2. ACTIVITY 1
The ABCs of Credit
Overview
• What is credit?
• The five Cs of credit
• Pros and cons of using credit
• The big decision—Should I use credit?
Credit - Activity 1
3. CREDIT DEFINITIONS
Credit
Trust given to another person for future
payment of a loan, credit card balance, etc.
Creditor
A person or company to whom a debt is
owed.
Slide 1 – Credit Definitions
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 1
4. THE FIVE Cs OF CREDIT
C = Capacity
C = Capital
C = Collateral
C = Conditions
C = Character
Slide 2 - The Five Cs of Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Overhead 1
5. WHEN TO USE CREDIT
Can you describe a situation when it is
a good time to use credit and when it is
NOT a good time to use credit?
Slide 3 – When to Use Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 2
6. QUESTIONS TO ASK
BEFORE USING CREDIT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Slide 4 – Questions to Ask
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 1 – Handout 3
7. ACTIVITY 2
Credit Scores
Overview
• Credit scores and their impact
• The factors that make up a credit score
• Strategies to improve your credit score
Credit - Activity 2
8. WHAT IS A CREDIT SCORE?
• A credit score is a number that helps a lender predict how
likely an individual is to repay a loan, or make credit
payments on time.
• A credit score is a number that changes as the elements
in a credit report change.
• A credit score has broad use and impact. Your credit past
is your credit future.
• FICO® scores, one of the most common credit scoring
systems, vary between 350 and 850.
• VantageScoreSM, a new credit scoring system developed
by the three credit bureaus, ranges from 501-990.
Slide 1 – What Is a Credit Score?
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Overhead 1
9. WHAT
MAKES UP A
TYPICAL
CREDIT
SCORE?
Source: Fair Isaac and Consumer Federation of
America, 2005
Slide 2 – What Makes Up a Typical Credit Score?
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Overhead 2
10. IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT
SCORE
• Pay bills on time.
• Get current and stay current.
• Don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly.
• Correct mistakes.
• Shop for loan rates within a focused period of
time.
• Keep balances low on revolving credit.
• Pay off debt.
10 • Check your credit report. Slide 3 – Improving Your Credit Score
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 2 – Handout 2
11. ACTIVITY 3
Establishing Credit
Overview
• Types and sources of credit
• Credit safeguards
• Applying for credit
• Questions to ask when applying for credit
11 Credit - Activity 3
12. TYPES OF CREDIT
Cash Credit I.O.U.
Sales Credit Single Payment Credit
Secured Credit Installment Credit
Revolving Credit Other Types of Credit
12 Slide 1 – Types of Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 1
13. SOURCES OF CREDIT
Banks Retail Savings &
Stores Loan
Associations
Credit Finance
Union Companie Internet
s s Stores
What are other sources of credit?
What sources of credit should be avoided? Why?
13 Slide 2 - Sources of Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Overhead 1
14. STEPS TO TAKE TO AVOID
ABUSIVE LENDING
1. Have you shopped around for the best
deal?
2. Do you feel the lender pressured you to
take the loan?
3. Do you understand the terms of the loan?
14 Slide 3 – Avoiding Abusive Lending
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 2
15. COMMON PARTS OF A
CREDIT APPLICATION
• Reason for Loan
• Personal Identification Information
• Employment Information
• Mortgage/Rental Information
• Documentation Required (for some
applications)
• Current Debts
• Credit References
• Collateral (for some applications)
• Bank References
• Signature and Date
15 Slide 4 – Parts of a Credit Application
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 3
17. QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN
APPLYING FOR CREDIT
1. What is the annual fee?
2. What is the annual percentage rate (APR) ?
3. When are payments due?
4. What is the minimum payment required each month?
5. Is there a grace period?
6. Are there other fees associated with the credit, such as
minimum finance charges?
7. What is the credit limit?
8. What are the penalties for late or missed payments ?
9. What are the terms and conditions of the credit?
What else is included in the fine print?
17 Slide 6 – Questions to Ask
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 3 – Handout 5
18. ACTIVITY 4
Maintaining
Good Credit
Overview
• Debt to income thermometer
• Credit process
• Credit reporting agencies
• Credit safeguards for consumers
• Credit reports, ratings and scores
• Establishing a credit history
18 Credit - Activity 4
23. THE FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT
TRANSACTION ACT
One of the primary objectives behind the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transaction Act (the FACT Act) is to help consumers fight the
growing crime of identity theft. The following are some highlights of
the Act.
• Free credit reports
• Fraud alerts and Active Duty alerts
• Truncation: credit cards, debit cards, Social Security Number
• Red flags
• Disposal of consumer reports
• Credit scores
23 Slide 5 – FACT Act
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Handout 4
24. THINGS TO DO TO ESTABLISH
AND MAINTAIN GOOD CREDIT
What can everyone do to establish and
maintain good credit?
1. Pay all bills on time.
2. Avoid late fees.
3.
4.
5.
6.
24 Slide 6 - Things to Establish Good Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 4 – Overhead 3
25. ACTIVITY 5
Credit Cards
Overview
• Types of credit cards
• Shopping for a credit card
• Costs of credit
25 Credit - Activity 5
26. TYPES OF CREDIT CARDS
Private Label
• Issued by a single source
• Can only be used at a single source
• Examples: Department Stores, Gasoline
Companies
General Label
• Issued by a single source
• Can be used in many places
• Examples: Bank Card, Major Credit Card
Slide 1 - Types of Credit Cards
26 Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Overhead 1
27. SHOPPING FOR A CREDIT CARD
DECISIONS, DECISIONS...
ANNUAL FEE?
APR?
COMPUTATION METHOD?
GRACE PERIOD?
FINANCE CHARGE?
CREDIT LIMIT?
CARD INCENTIVES?
27 Slide 2 - Shopping for a Credit Card
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Overhead 2
28. QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN
SHOPPING FOR A CREDIT CARD
• Annual fee
• Annual percentage rate (APR)
• Minimum payment
• Computation method
• Grace period
• Finance charges
• Card incentives
28 Slide 3 – Questions to Ask
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Handout 1
29. COSTS OF CREDIT
How much can credit cost? If you make only the minimum
payment for an item, here are some examples of what you
might actually pay and how long it will take you to pay it.
29 Slide 4 – Costs of Credit
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 5 – Handout 2
33. CREDIT CARD REDUCTIONS
Paying only the minimum payments on your credit card may
seem appealing, but if only minimum payments are made, it can
take years, and sometimes decades, to achieve full repayment.
Paying the minimum amount due keeps your credit history clean,
but it also costs you more.
