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BUDGETING |
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The UH Center on the Family recently published two resource books to help community members facing tough economic times. You can download them from the following links: Managing Job Loss and Financial Stress (1.2 MB PDF) Or, you can also request printed copies by email (cof@ctahr.hawaii.edu) or calling the Center at (808) 956-4132. Annual Credit Report.com (https://www.annualcreditreport.com) is the authorized (by the Federal Trade Commission) source for annual credit reports. This is the ONLY site where consumers can obtain all major credit bureau personal reports once FREE each year. Beware of sites with similar names (they will either charge you or use your personal information). You are entitled to receive one free credit file disclosure every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is your responsibility to make sure each of your reports are accurate and free of errors, so they do not prevent you from getting what you are seeking. You can request your free report online, by phone or by mail. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or fill out the Annual Credit Report Request form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Repairing/Renewing Financial Aid Eligibility If you have defaulted or are delinquent on federal student loans, you will need to take steps to renew your eligibility. Download the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiiʻs excellent PDF on addressing default & delinquencies. If you need additional assistance after reviewing the PDF, contact your financial aid office or the BTH Coordinator (bthinfo@hawaii.edu). Keep in mind the process will take some time, and you may not be eligible for aid your first semester back, however it can be done! Hawaiʻi Tax HelpInformation regarding Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and free tax assistance sites.
MoneyEdMoneyEd is a project of the University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension Service designed to improve your financial understanding of how to reduce debt, increase savings, and achieve financial stability. It is a web-based course and all handouts and worksheets may be downloaded and printed. There is a one-time registration for this program and all information submitted is strictly confidential and used for their records only. Absolutely no information will be shared with other parties. If you complete the Evaluation Form and work on at least six of the eleven articles/worksheets, you will be sent an official Certificate of Participation. http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/moneyed/ Consumer Credit Counseling Service of HawaiʻiConsumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaiʻi is a non-profit community service agency that provides free advice on debt reduction and credit education. Contact (808) 532-3225 for more information. The Dollar StretcherThe Dollar Stretcher website is a free website that provides you with useful ways to make the most of your money and time. It is filled with practical ideas that you can put to use right away. This sight also has links to other budgeting tools that are helpful to your quest in saving money. http://www.stretcher.com/ Coupons
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Bank Listings:Ask about student accounts |
Credit Unions in HawaiʻiDid you ever want to join a credit union? The University of Hawaiʻi Credit Union offers a student checking account with no minimal balance and free services. Click here to visit. If UH Credit Union is not convenient, check out other credit unions in Hawaiʻi. Check out the MyCreditUnion.gov site for more information on credit unions. |