• What information is included in my credit report?
• What information is not in a credit report?
• How can I get a copy of my credit report besides with Community Empower online?
• How long does information remain on the credit report?
• What is a security alert, and how can it help prevent further fraudulent activity?
• How can I request a security alert be added to my credit report?
• What is a victim statement, and how can it help to prevent further fraudulent activity?
• Can a security alert or a victim statement affect me in a negative manner?

• What should I do if I find an error in my credit report?
• How can I recognize if I am a victim of fraudulent activity?
• What should I do when I find an account, inquiry or other data that was a result of fraudulent activity?
• Should I file a police report on fraudulent activity?
• What about the legitimate accounts that I have already established? Should I take precautions to protect those accounts?

• Why aren't my spouse's accounts displayed on my credit report?
• If my spouse had bad credit before we were married, will that affect my credit score?
• Does co-signing for a loan affect a credit score?
• How does divorce affect a person's credit?
• I have a credit card account that was fraudulently used by a relative/friend. What should I do?

• Do I have to have a valid e-mail address to enroll in Community Empower?
• I get the error message: "field cannot contain special characters", what does this mean?
• What are the system and browser compatibility requirements to use Community Empower?
• What if I don't know / don't have a valid Social Security Number?
• Why do I have to create a login? What is this for?
• I get the error message: "An Error Occurred During Transaction", what do I do now?

Alliance Credit Counseling has developed numerous articles on a wide variety of topics that should be helpful in your efforts to improve your personal financial situation.

The following is a list of financial education publications. Electronic document titles are available for viewing or downloading.  A brief description follows each title.  To open a title, click on it.

	Spending
	The Spending Plan: Simple Steps To Financial Wellness [ACC pdf] A complete budgeting packet: important facts, clear worksheets, and simple step-by-step directions for creating a successful spending plan.
	Checks Have Changed: Living With Check 21 [ACC pdf] Check management tips in light of the recent law allowing your checks to be replaced with electronic copies.
	66 Ways To Save Money [FTC pdf] Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more.
	Credit & Debt
	How To Check Your Credit Reports [ACC pdf] Critical information on how to obtain and understand your credit reports.
	How To Dispute Errors On Your Credit Reports [ACC pdf] Clear directions for disputing errors on your credit reports.
	Raising Your Credit Scores [ACC pdf] Information on how your score is calculated and 21 tips for raising your scores.
	Your Rights In Fair Debt Collection [ACC pdf] Answers to commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  FTC text.
	The Biting Price Of Payday Loans [ACC pdf] The truth about the real cost of these quick loans as well as a list of better options.
	Choosing A Credit Counselor [ACC pdf] Defines debt repayment plans, explains the differences between secured and unsecured debt, and offers questions to ask credit counseling agencies if you consider using their services.  FTC text.
	Credit And Your Consumer Rights [FTC pdf] Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more.
	Getting Credit: What You Need To Know About Your Credit [FTC pdf] Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.  A good source of information for people learning about credit.
	Knee Deep In Debt [FTC pdf] If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Tips on getting back in the black.
	Privacy & Fraud
	Identity Theft: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You [ACC pdf] Clear definitions and facts about identity theft along with warning signs, tips for protecting yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
	How Not To Get Hooked By A ‘Phishing Scam [FTC pdf] Tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud.
	Getting Purse-onal: What To Do If Your Wallet Or Purse Is Stolen [FTC pdf] Steps to take if your wallet or purse is stolen.
	Avoiding Credit And Charge Card Fraud [FTC pdf] Tips for guarding against this type of fraud and for reporting losses.
	Home Ownership
	Looking For The Best Mortgage? Shop, Compare, Negotiate [FTC pdf] Use these three steps to save money on a mortgage or home loan. Includes a mortgage shopping worksheet.
	Home Equity Loans: Borrowers Beware [FTC pdf] Explains common abusive lending practices and how to avoid becoming a victim, and possibly losing your home.
	Reverse Mortgages [FTC pdf] Explains how reverse mortgages (RMs) work and how they can help older homeowners who are “house-rich but cash-poor” remain in their homes and still meet their financial obligations.
	Responding to Life Events
	Credit And Divorce [FTC pdf] Practical ways to cut everyday costs on transportation, insurance, banking, credit, housing, utilities, food, and more. Please click on a selected topic to the left for a list of documents that may be of interest to you.