33 Slide 3 – Credit Card Reductions
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 3
34. CORRECTING CREDIT ERRORS
1. Circle the incorrect items on your credit report.
2. Write a letter to the reporting agency, telling them
which information you think is inaccurate. Provide
supporting documentation.
3. Send all materials by certified mail.
4. Send a similar letter to the creditor whose reports
you disagree with.
5. The reporting agency will conduct an investigation.
6. If negative information is accurate, it can stay on
your report for 7-10 years.
34 Slide 4 – Correcting Credit Errors
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 6 – Handout 4
36. ACTIVITY 7
Identity Theft
Overview
• The growing problem of identity theft and how it
occurs
• Strategies to protect your personal information
• Steps to take if your identity has been stolen.
36 Credit - Activity 7
37. IDENTITY THEFT
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your
personal identifying information to either establish
credit under your name or to take over an existing
account that you established without your
authorization.
This information may include:
• Social Security Numbers • Mother’s maiden name
• Name • Passwords
• Address • PINs
• Date of birth
37 Slide 1 – Identity Theft
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 7 – Overhead 1
38. HOW TO AVOID IDENTITY
THEFT
1. Monitor your credit report.
2. Don’t give out personal information to unknown persons
or companies.
3. Protect your credit and debit cards.
4. Protect your mailbox.
5. Protect your wallet.
6. Use passwords and PINs that can’t be easily guessed.
7. Use anti-virus software on your computer.
8. Notify your bank when you change your address or
phone number.
9. Other suggestions?
38 Slide 2 – How to Avoid Identity Theft
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 7 – Handout 2
39. WHAT TO DO IF YOUR
IDENTITY
HAS BEEN STOLEN
If you think your identity has been stolen, take
the following steps: major credit bureaus
• Contact the three
(Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union).
• Close accounts.
• Contact all creditors involved.
• File a police report.
• Keep a record of your contacts.
39 Slide 3 – What to Do
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 7 – Overhead 2
40. ACTIVITY 8
Prime and Subprime
Lending
Overview
• Subprime and prime lending definitions
• Alternative institutions that provide higher-cost
loans
• Strategies to improve credit in order to qualify
for prime loans.
40 Credit - Activity 8
41. PRIME AND SUBPRIME
MORTGAGE LENDING
Prime
Prime credit is typically available to an individual who has paid
his or her outstanding credit on time.
Subprime
A subprime loan is typically available to a person with either
no credit history or a damaged credit history and who is
considered to be a high-risk borrower. Subprime loans have
higher-than-average interest rates.
41 Slide 1 – Prime and Subprime Lending
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 8 – Overhead 1
42. THE PRICE OF SUBPRIME
LENDING
How much does a subprime loan cost you? If you are making
payments on a car, for example, you could be paying
significantly more just for getting a loan with a higher interest
rate. This added interest is significant over the life of the
loan.
42 Slide 2 – The Price of Subprime Lending
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 8 – Handout 1
43. MOVING FROM
SUBPRIME TO PRIME
If you currently have a lower credit score and want to be able
to qualify for prime loans in the future, you should take steps
to improve your credit. The following steps can help.
• Pay bills on time.
• Correct mistakes.
• Pay more than the minimum required.
• Use credit sparingly.
• Work with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling
organization.
43 Slide 3 – Moving from Subprime to Prime
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 8 – Handout 2
44. ACTIVITY 9
Predatory Lending
Overview
• Characteristics and warning signs of predatory
lending.
• The key targets of predatory lending.
• Common abuses and scams.
• Nonprofit organizations that can help consumers
plagued by predatory lending.
44 Credit - Activity 9
45. PREDATORY LENDING
In communities across America, people are losing their homes
and their investments because of predatory lenders, corrupt
appraisers, mortgage brokers, and home improvement
contractors who:
• Sell properties for much more than they are worth, using
false appraisals.
• Encourage borrowers to lie about their income,
expenses, or cash available for down payments in order
to get a loan.
• Knowingly lend more money than a borrower can afford
to repay.
• And many other scams.
45 Slide 1 – Predatory Lending
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Overhead 1
46. IDENTIFYING
PREDATORY LENDING
Predatory lending is not defined by federal law except to the
extent that a loan is a high-cost loan and contains one of a
fixed list of terms or conditions. Predatory or abusive lending
practices can include:
• Packaging a loan with single-premium credit insurance
products
• Repeatedly refinancing a loan in a short period of time
• Charging excessive rates and fees to a borrower who
qualifies for lower rates and fees
46 Slide 2 – Predatory Lending
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 1
47. TEN WARNING SIGNS OF
PREDATORY MORTGAGES
1. Unreasonably high interest rates
2. Multiple refinancing
3. Unnecessary debt consolidation
4. Balloon payment
5. Negative amortization
6. Door-to-door solicitation
7. Back-dating of documents
8. Large loan broker fees
9. Kickbacks between lender and broker
10. Single-premium credit life insurance
47 Slide 3 – Ten Warning Signs
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 1
48. COMMON SCAMS
• Advance fee schemes
• The prize that will cost you
• Online auctions
• Fraud jobs
• Moneymaking schemes
• Bogus charities
• Scam schools
48 Slide 4 – Common Scams
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 2
49. TOP STRATEGIES TO AVOID
SCAMS
• Don’t become a victim.
• Investigate strangers who have deals too good to be true.
• Always stay in charge of your money.
• Don’t be fooled by appearances.
• Watch out for salespeople who prey on fears.
• Monitor your investments.
• Report fraud or abuse.
• Do your homework.
• Be wary of door-to-door solicitations.
49 Slide 5 – Top Strategies to Avoid Scams
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 2
50. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) —
Office of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Interstate Land
Sales/RESPA Division. (202) 708-4560;
www.hud.gov/complaints/landsales.cfm.
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — Consumer
Affairs Division. (877) ASK-FDIC (925-4618); www.fdic.gov.
• Federal Trade Commission (For federal lending violations involving
mortgage and consumer finance companies.) (877) FTC-HELP
(382-4357); TTY (202) 326-2502; www.ftc.gov.
• Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System — Division of Consumer Affairs. (202) 452-3693;
www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/complaints.
50 Slide 6 – Additional Resources
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 9 – Handout 3
51. ACTIVITY 10
Bankruptcy
Overview
• Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies
• Provisions of the new bankruptcy legislation
• The credit counseling component of the new law
• Strategies to avoid bankruptcy
51 Credit - Activity 10
52. BANKRUPTCY
Chapter 7 wipes out all allowable debts and
allows certain personal property exemptions.
Chapter 13 is a court-approved repayment plan.
Chapter 11 is typically used for business
bankruptcies.
52 Slide 1 – Bankruptcy
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Overhead 1
53. NEW PROVISIONS OF THE
BANKRUPTCY LAW
• A test to determine eligibility to file bankruptcy
• Determining what you can afford to pay
• Tougher homestead exemptions
• Lawyer liability
• Credit counseling and money management
• New debt may not be discharged.
• Quicker collections process
53 Slide 2 – Provisions of the Bankruptcy Law
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 1
54. THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE
FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY
• A bankruptcy filing could determine whether or
not you get a job.
• Your insurance rates could rise.
• You may find it difficult to rent an apartment or
qualify for a home loan.
• Bankruptcies stay on your credit report for 10
years.
• Bankruptcy can lower your credit score.
54 Slide 3 – Things to Consider
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Overhead 2
55. THINGS TO DO BEFORE
DECIDING TO FILE
BANKRUPTCY, CONT.
• Reduce your spending
• Talk with your creditors.
• Talk with a nonprofit counseling agency.
• Talk with an attorney and understand the
consequences of declaring bankruptcy.
• Consider consolidation carefully.
55 Slide 4 – Things to Do
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 2
56. TIPS TO REMEMBER
• Keep track of your daily expenses.
• Save money on a regular basis.
• Make changes right away if you see yourself
starting to get into financial trouble.
• Pay attention to your household finances,
especially if you are married.
56 Slide 5 – Tips to Remember
Lesson Reference: Credit, Activity 10 – Handout 2
Editor's Notes
These slides are derived from the Citigroup Financial Education Curriculum. For additional background and information, you may find the complete set of lessons at http://curriculum.financialeducation.citigroup.com. It is advised that you complete the following steps before you present any activity: Review the Facilitator’s Guide of the Citigroup Financial Education Curriculum, which can be found on its CD-ROM or at http://curriculum.financialeducation.citigroup.com. For information regarding online facilitator training, please contact fetraining@citigroup.com. 3. Review the materials thoroughly and be prepared with copies of the presentation or from the lesson. Determine for yourself whether or not you are truly comfortable presenting any activity. If you are not, you should ask for assistance, team teach with a colleague who is comfortable with the material, or teach a different lesson. 4. Each of the activities in this presentation may take up to 50-60 minutes.
Presentation opening • Welcome the participants. • Introduce yourself briefly. • If this is the first meeting with the class or group, do a brief round of introductions by everyone. • When introducing yourself, print your name where the participants can see and refer to it during the session. For whatever reason, some people may be a little nervous and may not remember your name. Just as you want to use their names, encourage them to call you by your name. Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • What is Credit? • Five Cs of Credit • Pros and Cons of Using Credit • The Big Decision—Should I Use Credit?
Write the terms “credit” and “creditor” on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency, leaving enough space to add words or short phrases around them. • Ask participants to define the two terms. • Write down the responses using one-word descriptions, placing these words around the appropriate term. Use “Slide 1: Credit Definitions” to be sure all participants understand the vocabulary. • Credit = Trust given to another person for future payment of a loan, credit card balance, etc. This person is typically called the “borrower.” • Creditor = A person or company to whom a debt is owed. This person or company is typically called the “lender.” Take each definition, and ask participants to identify the words they feel are important in understanding and using credit. As the words are identified, showcase them by underlining or some other method. The key to this discussion is ensuring that participants recognize the impact of various words within the definitions to the successful use of credit.
Ask the participants whether they have heard the expression, “The Five Cs of Credit.” Explain that the five Cs represent characteristics of a person who is a good candidate to receive credit. Ask participants to share what they think the five Cs represent, and record the responses. If participants have trouble thinking of “C” words, encourage them to think about any things that would be important in the use of credit, and then help them transfer those terms into “C” terms. After a brief period of discussion, use “Slide 2: The Five Cs of Credit” to define and discuss each of the five terms. A few talking points might include the following: Capacity: Capacity to repay is the most critical of the five factors. It is the primary source of repayment — existing cash and your income. Potential lenders also will want to know about other possible sources of repayment, such as investments that can be liquidated if needed to make a repayment. Capital: Capital is the money you personally have and is an indication of how much you have at risk should you experience job or other income loss. Collateral: Collateral or guarantees are additional items of value you can provide the lender. Giving a lender collateral means that you pledge an asset you own, such as your home, to the lender with the agreement that it will be the repayment source in case you can’t repay the loan. A guarantee, on the other hand, is just that — someone else signs a guarantee document promising to repay the loan if you can’t. Some lenders may require such a guarantee in addition to collateral as security for a loan. Conditions: Conditions describe the intended purpose of the loan. Will the money be used for personal use, a car, a home, or home repairs? Character: Character is the general impression you make on the prospective lender and is based on your credit report and credit history (your past use of credit).
Ask for a show of hands of who uses credit. Display “Slide 3: When to Use Credit.” Divide the group into teams of two to three. Ask half of the teams to think of when it is a good idea to use credit, and have the other half think about when it is not a good idea to use credit. After a few minutes, call time. Ask for one example from each team. As reasons are shared, gather consensus by asking if the full group agrees. Continue until all reasons are shared. Encourage everyone to add the various reasons to their individual slides. Responses may vary but should include some of the following: When to Use Credit • Great to have in times of emergencies, family crisis, unexpected illness, etc. • Could be a convenient way to manage income by keeping track of spending—provided bills are paid in full each month. • Allows the benefit of having large items such as a home, car, and appliances while still paying for them. When Not to Use Credit • Can lead to spending beyond one’s means because it is so convenient and easy to use. • If one is tempted to live on credit. • When credit takes away the opportunity to use the income that pays off the credit, which is needed for other things. • When there is concern that the credit cards and credit account numbers may be stolen and used by others.
Now that participants have a better understanding of when to use and not to use credit, ask them what questions they should ask themselves before using credit. Use Slide 4 to record the questions. As questions are added, get consensus from the group. If everyone agrees that the question is a good one to ask, place a checkmark to the left of it. If there is doubt about a question, allow for discussion to establish consensus. Questions may vary but should include some of the following: 1. Is this a necessity or luxury item? 2. Do I really need this good or service? 3. Can I meet my obligation to pay for it without hurting my existing cash flow? 4. Do I really understand all of the terms and obligations that I must agree to when purchasing this? 5. Do I realize that this would cost less if I paid cash? 6. Have I really thought about the consequences of making this purchase? 7. Can I repay the debt in a timely fashion to avoid finance charges?
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • What is a credit score? • The impact of credit scores • How a credit score is calculated • Ways to improve your credit score.
Write the term “credit score” on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency. • Ask participants to define the term. • Debrief participants by showing “Slide 1: What Is a Credit Score?” Talking points for Slide 1: A credit score is a number that tells a lender how likely an individual is to repay a loan, or make credit payments on time. When a lender requests a credit report and score from a credit reporting agency, the score is calculated by a scoring model — a statistical mathematical equation that evaluates many types of information from your credit report at that agency. By comparing this information to the patterns in thousands of past credit reports, scoring identifies your level of credit risk. There are several different credit scoring models that are used today. Examples of different models include the FICO score, which was developed by Fair, Isaac and Company, Inc. and is used by many mortgage lenders; and the VantageScore SM , which was developed jointly by the three national credit reporting companies. FICO scores, which are one of the most common credit scoring systems used by lenders, range between 350 and 850. With these scores, a higher number credit scoring systems consider a variety of factors, such as number of credit accounts, total credit available, amount of outstanding debt and late payment record. The VantageScore SM was created in 2006 as a more consistent way for the agencies to develop credit scores. In the past, each credit reporting company used its own formula to create its credit scores. The new system allows each company to use the same formula and create a more consistent credit score. The VantageScore SM ranges from 501 to 990 and includes a rating system similar to an academic grading system (A-F grades). The higher the score, the more creditworthy a consumer is considered to be. • Ask participants how their credit score impacts their life. • Write down responses on flipchart paper. • Responses may include: to get a loan, to get a job, to get an apartment, to get a mortgage loan, to get homeowner’s insurance, and to get car insurance. Discuss the broad use and impact of credit scores. In addition to banks and lenders, there are landlords, employers, merchants, and even insurance companies that are also using credit scores. Discuss the following example of how credit scores can impact how much you pay for car insurance: To most, it seems that credit histories and driving records have little in common. Insurers, on the other hand, have found that using credit scores to predict how likely someone is to pay premiums has helped them cut their losses. They don’t use the same score that banks and lenders use. Instead, they use an insurance score, which is generated based on a slightly different formula. According to the American Insurance Association, having a good insurance score does not necessarily mean you are a good driver or a more responsible homeowner. however, research has shown that consumers with better insurance scores generally file fewer claims and have lower insurance losses. Insurers’ use of credit histories to determine rates is under scrutiny nationwide.
Ask participants whether they know what factors make up a credit score. As participants name each of the five components listed below, write it on flipchart paper and then discuss it using the following talking points. Show “Slide 2: What Makes Up a Typical Credit Score?” Different credit scoring models may use slightly different formulas to determine what makes up a credit score. however, the following information from Fair, Isaac and Company offers a useful guide for understanding how credit scores are compiled. Talking points: • Payment History accounts for 35% of your credit score — Some of the factors included in this category are: account payment information; the presence of adverse public records such as bankruptcy, judgments, or lawsuits; how long payments are past due; and the amounts that are past due. • Amounts Owed account for 30% of your credit score — Some of the factors included in this category are: how much you owe on your accounts, the number of accounts with balances, and the proportion of balances to total credit limits. • Length of Credit history accounts for 15% of your credit score — Some of the factors included in this category are: the time since accounts were opened and the time since account activity. • New Credit accounts for 10% of your score — Some of the factors included in this category are: the number of recently opened accounts and the number of recent credit inquiries. • Types of Credit used account for 10% of your score – Some of the factors included in this category are: the number and types of accounts that you have open (credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, mortgage, consumer finance accounts, etc.)
Divide the group into teams of two to three. Ask the teams to think about ways to improve their individual credit scores. Have them write down their suggestions. After a few minutes, call time. Display ”Slide 3: Improving Your Credit Score.” Ask the teams whether they came up with any of the suggestions listed on the slide. • Pay bills on time. The best thing you can do to improve your score is to pay your bills on time. You can begin to improve your credit history immediately by making at least the minimum payments on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a significant negative impact on your score. • If you have missed payments, get current and stay current. The longer history you have of paying your bills on time, the better your score will be. • If you have been managing credit for a short time, don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly. New accounts will lower your average account age or the length of time you have the account. People who have had accounts for longer periods of time and have paid them on time tend to have higher scores. Additionally, if you open up several new accounts rapidly, it will appear that there is a risk of you utilizing all of this new credit. Thus, this additional credit could lower your score. • Correct mistakes. Your credit score is a reflection of the information in your credit report. If your credit report contains negative information, it will negatively impact your credit score regardless of whether or not the information is accurate. Review your reports from all three credit bureaus for accuracy once a year, as well as several months before applying for a loan. If you discover inaccuracies in your report, follow the procedure to correct the information. • Do your rate shopping for a loan within a focused period of time. Some scores, such as FICO scores, distinguish between a search for a single loan and a search for many new credit lines, in part by the length of time over which inquiries occur. For example, some scores count all rate inquiries for car loans or mortgage loans in a two-week period as one inquiry. • Keep balances low on credit cards and other “revolving credit.” High outstanding debt can negatively affect a score. • Pay off debt rather than moving it around. The most effective way to improve your score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your score. • Remember, it’s okay to request and check your own credit report. When you request your own report, it is considered a consumer inquiry. This won’t affect your score, as long as you order your credit report directly from one of the credit-reporting agencies or through an organization authorized to provide credit reports to consumers. Now that participants have a better understanding of how to improve their credit scores, ask them whether they learned anything new about strategies to improve their credit scores.
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • Types of Credit • Credit Safeguards • Applying for Credit • Questions to Ask When Applying for Credit
Consider providing copies of this handout, which can be found in the Citigroup Financial Education Curriculum: “ Credit”, p.39. Use “Slide 1: Types of Credit” to build an awareness of the different types of credit available to consumers. Cash Credit: Receiving money as a loan. Sales Credit : Buying goods and services now with the promise to pay for them in the future. Secured Credit : Requirement to promise something of value to guarantee repayment of credit. Revolving Credit : A predetermined line of credit that is constantly renewed as it is repaid. I.O.U.: A written promise to pay a debt. Single Payment Credit : Buying goods and services now with the promise to pay “in full” at a predetermined time. Installment Credit : Buying goods and services with the agreement that payment will be made at fixed intervals over a period of time, with each payment carrying interest charges. Other Types of Credit : Utility bills, rent, and similar payments that can negatively impact your credit if not paid. • Caution participants that lenders often have unique names for their credit options, so participants will not always see these exact terms. Therefore, it is their responsibility to know the descriptions and ask questions prior to making any commitment. • Hold up sample applications to illustrate the types of available credit. Do not distribute at this point; a sample application will come into play later in the activity.
Ask for a show of hands of participants who have applied for credit. • Ask them how stressful they felt it was to apply for credit, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being low and 5 being high. • Informally encourage participants to share some of their experiences. • In discussions such as this, be careful not to pass judgment on any contribution made by participants. Ask those participants who have applied for credit to share where they went to obtain credit. Allow for a few responses to establish a participatory environment and then move to the next step. Use “Slide 2: Sources of Credit” to identify places that an individual can go to obtain credit. • The slide lists six sources. Encourage participants to add additional sources. • Be careful not to pass judgment on sources that are recommended. • Responses will vary but should include some of the following: consumer finance companies, insurance policies, check-cashing stores, family and friends. • Before moving on, ask the question at the bottom of the slide, “What sources should a person avoid when seeking credit?” • Next, you will discuss the dangers of loan sharks, cash advances from credit cards, pawnbrokers, and other such operations. These sources provide credit with particularly high interest rates and make it difficult, if not impossible, to build wealth.
Ask the questions: • Are all credit sources reliable? • Should all credit sources be trusted? Encourage discussion. Take care to avoid too many “war stories” from participants. Tell participants that they will soon look at a sample credit application. Beforehand, though, they will become aware of warning signs of unfair lending practices that may or may not be readily visible. They want to be aware of these dishonest practices before they get into trouble with one of them. Display “Slide 3: Steps to Take to Avoid Abusive Lending.” Cover the content with participants so that they are aware of what to watch out for and what to do if they are targeted. These steps can also be applied to predatory lending. 1. Have you shopped around for the best deal? Rates, fees, costs, etc. vary depending on the financial institution, the type of loan, your credit history, your ability to repay, etc. Call around to several financial institutions, explain what you want, and discuss interest rates, fees, options, etc., that are available. 2. Do you feel the lender pressured you to take the loan? A loan is abusive if the lender charges more than a reasonable amount for your loan. Many times, the lender uses aggressive sales techniques to pressure the individual. A “good deal” today should be a “good deal” tomorrow. Talk to people you trust and ensure that the rate promised to you verbally is the same rate printed on the loan document itself. 3. Do you understand the terms of the loan? NEVER sign any agreement that you do not understand. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer to your question, ask someone you trust to review the document and give you advice. BEFORE you agree to any loan, read the fine print; make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions of the loan. After the discussion, encourage participants to check carefully for such practices before agreeing to any type of credit.
Display “Slide 4: Common Parts of a Credit Application and Sample Credit Application .” • Explain that the group will use the slide to compare and discuss information on typical credit applications. • Emphasize that the information may be located in different physical spaces on different applications. The placement is the creditor’s choice, and is not mandated by law. Move through the slide by identifying each section and allowing participants sufficient time to locate the information on the sample application (on the second page of the slide). • Respond to questions they raise and encourage discussion.
Consider providing copies of this application handout, which can be found in the Citigroup Financial Education Curriculum: “ Credit”, pp. 43. Review slide.
Stress that although all creditors are required to provide the applicant with information about the loan, it is also the applicant’s responsibility to ask questions before making any commitment. • Use “Slide 6: Questions to Ask When Applying for Credit” to emphasize those types of questions. • Ask participants whether additional questions should be asked. Add those questions to the list.
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: Debt to income thermometer Credit process Credit reporting agencies Credit safeguards for consumers Credit reports, ratings and scores Establishing a credit history
Explain that it is not difficult for anyone to become overwhelmed by debts, especially with the rising costs of groceries, housing, gasoline, and clothing. All of these are very basic costs but don’t include providing for emergencies or even the opportunity for a special dinner, a trip to the movies, etc. Display “Slide 1: Debt-to-Income Thermometer.” Walk participants through each stage of the debt-to-income thermometer, explaining how to determine whether or not you may have too much debt. Refer to the following example of a family with an annual income of $40,000. Explain that this is an example only and actual effects vary depending on a variety of circumstances. These scenarios should include housing payments. Annual household income: $40,000 Debt Percent Comment If their annual debt is: $24,000 60% Danger $16,000 40% High $12,000 30% Fair $8,000 20% Good $6,000 15% Great
Continue to the next topic by explaining that credit is often discussed from the creditor’s viewpoint—what will protect the creditor when granting credit to individuals. Despite this, consumers have historically received substantial protection. Use “Slide 2: The Credit Process” to introduce the idea that many things in the credit process are interrelated when it comes to an individual’s credit records. • Ask participants whether they recognize the terms on the slide. • Keep Slide 2 where participants can see and refer to it. CREDIT HISTORY • History of an individual’s record of paying debts. • Reflects “The Five Cs of Credit” (Capacity, Capital, Collateral, Conditions, Character). • One’s credit behavior affects one’s ability to get credit into the future. CREDIT BUREAU • A business that collects information on the credit history of individuals and sells that information to potential creditors, employers, and insurance companies. • Receives information from various places where individuals do business. CREDIT REPORT • Financial information collected by businesses and used by lenders to determine creditworthiness of individuals. • Contains personal and employment history on an individual. • Includes payment history of all debts by an individual. • Credit reporting companies do not make the decision about creditworthiness; they only supply the information. Lenders make the decisions. • Individuals, potential employers, and potential landlords can contact credit reporting companies for a copy of their credit report. • Credit Reporting Companies: • Equifax www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111 • Experian www.experian.com 1-888-EXPERIAN • TransUnion www.transunion.com 1-800-888-4213 CREDIT SCORE A numerical rating based on credit report information that represents a person’s level of creditworthiness. CREDIT RATING • A ranking, generally between A and F, given to an individual by a credit reporting agency, specifically as it relates to an individual’s ability to pay debts. • Reflects past performance in paying debts. • Projects future performance in paying debts. • Positive rating may allow an individual to receive favorable consideration in loans and credit cards, such as lower interest rates.
Consider providing copies of the credit report handout, which can be found in the Citigroup Financial Education Curriculum: “Credit”, pp. 53. Display “Slide 3: Sample Credit Report .” Move through the sample report, discussing the purpose of the following areas on the report: • Individual personal information (name, address, birth date, Social Security Number, etc.) • List of creditors • Date credit opened with each creditor • Most recent reporting date • Type of credit received from each creditor • Credit limit • High balance • Current balance • Status of payment (never late, missed payments, etc.) Stress that errors do happen; therefore, participants should maintain oversight of their credit reports. If they find an error, which is not uncommon, they should have it corrected as soon as possible.
Display “Slide 4: Credit Safeguards for Consumers.” • Move through the slide, and review the legal protections that consumers have when using credit. • Encourage everyone to keep the slide as a reference for future credit use. Truth In Lending Act Consumers must be fully informed about cost and conditions of borrowing. Fair Credit Reporting Act Protects the privacy and accuracy of information in a credit report. Makes an individual’s credit files available to him or her. Equal Credit Opportunity Act Prohibits discrimination in giving credit on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance. Fair Credit Billing Act Sets up a procedure for the quick correction of mistakes that appear on consumer credit accounts. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Prevents abuse by professional debt collectors; applies to anyone employed to collect debts. Generally does not apply to banks or other businesses collecting their own debts.
Display “Slide 5: The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act.“ Discuss the following points: • One of the objectives of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (the FACT Act) is to help combat identity theft. • This act provides consumers with a free credit report each year. Credit scores are available for a fee. • Consumers who have been victimized by identity thieves can place an alert in their credit file so creditors will be cautious about issuing new credit. • Over the next few years, account information, such as complete account numbers, will no longer be printed on receipts. • Financial institutions are adopting procedures to spot identity theft. • Policies have been developed for businesses to properly dispose of consumer reports.
Use “Slide 6: Things to Do to Establish and Maintain Good Credit” as a closure. Responses may vary but should include items such as: • Always pay your bills on time. • Have checking and savings accounts that are current. • Avoid late fees. • Get a copy of your credit report every year. Check to make sure it is accurate, and report any problems with it immediately. • Do not live off credit or be tempted to use credit to spend beyond your means. • Use credit card numbers only when you are sure the transaction is secure.
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • Types of Credit Cards • Shopping for a Credit Card • Costs of Credit
Use “Slide 1: Types of Credit Cards” to explain the difference between the two types of cards. • Be prepared to cite local examples of department store cards and gas cards. have specific examples of bank and major credit cards that your audience will know, such as MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. • Consider the audience, and if appropriate, ask the participants to look at the credit cards in their wallets to determine whether they have the two kinds of credit cards.
Ask for a show of hands of who has a credit card. Ask the following questions: • Why do you have a credit card? • When did you decide to use a credit card? • Has a credit card been good or bad for you? Why? • How did you get a credit card? • Would you recommend a credit card to others? Why? Ask those who have credit cards to share the questions they asked the lender before accepting a credit card. Responses will vary, but research tells us that the majority of individuals never ask critical questions about the use of a credit card before accepting its use. Use “Slide 2: Shopping for a Credit Card” to illustrate some of the many topics that should be discussed before accepting a credit card. The definitions will be covered later in the activity. For now, ask for general definitions from participants.
Display “Slide 3: Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Credit Card.” • Define the terms and have participants determine what questions they should ask when shopping for a credit card. • Encourage participation with this exercise, as it will be extremely helpful to all individuals who accept credit cards. • Encourage participants to write their questions in the space provided and to use them as a reference if they shop for a credit card. Sample questions can include the following: - Annual Fee: How much is the annual fee and when is it charged? - APR: What is the APR and can it increase? - Minimum payment: When is it due? - Computation method: How is it calculated? - Grace period: Is there a grace period and how long is it? - Finance charges: When are they charged? - Card incentives: What are the restrictions on incentives? Ask participants to share advice on how to keep credit cards safe. Even participants who do not have credit cards can provide advice.
While participants are thinking about getting a credit card, it’s important that they also think about how they will pay for the items they purchase with a credit card. Display “Slide 4: Costs of Credit” to show participants how much an item could cost if they make only the minimum payments. Point out that “true cost” and time can be less than indicated in the chart if they make larger payments or pay the full balance; or the “true cost” and time can be greater if they miss payments. *Assumptions: 1. No additional sales 2. Customer is paying minimum due only (assuming 2.5% of payment rate for interest calculation). 3. Payment is made on time. 4. Minimum is the positive amortization scenario, maximum of financial charge + late fee + 1% and $20, with a floor of 1.5%. Discuss default pricing as another cost of credit. Most credit card companies have what is called “default pricing”, the terms of which are disclosed in all credit card agreements. Default pricing goes into effect when a customer defaults on the agreement, for example, by failing to pay the minimum amount due by its due date. It can result in the credit card company raising the interest rate (or APR) on that customer’s account. Failing to make at least minimum due payments on time can reflect negatively on one’s credit score and can ultimately cost the customer more when using credit. Encourage the students to always read credit agreements before signing them. If they have any questions, they should either ask the credit card company to clarify or ask someone they trust. And, as always, emphasize the importance of making timely payments.
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: Managing Credit Challenges • Warning signs of credit abuse Credit card reductions Correcting credit errors • Resources and Assistance
Display “Slide 1: Measuring the Seriousness of Credit Trouble Signs.” Review the slide to make sure everyone understands the directions. Some terms may be unfamiliar to participants. Discourage any discussion at this point, but encourage participants to do their best in estimating the level of seriousness. • Facilitators should note that all of the trouble signs should be marked 4 . The task’s objective is to emphasize that all trouble signs are serious and there are no lesser degrees of trouble signs. • Allow participants a few minutes to complete the slide. • Call time, and then move through the items listed in the chart as you ask for responses. Encourage participants to support their responses with reasons. • Ask participants for additional trouble signs. Responses will vary. • When all items have been covered, explain that it was not a trick activity but rather designed to show that all trouble signs are critical and should be treated with utmost seriousness. Explain that since everyone has some familiarity with credit problem trouble signs, it would be important to discuss each so that such signs are recognizable.
Explain that since everyone has some familiarity with credit problem trouble signs, it would be important to discuss each so that such signs are recognizable. Display “Slide 2: Warning Signs of Debt Problems.” • Move through the categories, and provide a brief explanation. • Encourage discussion. 1. Delinquent Payments Written notices that credit payments are overdue. 2. Default Notices If delinquent payments are not acknowledged, written notices are sent from the creditor warning that more serious steps will be taken if credit is not paid. 3. Repossessions When the creditor takes back an item that has been purchased, because of nonpayment. 4. Collection Agencies When a creditor has not received any response to written notices of nonpayment, the account can be turned over to a business that specializes in collecting unpaid debts. 5. Judgment Lien When a creditor has received no response from previous attempts to collect a debt, the creditor may be able to obtain a court order placing a claim on property or other types of security owned by the individual to recover the costs of the debt. 6. Garnishment If the borrower does not pay the credit bills, the creditor may be able to obtain a court order requesting that an employer deduct a percentage of the employee’s paycheck and send it to the creditor before the paycheck is given to the employee. Ask the participants to raise their hands if they believe that the minimum payment due is the only amount due on their credit card balance. Respond by letting them know that this is FALSE. You actually owe the full balance and you’ll owe interest on any portion of the balance that you don’t pay. Paying only the minimum payments on your credit card may seem appealing, but if only minimum payments are made, it can take years, and sometimes decades, to achieve full repayment. While paying the minimum amount due keeps your credit history clean, it also costs you more. Many national banks and credit card issuers are increasing their monthly payment requirements. This industry-wide change comes at the recommendation of industry regulators and is intended to help customers pay down their balances more quickly. Credit card issuers work with regulators on a regular basis to ensure that their practices are in the best interest of consumers. This change in the minimum payment due is an example of that. Minimum due requirements vary from 2% to 4%. If you only pay the minimum amount due each month, you will not only pay more in finance charges but it will take you longer to pay off the debt.
Display “Slide 3: Credit Card Reductions” and walk participants through the example. Note that the example shows how much money you can save by increasing the amount of the fixed monthly payments you make. In the example, if you make fixed monthly payments of $105, it would take you a little over three years to be rid of your debt. However, if you pay only the minimum each month, your first payment would be $55, but your subsequent payments would decrease slightly each month and thus delay the payoff of the debt. In that instance, it would take you more than 13 years to be rid of your debt. Explain that it is important to take charge of your credit by paying more than the minimum payment and by regularly monitoring your credit report. Errors do occur in credit reports, so it is important to review your report at least once a year.
Display “Slide 4: Correcting Credit Errors,” which describes the steps to take to correct errors and includes a sample dispute letter. Tell participants to take notes on Slide 4 and refer to them if they find errors in their credit report. Make a copy of your credit report and circle every item you believe is incorrect. 2. Write a letter in English to the reporting agency (the address will be printed on the report). Tell the consumer reporting company, in writing, what information you think is inaccurate. Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. Explain each dispute and request an investigation to resolve the issues. 3. Send all materials by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can prove the packet was received. 4. Send a similar letter of dispute to the creditor whose reports you disagree with. 5. The reporting agency will initiate an investigation, contacting your creditors to verify the accuracy of the information. If the creditor cannot verify that the entry is correct, it must be removed. When the investigation is complete, the agency must send you a free copy of your report if changes were made. 6. If the investigation uncovers an error, you have the right to ask that a corrected version of your credit report be sent to everyone who received the report during the past six months. 7. If an investigation doesn’t resolve your dispute with the consumer reporting company, you can ask that a 100-word statement of the dispute (either written by you or the consumer reporting company) be included in your file and in future reports. The credit-reporting agency must include this explanation in your report each time it sends it out. 8. Keep in mind that when negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. Accurate negative information can generally stay on your report for seven years. Bankruptcies can remain on a credit report for up to ten years.
Unfortunately, sometimes the negative information in a report is not due to an error. If this is the case, there is nothing you can do to remove the negative information if it is accurate. However, there may be some credit problems that need to be corrected. Display “Slide 5: Correcting Credit Problems.” • Move through the steps and provide a brief explanation. • Encourage discussion. Take responsibility for actions. Examine spending patterns; recognize ways to correct bad habits. Establish a plan of action for getting out of debt, and stick with it. Communicate with creditors. Contact creditors to let them know there are temporary financial problems; request an adjustment in payment schedule. Debt Consolidation . Consolidate, or merge, several debts into one new loan with manageable payments. . Do not continue to take on more debt. . Beware of unscrupulous debt consolidators. Shop around for the best deal. Credit Counseling Get professional guidance from trained individuals. Credit counselors will work with an individual to get him or her out of debt and establish a sound financial management plan. See the appendix of this curriculum for information on credit counselors. Bankruptcy Bankruptcy should be the last step for anyone; a person files with the court to be released from debts. Filing for bankruptcy seriously affects one’s ability to obtain credit in the future. • Chapter 7: Most serious of the two types of bankruptcy; when the property of a debtor is sold, and the money obtained is used to pay off creditors. • Chapter 11: When the debtor is allowed to keep property, but develops a plan of action that the court approves for repaying debts. • Chapter 13: In this type of bankruptcy, the debtor keeps all of his or her property and makes regular payments on the debt after filing for bankruptcy.
Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • Understand the growing problem of identity theft. • Learn about several ways that identity theft can occur. • Discuss important strategies to protect your personal information. • Outline the steps to take if your identity has been stolen. Write the term “identity theft” on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency. Ask participants to define the term. Ask participants how identity theft occurs. Ask participants whether they or anyone they know has been a victim of identity theft, and ask them to share their stories if appropriate.
Debrief by showing “Slide 1: Identity Theft,” and discussing the following talking points: • The crime of identity theft is on the rise. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information (e.g., name, Social Security Number, date of birth) to either establish credit under your name or to take over an existing account that you established, without your authorization. • Discuss the points on slide 1. • Point out that anyone can have his or her identity stolen. Some individuals, such as those with common surnames and the elderly, may have an added risk. • Fraudulent charges on your credit card, or having your card lost or stolen are equally frustrating to the consumer, but this does not mean that you are a victim of identity theft. Separate participants into teams of two. Read the two examples of How Identity Theft Occurs , below. Have one participant take example A and the other, example B. Have them each discuss ways personal information could have been protected in each example. Examples of How Identity Theft Occurs A. While checking your email, you notice a message from what appears to be your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The email message requests personal information so that your account can be updated. The message requests your name, Social Security Number, and mother’s maiden name. In reality, the message is not from your provider. It belongs to someone who wants to get your information to steal your identity. B. As you are paying your monthly bills, you write the checks, toss the statements in the trash, and put the container out on the curb for the morning’s trash pick-up. While you sleep, “dumpster divers” go through your trash looking for the papers you’ve thrown away. They find your name, address, phone number, utility service account numbers, credit card numbers, and your Social Security Number. Identity thieves can now use this information for fraudulent purposes.
