"Using Credit Wisely" is a course of three audio/print units on evaluating credit decisions, managing credit load, and resolving credit problems. A sample of 33 users indicated that they had significantly reduced debt and changed their credit, spending, and saving behavior; 96 percent strongly preferred the home study mode. (SK)

This report tells what information is likely to be in a credit report; how it is collected, filed, and communicated; and how individual rights regarding credit are protected by law. Topics covered include: (1) information generally contained in a credit profile (identification, family status, public record information, credit accounts, and…

Individuals and organizations administering consumer credit services are urged to adopt the following recommendations and the Code of Billing and Collection Practices (also included): (1) Credit grantors should support continuing educational programs at national and local levels on the nature of the consumer credit system. (2) Whenever possible,…

This guide to creative home financing outlines basic concepts needed in shopping for a home loan. Many plans are described so that buyers can make their own decisions. The guide contains three sections: (1) getting started--highlighting the essentials; (2) defining terms; and (3) payment tables. The first section summarizes 15 financing plans in a…

Debtors Anonymous, a support group begun by the National Council of Negro Women, helps members to educate themselves about credit, consumer protection, and budgeting, and to set long-term goals for money management. Chapters have been organized in cities throughout the country. (SK)

Designed for first-time borrowers, this pamphlet describes the basics of credit as a part of personal financial planning. Following a self-quiz (with answers) that tests the reader's knowledge of credit, the pamphlet provides guidelines for responsible credit use and outlines steps to take if debt problems occur. Topics covered include the…

This cooperative extension bulletin provides basic information about credit cards and their use. It covers the following topics: types of credit cards (revolving credit, travel and entertainment, and debit); factors to consider when evaluating a credit card (interest rates, grace period, and annual membership fee); other credit card costs (late…

Designed for the general public and possibly suitable also for high school and college economic students, the handbook gives general information about investing in the stock market. Arranged into seven sections, the handbook discusses the typical shareholder, common and preferred stocks, buying and selling bonds, how to develop a personal…

The four articles in this journal issue examine the pros and cons of the proposition that credit card rates are too high. In "How Congress and Consumers Will Crack the Credit Card Market," Congressman Charles E. Schumer argues that banks can get away with their excessive rates because of consumer misinformation and the unfair competitive edge held…

Designed to assist prospective buyers in making such important decisions as whether to buy a new or older home and within what price range, the guide provides information on the purchase process. Discussion of the purchase process covers the life-cycle costs (recurring homeownership costs that must be met every month); selection of a home;…

This annotated bibliography is a listing of more than 2,000 books, booklets, pamphlets, films, filmstrips, and other materials in the field of consumer interests and education. It is intended for use by educators, librarians, executives and other personnel in business and industry, researchers, writers, and housewives. Major categories are: (1)…

A companion volume to Part I--Summary Report, this volume contains the reports of four committees. Topics are: (1) The Role and Functioning of Consumer Credit (consumer credit and social policy, consumer credit and economic growth, structure of the consumer credit market, the economics of consumer credit, credit revenues, credit costs, and a model…

This report describes principles and techniques for credit management. Topics covered include: (1) methods of determining personal credit limits; (2) ways to keep track of credit use; (3) suggestions for planning credit use; (4) explanations of single-payment charge accounts, revolving credit, installment credit, and consolidation loans; and (5)…