Creditor Threats - Are They for Real?
Health problems, car accidents, and credit cards can make it tough to pay your bills. Creditors and debt collectors may contact you and threaten to take your income and property. You should know that federal and Iowa law protect certain property from being taken by most of your creditors
Dealing With Medical Debt
It is important to plan for medical expenses. Equally important is knowing how to deal with medical bills when you have no money to pay them.
Financial Matters for Older Iowans
Many older Iowans may find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to financial matters, especially after the death of a spouse who handled the family's finances.
Funeral Planning
Your funeral may be one of the most expensive consumer purchases you or your family ever makes. Most people, however, do not handle a funeral purchase the same way they approach other major purchases. To avoid overspending, it helps to understand your rights under the "Funeral Rule" enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
Help With Phone Equipment for Iowans with a Hearing Disability
If you are an Iowan and have a hearing disability, you can get help with special phone or other equipment to make it easier to talk or communicate by phone
Is Your Social Security Safe from Debt Collectors?
With several important exceptions, your social security check is safe or "exempt" from claims of creditors. The money in your account, however, may not be automatically protected. You might need to tell or prove to the creditor or bank that your money is from social security and is exempt.
Just Say "No" to Unwanted Door-to-Door Sales
While there are reputable businesses that sell door-to-door, many use high pressure and assorted tricks to get your money. The best way to deal with a salesperson who is selling something you don’t need or want is to just say “NO”!
Payday Loans - a Convenience You Can't Afford!
The use of "payday loans" (also sometimes known as "cash advance loans," "check advance loans" or "delayed deposit checks") has become a ritual for many working Iowans, including the elderly. Unfortunately, the Iowans using these types of services do not realize what the service is costing them.
Predatory Lending - Don't Be a Victim
Predatory lenders take advantage of unsuspecting consumers by marketing and making mortgage loans with vastly inflated interest rates and fees and other burdensome terms. Predatory lending is a serious problem throughout the country, one that can leave you penniless and homeless.
Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements - Pros and Cons
There are many advantages to planning and paying for your funeral in advance. Iowa law has a number of provisions that protect consumers who make pre-need funeral arrangements.
Prioritize Your Insurance Needs
A review of the main kinds of insurance and if any make sense for you.
Property Tax Suspension for People Who Get SSI
Many people with a disability own or are buying their homes. Iowa law allows people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Supplemental Assistance (SSA), or live in a health care facility, to get their property taxes suspended.
Protecting Yourself from Telephone Marketing Fraud
Telemarketers often use illegal and deceptive practices such as contests, free prizes, sweepstakes, fake charities and other tricks to seduce older Iowans out of their hard-earned savings.
Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits
Each year, Iowans who are elderly or have a disability may be able to get a property tax credit on their home and rent reimbursement on apartment or mobile home lot rent.
Should You Take Your Pension In A Lump Sum?
Some companies offer to cash out the pensions of certain retirees and instead give them one lump-sum payment. Read this information on lump sum payments and how they could negatively affect your retirement finances.
Telephone Slamming
Telephone slamming occurs when a telephone company changes your telephone service without your consent. Slamming is illegal, and you can protect yourself from being slammed by following a few tips.
The Basic Rules of Credit Cards
Credit cards should only be used as a source of funding for emergencies such as car repairs, or for short-term loans for large purchases only. Before using your card to make a purchase, think about where the money will come from to pay it off. All who use a credit card should know the basic rules of credit cards.
The Golden Years and Debt
Major changes older people face often have a dramatic impact on their finances. Someone who is not realistic in dealing with these changes can be trapped by expenses and spending that quickly deplete savings.