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

• Consumers and Bail Bonds

  Most people spend very little time thinking about bail bondsmen —up until the moment a loved one lands in jail. In the cash bail system, where money secures freedom, some bail bond agents will go to great lengths to collect their profits. Consumers should know the risks of bail bond agreements. Consumers should also know their rights when things go wrong. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• For-Profit Colleges: A Closer Look at Technical Schools and Employability

  Information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Iowa Attorney General's Office community colleges and technical schools. Read More

• Getting Help to Repay Student Loans

  People who owe money for student loans may get help with these income-driven repayment plans. Content Detail

  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

• 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

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  Spanish / Español

• Paying for Utilities

  If you cannot afford to pay your natural gas and electric utility bills, you have certain rights and remedies that may help you avoid having utilities shut off. 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

• 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

• Student Loans During the COVID Pandemic

  Read More

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  Spanish / Español

• The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

  The "SCRA" is a federal statute passed by Congress to allow military members to suspend or postpone some civil obligations so the military member can devote his or her full attention to military duties. Read More