Related Non-Extension Web Sites

Federal Government

• Federal Trade Commission - Avoid scams and rip-offs through consumer information.
  • Obtain Identity Theft Help
  • National 'Do Not Call' Registry
  • Get credit information
• US Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion - Access research projects on Expenditures on Children by Families and Food Plans-Cost of Food At Home (updated monthly).
• US Securities and Exchange Commission - Need to learn more about investing? The Investor Information section includes numerous publications, on-line calculators for investors, how to check out brokers and advisors and how to file a tip or complaint with the SEC.
• Social Security Administration - Need to estimate your future Social Security Benefits? Get a Medicare prescription card? Apply for SS benefits? This and much more can be done online.
• Federal Reserve Administration - Do you know what “Check 21” or electronic check conversion means? Mortgage lock-in? Learn about this and more in the consumer information section which has much of this information in Spanish as well!
  • Check out "Building Wealth" materials (PDF)
• Internal Revenue Service - Find tax advice for newlyweds, information on free tax filing, all IRS forms and other topics, too!
• My Money - A website dedicated to helping Americans understand more about their money – how to save it, invest it, and manage it to meet personal goals.
• US Dept of Treasury – Personal finance questions answered on banking, saving & investing, insurance and personal/business assistance.

State of Minnesota

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office - The Attorney General is a key advocate for consumers, senior citizens and victims of crime. Check out the publications to learn more charitable giving, scholarship and financial aid scams, renter’s rights and responsibilities, abusive and predatory lending and much more!
• Minnesota Department of Commerce - Want to check the licensing of an insurance or real estate agent or debt collector? Need information on home energy saving? Add your name to ‘Do Not Call’ List?
• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency - Find classes to guide you into homeownership (HOME STRETCH), access renter, energy assistance and fair housing information.
• Minnesota Public Utilities Commission - Find telephone service discounts and Minnesota Cold Weather Rule information here.
• Minnesota Department of Human Services - Link to information on child support, Minnesota Health Care Programs, disability services and other programs! Some information available in eleven languages.
• Minnesota Department of Revenue - Source of Minnesota tax information for individuals and businesses.
• Minnesota Internet System for Education and Employment Knowledge (iseek) – Minnesota’s gateway to career, education, employment and business information.

Non-Profit Sites (Minnesota)

• AccountAbility Minnesota - Free tax preparation and accounting services for individuals and small businesses with limited resources.
• Minnesota College Savings Plan - Start today to invest in a child’s tomorrow. Learn about tax advantages, matching grants and opening an account!
• LawHelp Minnesota - Help for low-income Minnesotans to solve civil legal problems.
  • Understanding Tax Credits and Deductions - Service providers, download this free primer for low-to-middle income tax payers.
• Home Ownership Center - Locate Minnesota support and services for home buyers, credit repair/financial management and foreclosure prevention.
• Children's Defense Fund-MN - A private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization supported by foundations, corporate grants, and individual donations.
• MN Low Cost Health Care Directory
• Health Care Directory: Dental Care Resources
• Health Care Directory: Prescription Drug Resources
• Covering All Families - Eligibility screening tool for health care, child care, tax credit, food support and energy assistance programs for Minnesota families.

Non-Profit Sites (National)

• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - Access 'Make Tax Time Pay' project with EITC promotion materials in 21 languages! Find the facts about how federal and state policies and programs that affect low- and moderate- income families and individuals?
• American Association for Retired People - Information focus for those 50 and over but helpful to those not there yet! Section includes consumer information on credit and debt, tax-aide and low-income help, reverse mortgages, financial planning and careers.
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling - Locate quality credit counseling, debt reduction and education services.
• Facts - How Payday loans work - Learn more about the real cost of payday loans from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA)
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Tips and tools for managing money through marriage, parenthood, home ownership, college savings and retirement.