Free help from people with nothing to sell
Our tools are a starting point. When you need answers about your specific situation, these government agencies and nonprofits are good places to turn.
U.S. government
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(opens in a new tab)
Plain-language guides on credit, loans, debt collection and banking, plus a way to file a complaint against a financial company.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Buy now, pay later: what to know(opens in a new tab)
Plain-language answers on how buy now, pay later (definition, opens in a new tab) plans work, what they can cost, and how to file a complaint.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
What to know about consolidating credit card debt(opens in a new tab)
Before a balance transfer (definition, opens in a new tab) or consolidation loan: how promotional rates (definition, opens in a new tab) end, how transfer fees work, and what to watch for.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Investor.gov(opens in a new tab)
Learn investing basics, use free calculators, and look up whether an adviser or broker is registered.
Nonprofit
National Foundation for Credit Counseling(opens in a new tab)
Struggling with debt? Find a certified, nonprofit credit counselor, often free or low-cost.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
What is a payday loan?(opens in a new tab)
How payday loans (definition, opens in a new tab) work, what states allow and cap, and the 36% limit for active-duty servicemembers.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
What are the costs and fees for a payday loan?(opens in a new tab)
The fee per $100, what a rollover adds, and repayment plans some states require lenders to offer.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Can I withdraw money from my credit card at an ATM?(opens in a new tab)
How a credit card cash advance (definition, opens in a new tab) works: its fee, its usually higher rate, and interest (definition, opens in a new tab) from the first day.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
FINRA BrokerCheck(opens in a new tab)
Check a broker or firm's background and any complaints before you hand them your money.
CFP Board
Find a CFP® professional(opens in a new tab)
When you want personal advice, search for a Certified Financial Planner, including fee-only planners.
Social Security Administration
my Social Security(opens in a new tab)
See your earnings record and an estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits.
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Free File(opens in a new tab)
File your federal taxes for free if your income is under the yearly limit.
Internal Revenue Service
Exceptions to tax on early distributions(opens in a new tab)
The list of situations where the 10% early-withdrawal tax on a 401(k) (definition, opens in a new tab) or IRA doesn’t apply.
Official site authorized by federal law
AnnualCreditReport.com(opens in a new tab)
Get your credit reports from all three bureaus for free and check them for errors.
We don't receive money from any organization listed here. If anyone asks you to pay upfront to fix your credit or erase your debt, check with the CFPB or a nonprofit counselor first.