Helping Hand to Consumers

• Graduate to a Smart Vehicle - Tips for first-time car buyers.

• Unexpected Repair Charges - Avoid unexpected repair charges when purchasing a used car.

• Payday Loans - The hard truth about some "easy" money.

• Financial Terms Dictionary - Financial jargon made easy.

• Phone Cards - How to Get a Good One - Prepaid phone card are a popular way to buy long-distance phone time.  But are they all the same?

• Choosing an ISP - Dial-up Internet Service Providers are still the most popular way to connect to the World Wide Web.  Here are some quick tips on picking out a good one.

• Home Buyers' Vocabulary - Test yourself on these terms that every home buyer should know.

• Tips for Avoiding or Resolving an ATM Problem - Ever have an ATM eat your card or short you cash?  Check out some was to avoid this from happening and how to get it resolved if it does.

Scams and Fraud

• Beware of "Phishing" schemes - Watch out for verification of your financial information.

• Identity Theft - Read about the number one threat to your good credit.

• Preventing Check Forgery - Check fraud is on the rise.  Learning these simple tips can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

• Check Cashing Stores - A dangerous trap to many who need cash in a hurry.

• Gold in Your Trash - Just what are you putting out in your trash?  You may be providing criminals with the information they need to steal your identity.

• Catching a Cold Caller - Telemarketers have rules...but not all of them are followed.  Find out your rights.

• Email Fraud - Free gifts, no-interest loans, bad credit instant repair...don't you believe it.

• Credit Card Fraud - What the credit card crooks don't want you to know.

Money Matters

• Check 21 - What is it and how will it affect the way you write checks?

• USA Patriot Act - Stark Federal Credit Union is required to verify identity in order to fight terrorists.  More information is included here.

• Banks vs. Credit Unions - What's the different between a bank and a credit union?  Find out here.

• Debit Card Tips - Suggestions on how to keep your ATM transactions safe.

• Saving Tips for Women - Is saving money different for women than it is men?  You bet!

• Applying for a Federal Loan - Apply for Federal Student Aid in just 5 easy steps.

• How Big Is Your Nest Egg? - How to plan for a comfortable retirement.

• Building a Better Credit Record - A lot of good information about repairing your credit.