. Category: COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud/Scams ID Theft on Mar 18, 2021

Library: English | Privacy and security when using FinTech apps Share financial data with care.

This fact sheet gives FinTech users the knowledge to make wise decisions when choosing and using FinTech apps, take effective steps to keep their financial account data safe, and understand their options if something goes wrong. (Our companion guide, What you need to know about how FinTech apps work, offers an overview of financial technology and what privacy and security considerations users should be aware of before choosing and using digital financial tools.)

Library: English | What you need to know about how FinTech apps work Share financial data with care. Financial technology can offer attractive benefits for consumers who want to take their personal finances digital. But, like all internet-based tools and services, FinTech apps need to be chosen and used with care. This publication explains the types of FinTech tools available, how they work, and what that means for your data privacy and security. (Our companion guide, Privacy and security when using fintech apps, offers actionable tips for managing and protecting your data.) Category: Internet Money Management Privacy Rights Technology on Feb 16, 2021

Library: English | Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2020 Tax Year) Low-income working taxpayers may qualify for the federal EITC. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-income working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax return. This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2020 tax year (for taxes due in April 2021).

NOTE: Announced on Dec. 20, a “lookback” provision will allow low-income workers to apply their 2019 earned income to their 2020 tax returns for the purposes of calculating the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). For both these credits, the more you earn (while still remaining below the maximum), the higher your credit. The lookback measure will allow filers to receive a credit in line with their normal earnings level, rather than be penalized with a lower credit on top of reduced 2020 earnings caused by the pandemic. However, taxpayers must actively “opt in” to the lookback provision (it won’t automatically occur).

Library: English | The Contact Lens Rule and the Eyeglass Rule Consumers have important vision care rights.

The approximately 75% of U.S. adults who need some type of corrective lenses spend billions of dollars each year on eye exams and eyewear, yet few understand their rights under the federal Contact Lens Rule and Eyeglass Rule. This publication explains those rights, provides links to additional information, and tells you where you can report violations of the rules.

Library: English | Establishing or replenishing emergency savings Coping with COVID-19.

Many consumers went into the COVID-19 crisis with little or no savings, while others depleted theirs trying to stay afloat after losing their jobs. This guide covers the purpose of, and target balance for, an emergency fund, what to consider when choosing where to keep your fund, tips and inspiration to help you reach your goal, and a list of some FinTech tools that can help savers get and stay on track.

Library: English | Improving your financial health with FinTech - Video A beginner’s guide to personal finance apps. This video will introduce you to the types of FinTech tools available and how they can help you. It will also tell you what to consider when choosing an app and how to stay safe when using FinTech. Category: Banking Internet Technology on Oct 12, 2020

Library: English | Telemedicine: What to know about virtual doctor visits Coping with COVID-19.

The pandemic has driven non-urgent doctor visits online to help suppress the spread of COVID-19. As more people receive medical care remotely, via a smartphone, tablet or computer, it’s important to understand when and how virtual visits might be an option, whether they’re covered under private and government-sponsored health plans, and what privacy issues they raise.

Library: English | Making a job or career transition Coping with COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work, with many others reevaluating their job and career choices in light of how different industries are faring. This guide will help workers identify job opportunities, weigh their education and training options, make wise choices, and know where to get more information.

Library: English | Estate planning: Critical decisions for uncertain times Coping with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven home the wisdom of making critical end-of-life decisions before a crisis strikes. This publication outlines the key estate planning decisions everyone should make now, explains which documents and tools help ensure that your wishes are carried out, and provides resources for learning more, getting help and taking next steps.