Iowa

Loans, Student Loans, Installment Purchases

Legal Information

• Buying a House

  Buying a home on a contract can be a way for persons who are low-income or who have poor credit to become homeowners. However, there are certain risks to know about to avoid surprises after the contract is signed. Read More

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Car Title Loans

  Before new legislation was adopted by the Iowa Legislature in 2007, car title loans were a very expensive way to borrow money. The new legislation limits the amount of interest that can be charged. This can still be an expensive loan. Read More

• Credit Counselors: What to Expect, What to Avoid

  Are you in debt and feel like you can't make any headway? One frequent piece of advice is to consolidate the debt and have a single monthly payment. This resource looks at factors you should consider. Read More

• Deferment, Forbearance and Consolidation of Student Loan Debts

  Higher education is expensive. After leaving school, many former students find it hard to meet their monthly student loan payments and it is easy to fall behind. A lot of former students do not know that there are alternatives out there that will help to either reduce or stop student loan payments before they fall behind. Read More

• Getting Help to Repay Student Loans

  People who owe money for student loans may get help from a new law passed by the federal government. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• How to Use Small Claims Court

  A video that outlines the basic steps involved in bringing and defending a small claims action. Content Detail

  By:

  Iowa State Bar Association

• Keep More Money in YOUR Pocket at Tax Time

  Did you know that paying fees for tax preparation and refund anticipation checks is like losing as much as four days' pay? Here are some ways you can avoid giving away your money during tax time. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• 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. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Payday Loans: Too Pricey To Be Helpful

  Payday loan businesses extend credit by giving cash in exchange for a check which is dated for some time in the future, also called a post-dated check. The lender charges a “service charge.” This “service charge” is the profit for the business and works like interest on your loan. This is often as much ten times higher than the annual charge on a loan from a bank. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• 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. Read More

• Questions and Answers About Predatory Lending

  Predatory loans contain extraordinarily high interest rates and fees. Here is some information for consumers on this type of lending. Read More

• Refinancing

  Refinancing may look good now when interest rates are lower than they have been in years. However, smaller monthly payments do not always mean that refinancing will be a good deal for you as a consumer. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Shopping for Credit

  There are a few key items of information a consumer should look for before signing a credit agreement. She may be in for a surprise at how much money it costs to “buy now, pay later.” Read More

• Student Loan Borrower Assistance

  National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project is a resource for borrowers, their families, and advocates representing student loan borrowers. This site is for people who already have student loans and want to know more about their options and rights. Content Detail

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center

• Student Loan Disability Discharge

  Some physical or mental impairments can qualify you for a total and permanent disability discharge on your federal student loans and/or TEACH Grant service obligation. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Education