Helpful Links
COLLEGE
SavingForCollege.com
This web site is a must-see for comparing and rating 529 Plans.
FastWeb.com
Fastweb.com is a free college scholarship search site, and it also offers important news about financial aid, student loans and more.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
From the U.S. Department of Education, the FAFSA site is essential for all soon-to-be college students.
CONSUMER HELP
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB says it works to give consumers the information they need to understand the terms of their agreements with financial companies. It works to make regulations and guidance as clear and streamlined as possible so providers of consumer financial products and services can follow the rules on their own. You can file complaints, too.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states. You can file complaints about telemarketing, telephone services and more.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC investigates complaints about anticompetitive, deceptive or unfair to business practices. You can also submit consumer complaints.
National Do Not Call Registry
If you want to stop telemarketers from calling, you can register your phone number and file complaints.
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)
If you have a complaint or question about banking or insurance in the state, contact DOBI or file a complaint.
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Affairs is the part of the Attorney General’s office that helps consumers who feel they’ve been treated wrongly by a business. You can file a complaint, read alerts and tips about consumer fraud and more.
CREDIT/DEBT HELP
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
This nonprofit financial counseling organization can help you find a legitimate credit counselor.
DIVORCE
New Jersey Collaborative Law Group (NJCLG)
Collaborative divorce, an alternative to costly litigation, is when divorcing spouses work together to end a marriage in an equitable, amicable and non-destructive manner. New Jersey Collaborative Law Group (NJCLG) is an educational, not-for-profit association of collaborative law professionals serving Essex, Union, Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Bergen, Passaic and Sussex counties.
ESTATE PLANNING
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
This group can help you learn more about elder law issues and find an attorney.
National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
This is a resource to learn about estate planning and find an attorney.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
The FPA, and its New Jersey chapter can help you find a financial planner.
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAFPA)
This group is another resource to find a financial advisor.
INSURANCE
Insurance Information Institute
If you want to learn more about different kinds of insurance, this is a helpful resource.
Life Happens
This nonprofit was founded by insurance companies to educate consumers about insurance.
Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance
Created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, this guide helps consumers learn about their options for long-term care insurance.
INVESTING
Morningstar
This is the most comprehensive place to research mutual funds and other investments.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security Administration
You can learn about your Social Security benefits and benefit payout options.
TAXES
Internal Revenue Service
Believe it or not, the IRS offers a wealth of information for taxpayers. You can download federal tax forms, check for your tax refund, confirm rules about retirement plans and read about the latest tax scams.
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
This service bills itself as “your voice at the IRS.” It says its mandate is to help make sure every taxpayer is treated fairly. Taxpayers with problems that can’t be resolved through traditional channels should try TAS, which is free and help by attacking federal tax problems from the inside.
New Jersey Division of Taxation
New Jersey’s tax division is a resource for state tax rules, tax forms, information about the Homestead rebate and more.
New Jersey Office of the Taxpayer Advocate
Much like the federal Taxpayer Advocate Service, this state office offers help to taxpayers who have been unable to resolve tax-related issues through traditional means.