RESOURCES:
So You Got the Memo. Now What?
One of the first steps to economic independence is financial literacy. Here is a list of financial education resources to help you “know what you don’t know” and to put what you know into action. And, of course, Operation HOPE is here to work with you every step of the way. Visit us online at www.operation hope.org.
Credit Cards and Credit Scores
Federally mandated free credit report:
FICO scores from all three credit bureaus (paid subscription):
Credit card reviews, ratings, and comparisons:
Tools to create your own debt elimination plan:
Guidance on becoming debt-free:
www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Debt
Guidance on choosing a credit card, filing for bankruptcy, and repairing your credit:
www.operationhope.org/credit-guidance
Retirement
A starter retirement savings option from the US Department of the Treasury:
Kiplinger Retirement savings calculator:
AARP retirement planning calculator:
www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/retirement_calculator.html
Banking Basics
A comprehensive financial education curriculum from the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart
Financial education article portal:
Personal finance articles and advice:
Frequently asked questions about debit cards:
www.dfi.wa.gov/financial-education/information/debit-cards-frequently-asked-questions
Understanding savings, credit, checking, and retirement accounts:
www.operationhope.org/banking-basics
Home Ownership
Tools and resources for homebuyers:
www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home
A guide to starting the home-buying process:
www.thebalance.com/buying-a-home-guide-to-getting-started-1798294
Buying a home in ten steps:
money.cnn.com/pf/money-essentials-home-buying/index.html
Guidance on homeowner insurance policies:
money.cnn.com/pf/money-essentials-home-insurance-policy/index.html
Tools to calculate mortgage payments, compare loan offers, and analyze homeownership tax breaks:
www.mortgageloan.com/calculator
The basics of owning a home:
www.operationhope.org/home-ownership
Taxes
Choosing a tax preparer:
www.irs.gov/uac/points-to-keep-in-mind-when-choosing-a-tax-preparer
Tax filing basics:
www.thebalance.com/tax-filing-basics-4073924
Taxes you have to pay:
money.cnn.com/pf/money-essentials-taxes/index.html
Understanding form W-2 and wage and tax statements:
www.thebalance.com/understanding-form-w-2-wage-and-tax-statement-3193059
Requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit:
www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit
The ins and outs of tax preparation:
Small-Business Entrepreneurship
How to decide if entrepreneurship is right for you:
guides.wsj.com/small-business/starting-a-business/how-to-decide-if-entrepreneurship-is-right-for-you
Free online education for entrepreneurs:
www.scu.edu/mobi/business-courses
Deciding on the legal form your business should take:
www.inc.com/articles/2003/09/legal.html
How to form an LLC (limited liability company):
guides.wsj.com/small-business/starting-a-business/how-to-start-an-llc
How to register a company name trademark:
guides.wsj.com/small-business/starting-a-business/how-to-trademark-a-company-name
Reducing your small business tax bill:
www.inc.com/guides/reduce-smb-tax.html?nav=related
Guidance on starting your own business: