Funding Your Future
Brought to you by the South Wood County Financial Stability Coalition
Most Americans don’t know that Federal law guarantees them the right to free credit reports, and even fewer know what to do with the information once they have it. In this free financial newsletter, anyone can learn how to obtain their credit report and credit score, how to identify important information within the report, how to create and maintain a budget, and how to plan for future expenses including emergencies.
These topics are critical to understanding personal finances and achieving financial independence & stability, regardless of age or income level. Understanding and practicing basic, fundamental financial practices isn’t just beneficial at an individual level – it leads to greater economic activity, lower crime, and fewer demands on the social safety net for the entire community.
Download each edition of Funding Your Future below!
Credit Reports (April 2022)
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Resources in this edition:
Credit Basics
Access to your credit reports
Information on credit reports
Other ways to obtain free credit reports
The Federal Reserve's Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Scores
Resources & Identity Theft
Accessing your credit information through counselling agencies
Report identity theft
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Complaint
Credit Scores (July 2022)
Download PDF
Resources in this edition:
Credit Basics
Access to your credit reports
Credit report vs credit score
About FICO & credit scores
Credit inquiries
Guide to improving a credit score
Credit check toolkit
Fraud & Identity Theft
Security freezes & fraud alert
Report identity theft
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Complaint
Budgeting (September 2022)
Download PDF
Resources in this edition:
Creating & Using a Budget
How to Create a Budget and Stick With It
Creating a Monthly Household Budget
Creating a Monthly Household Budget (Worksheet)
Income Tracker Tool
Spending Tracker Tool
Saving
Cutting Back And Keeping Up When Money Is Tight
Saving on Taxes
CFPB Savings Rules to Live By
Local Resources
Financial Coaching through UW-Extension
Money Matters Course through UW-Extension
NEW! Planning for Future Expenses (December 2022)
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Resources in this edition:
Educational Games for Kids & Adults
Treasury Direct
Practical Money Skills
How Money Smart Are You?
Sample Budget Worksheets
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Guide
Federal Trade Commission
Practical Money Skills
First Time Budget Student Worksheet
Managing Debt
USA.gov Dealing With Debt
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Federal Trade Commission
Credit Reports & Credit Scores
FREE Credit Report
Credit Report vs Credit Score
About FICO & Credit Scores
Guide to Improve Your Credit Score
Local Resources
UW Extension Programs
United Way's 2-1-1
Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection
