Why do credit reports and scores matter? .................................................... 193
What is in a credit report? ............................................................................. 194
Negative information .................................................................................... 196
Example credit report.....................................................................................
Disputing errors on credit reports ................................................................ 204
What are credit scores? ................................................................................. 207
Tool 1: Getting your credit reports and scores .............................................. 211
Tool 2: Credit report review checklist ........................................................... 217
Tool 3: Improving credit reports and scores................................................ 223
MODULE 13: Evaluating financial service providers, products, and
services ............................................................................................................. 227
Financial service providers ........................................................................... 227
Choosing financial products.......................................................................... 228
Managing a bank account.............................................................................. 229
Tool 1: Selecting financial service products and providers.......................... 235
Tool 2: Evaluating financial service providers ............................................. 239
Tool 3: Types of financial services................................................................ 243
Tool 4: Opening account checklist ............................................................... 249
MODULE 14: Protecting consumer rights ............................................................ 255
Consumer complaints.................................................................................... 256
It’s your money—be aware and take care...................................................... 257
Tool 1: Red flags............................................................................................ 261
Tool 2: Protecting your identity ................................................................... 263
Tool 3: Submitting a complaint.................................................................... 269
Tool 4: Learning more about consumer protection..................................... 273
iv YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS: A FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT TOOLKIT FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS