Debt Relief
Heating Help Is Landing This Winter: Apply Free to Lower Your Energy Bill
LIHEAP heating season funds are reaching states now. The official way to apply is always free, and no paid middleman is needed.
Debt Relief
Debt Relief news & guides
Debt Relief
You Can Fix Credit Report Errors Yourself, for Free
Credit repair companies cannot do anything you cannot do on your own at no cost. Here is how to spot the sales pitch and fix mistakes yourself.
Debt Relief
The Myth That Help With Debt Always Costs a Lot of Money
Many people think the only way to tackle debt is to pay a company big fees. But real nonprofit credit counseling is low cost or free, and the first talk often costs nothing.
Debt Relief
How to Claim a Late Relative's Unclaimed Money, for Free
If someone in your family passed away, they may have left behind money that was never claimed. Here is how to find it and claim it yourself, at no cost.
Debt Relief
The Medical Bill Myth: You Do Not Always Have to Pay in Full
Many people believe a medical bill is a debt they must pay no matter what. The truth is there are free ways to lower it, erase it, or keep it off your credit report.
Debt Relief
If Someone Asks for a Fee Before Helping With Your Debt, Hang Up
Charging you up front for debt relief sold over the phone is against the law. Here is how to spot it and where to get real help for free.
Debt Relief
You Never Have to Pay for Student Loan Help: It Is Free at StudentAid.gov
Paid companies charge for things you can do yourself in minutes. Here is the honest truth about managing your federal student loans.
Debt Relief
Work for the Government or a Nonprofit? Your Student Loans Could Be Erased for Free
Public Service Loan Forgiveness still exists. If you serve the public, here is how to check your status without paying anyone.
Debt Relief
Free College Money Starts With One Free Form: The 2027-2028 FAFSA
The federal student aid form is free to file. Here is how to start this week and skip anyone who asks you to pay.
Debt Relief
Three Ways to Deal With Debt, and How to Pick Before You Pay Anyone
Debt settlement, debt consolidation, and credit counseling are not the same thing. Here is how to tell them apart, in plain language, using the government's own guidance.
Debt Relief
Know Your Rights So a Debt Collector Cannot Push You Into Paying Too Much
Federal law gives you the right to make a collector prove what you owe. Using that right is free, and it can protect your money.
Debt Relief
Heating Help Is Landing Now. Here Is How to Apply for Free
LIHEAP money for home heating is opening across the country this fall. You can apply before the cold hits, and the official way to apply never costs a dime.
Debt Relief
Your Free Credit Reports: A Step by Step Guide to Spotting Costly Errors
You can pull all three of your credit reports for free, and fixing mistakes on them could save you money.
Debt Relief
Did a Big Bank Close Your Account With No Clear Reason? A New Federal Effort Is Looking Into It
The CFPB says it will investigate whether the nation's largest banks broke the law by cutting off customers. Here is what it means for you, and how to file a complaint for free.
Debt Relief
Why the FTC Just Stepped In on T-Shirt Pricing, and What It Means for Your Wallet
A federal action over wholesale T-shirt prices is really about something bigger: fair prices and more choices for shoppers like you.
Debt Relief
Bought From GOAT? The FTC Is Mailing Refund Checks to 6,205 People
If you shopped the sneaker and apparel marketplace GOAT, a refund could be on its way to you right now. Here is how to tell if money is coming, and why it costs nothing to get it.
Debt Relief
Your Hospital Bill Came in Higher Than the Quote? You Have Options
Federal regulators just warned 24 large healthcare companies about surprise and misleading prices. Here is what to do if your bill does not match what you were told.
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Bought Contacts Online? Watch for Hidden 'Taxes & Fees' That Can Double Your Bill
Federal and state regulators say Lens.com advertised low prices, then added a mandatory charge at checkout that often doubled the cost. Here is what to watch for and how to protect your money.
Debt Relief
How to Claim Money a Relative Left Behind (No Finder Needed)
Unclaimed money from a deceased family member may be waiting for you. Here is how to search and claim it for free, step by step.
Debt Relief
Fake Government and Business Messages Are Rising: How to Spot and Report Them for Free
Scammers are pretending to be government agencies and trusted companies. Here is how to protect your money, all for free.
Debt Relief
The FTC Just Fined Amway $225 Million: How to Spot an MLM Income Promise That Rarely Pays Off
Regulators say Amway misled people with big earnings claims. Here is how to see through these pitches and keep your money.
Debt Relief
More Amazon Prime Refunds Are Going Out: Here Is How to Know If Money Is Coming to You
The FTC says more Prime members now qualify for refunds, and the top payment has gone from $51 to $200. The payments are automatic and free.
Debt Relief
Hit With Surprise Fuel Card Fees? A $100 Million FTC Settlement Could Mean Money Back
The FTC says a fuel card company charged small businesses hidden fees for years. Now $100 million is set aside to pay people back, and complaining costs you nothing.
Debt Relief
The Advertised Car Price Should Be the Price You Pay: New FTC Guidance
The FTC just told car dealers the advertised price must be the real price, with only government-required charges added on. Here is what to watch for on your next car.
Debt Relief
Take Five Minutes to Search Your Name for Cash You Are Already Owed
Every state holds unclaimed money in your name. Searching for it is free, and you can start this week.
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Regulators Cracked Down on a Company That Helped Fake Sellers Bill You
The FTC says a payment processor helped over 1,000 shell companies charge people without permission. Here is how to spot bogus charges and get your money back for free.
Debt Relief
The FTC Just Cracked Down on Tech Support Scams. Here Is How to Spot Them
A payment processor is paying $4.85 million after the FTC says it helped scammers, including fake tech support pop-ups, take money from people. Here are the red flags and the free way to protect yourself.
Debt Relief
Unclaimed Money Search: Take 5 Minutes to Look Up Your Name for Free
States are holding billions in forgotten cash. This fall, take a few minutes to check every state where you have lived. It is free.
Debt Relief
Regulators Say Amazon Hid Ad Surcharges: What It Means for What You Paid
The FTC and 22 states say Amazon secretly raised ad prices for years, and those costs likely reached the prices you pay at checkout.
Debt Relief
Stop Unwanted Sales Calls for Free With the Do Not Call Registry
Telemarketers pay to reach phone numbers, but putting yours on the National Do Not Call list costs you nothing.
Debt Relief
Money a Loved One Left Behind: How to Find and Claim Unclaimed Funds for Free
When a family member passes, they may leave behind money you never knew about. Here is how to search for it, for free, and start a claim today.
Debt Relief
Charged Junk Fees on a Car? A New Settlement Shows You Can Push Back
The FTC and Connecticut just secured a $4 million settlement over illegal car fees. Here is how to check your own paperwork for free.
Debt Relief
Your State May Be Holding Cash for You: A 5-Minute August Check
Before the school year starts, take a few minutes to see if your state is sitting on money that belongs to you.
Debt Relief
Paid a Bill Through Doxo? You May Be Owed a Refund
The FTC says the bill payment site Doxo tacked on hidden fees and posed as your real biller. Now the company is paying $2.1 million back to consumers.
Debt Relief
The Free Federal Tool That Helps You Fight a Financial Company
If a bank, lender, or debt collector treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the CFPB for free. Here is how it still works.
Debt Relief
Drove for or Ordered From Grubhub? A Refund May Be Coming to You
The FTC is sending more than $23.8 million to Grubhub drivers and diners. If you are owed, the money is free to claim.
Debt Relief
The Credit Repair Trap That Cost People Nearly $200 Million
The FTC just shut down a huge credit repair scheme. Here are the red flags to spot, and how to fix your credit for free.
Debt Relief
Five Minutes to Search Every State for Money With Your Name on It
Back-to-school season is a good time to check free state databases for cash you may already be owed. Here is how to do it without paying anyone.
Debt Relief
The FTC Says a Telehealth Company Shared Your Health Secrets: Here Is How to Protect Yourself
A new complaint against Hims & Hers shows how health websites can misuse your data and your money. Here is what to watch for, and how to fight back for free.
Debt Relief
How to Find Money a Late Family Member Left Behind: Free Steps You Can Start This Week
When someone passes away, they often leave behind money nobody knows about. Here is how to search for it for free.
Debt Relief
FTC Refund Checks Are Going Out to Trend Deploy Customers
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing more than $672,000 in refund checks. If one is yours, cashing it is free.
Debt Relief
Help With Your Student Loans Is Always Free at StudentAid.gov
The FTC just banned a scammer who took more than $45.9 million from student loan borrowers. Here is how to spot the red flags and get real help for free.
Debt Relief
Celsius Founders Ordered to Pay $16.5 Million: What It Means If You Lost Money
The FTC settled its case against the founders of the failed crypto platform Celsius. Here is what changed and how to watch for real refunds.
Debt Relief
Fake 5-Star Reviews Just Cost This Supplement Seller $750,000
The FTC cracked down on a company that sold 'height-boosting' pills for kids using bogus reviews. Here is how to spot the same tricks and protect your money.
Debt Relief
A New FTC Settlement Targets Drug Middlemen: What It Could Mean for Your Prescription Costs
The FTC says its deal with Caremark locks in up to $8.5 billion in consumer savings over 10 years. Here is what that means for people paying too much at the pharmacy.
Debt Relief
Did a Loved One Leave Money Behind? Free Steps to Claim What Is Yours
When someone passes away, they often leave behind forgotten money in old accounts, refunds, or deposits. Here is how to search for it at no cost.
Debt Relief
Farmers Can Fix Their Own Tractors Again: What the New Deere Settlement Means for You
A new FTC settlement forces John Deere to hand over the same repair tools it gave only to dealers, which could lower repair costs for farmers.
Debt Relief
Worked for Handy? The FTC Is Mailing $2.7 Million in Refund Checks
If you did gig work through Handy (now Angi Services) and got hit with fees or fines, a refund check may be on its way to you.