Have participants share a few ideas about protecting personal data and then display “Slide 2: How to Avoid Identity Theft.” 1. Monitor your credit report. It contains your SSN, present and prior employers, a listing of all account numbers — including those that have been closed — and your overall credit score. If you become a victim of identity theft, you will catch the theft early by checking your credit report at least once per year. Order a free copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. 2. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you initiate the contact or know the individual who initiated the contact. Thieves will pose as bank representatives, Internet service providers, government agents, and even ex-boyfriends or -girlfriends to get you to reveal personal information. 3. Protect your credit and debit cards. Whenever you receive a new card, sign it immediately. Don’t loan it to anyone. Do not carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents except when needed. 4. Protect your mailbox. Remove your mail as soon after delivery as possible, and deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes. 5. Protect your wallet. Keep items with personal information in a safe place at home and do not share this information with friends or acquaintances. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Instead, memorize the number. 6. When creating passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers), do not use any numbers or codes that could easily be guessed by thieves. 7. Ensure your computer has appropriate anti-virus software that will detect and prevent keylogging viruses. 8. Notify your bank when you change your address or phone number. 9. Other suggestions Discuss the following points: • Ask participants for suggestions of additional ways to safeguard your personal information. • Record this information on flipcharts. • Some additional strategies might include not using your Social Security Number (SSN) as an identification number; never giving out your SSN, credit card number or other personal information over the phone, by mail, or on the Internet unless it is requested by a trusted source; memorize all your passwords and don’t record them on anything in your wallet; and install a firewall and virus protection on your home computer. • Ask participants to list some things they can do to protect their personal information.
Display “Slide 3: What to Do if your Identity Has Been Stolen” and discuss the following: • Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. • Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. • Contact all the creditors involved — Let them know that your accounts may have been used without your permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name. If your accounts have been used fraudulently, ask that new cards and account numbers be issued to you. Check your billing statements carefully and report any fraudulent activity immediately. • File a police report — Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Call the FTC’s Identity Theft hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). (Write this number on the flipchart paper.) • Keep a record of your contacts — Start a file with copies of your credit reports, the police report, any correspondence, and copies of disputed bills. It is also useful to keep a log of your conversations with creditors, law enforcement officials, and other relevant parties. Follow up on all phone calls in writing and send all correspondence via certified mail, with a return receipt requested. Keep all of your records in a safe place.
Note to the facilitator : Discussions about subprime and prime lending can elicit strong feelings from some participants. Some participants may confuse subprime lending with predatory lending and believe it is a harmful practice. Others may equate subprime lending solely with individuals who have low incomes. It is important to be aware of these misconceptions and also to be sensitive to your audience. Allow participants to share their perspectives, but be careful not to let the conversation become a session for participants to vent their frustrations. Determine for yourself whether or not you are truly comfortable presenting this lesson. If you are not, you should ask for assistance, team teach with a colleague who is comfortable with the material, or teach a different lesson. Facilitators cannot be expected to know everything about prime and subprime lending. Be honest with all questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest and explain, “I do not know the answer to your question. However, I will find the answer and get back to you.” Be sure to write down the question and follow through when you commit to finding an answer. Allow yourself up to 90 minutes to lead this lesson. Review the topics for discussion in this activity: • Learn the difference between prime and subprime lending. • Understand the important role that subprime lending plays in providing credit-challenged customers with access to capital. • Understand how much more consumers pay for subprime loans. • Learn about other high-cost loans such as payday loans, title loans, and rent-to-own loans. Write the terms mortgages, prime, and subprime on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency. • Ask participants to define the terms. • Ask participants the following questions: What are the characteristics of prime mortgage loans? Subprime mortgage loans?
Debrief participants by showing “Slide 1: Prime and Subprime Mortgage Lending.” Discuss the following points: • While not all subprime and prime loans are mortgages, we will discuss mortgages in this lesson. most people with prime credit have successfully managed their credit by living within a budget and realistically categorizing needs (vs. wants). Typically, they apply only for the loans and credit cards they need to accommodate the lifestyle their income will support. People with prime credit typically have good to excellent credit scores. however, it is not necessary to have prime credit to qualify for a decent interest rate—people with lower credit scores may still qualify for lower rates, depending on the amount of equity in their home and certain other criteria. • Borrowers typically fall into the subprime category for one of two reasons: either because they made late payments on credit cards or loans, abandoned loans, or filed bankruptcy in the past seven years (so-called blemished credit); or because they have very limited financial experience (so-called thin file or no credit). Subprime lenders offset their risk in making loans to customers with blemished credit or a thin file by charging these borrowers a higher interest rate and sometimes additional fees. • Lenders consider many factors in a process called “risk-based pricing” when they come up with mortgage rates and terms. Subprime rates are higher, but how much higher depends on factors such as credit score, size of down payment, and what types of delinquencies the borrower has in the recent past. Although it is difficult to generalize about subprime rates, a report from the Federal Reserve Board of San Francisco reported that over the 1998–2001 period, the subprime mortgage rate exceeded the prime mortgage rate by an average of 3.7 percentage points. Subprime mortgages do serve a purpose. They allow people with blemished or no credit to get credit that they would otherwise be unable to access and thereby to own a home, starting down the path of wealth-building with the acquisition of what is most often the largest asset one will have in a lifetime. • Subprime loans are not by definition predatory loans. Predatory loans have abusive terms and generally are marketed to people with less bargaining power, unsophisticated consumers, and elderly homeowners who own their homes outright but who have small incomes. These loans may have no economic justification and the borrower may not have a chance of repaying them. Frequently, they are characterized by excessive rates and fees.
It is important to recognize that subprime loans provide credit to people who may have been previously denied loans and offer them the chance of homeownership. Nevertheless, there is a cost for this service and borrowers should carefully and continuously evaluate their need for these types of loans. Display “Slide 2: The Price of Subprime Lending” and walk participants through the example.
Stress the amount of money that can be saved by avoiding high-cost loans and qualifying for prime loans. Display “Slide 3: Moving from Subprime to Prime" and walk participants through the tips for qualifying for prime loans. • Pay bills on time . The most important rule for maintaining good credit is to pay your bills on time. You can begin to improve your credit history immediately by making at least the minimum payments on time. Within a few months, it will be obvious that you are managing your credit responsibilities better and a new, stronger credit report will result. • Correct mistakes . Your credit is a reflection of the information in your credit report. If your credit report contains negative information, it will negatively impact your credit regardless of whether or not the information is accurate. Review your reports from all three credit bureaus for accuracy once a year, as well as several months before applying for a loan. • Pay more than the minimum required . When you pay only the minimum due each month, you end up paying a lot of money in interest charges. • Use credit sparingly . Be cautious about the amount of debt you incur. Try to use credit cards only for purchases that have long-term value, such as furniture, medical care, or emergency repairs. Don’t depend on credit cards for everyday expenses like dining out or entertainment. • Work with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization . Reputable nonprofit community-based credit counseling organizations can provide one-on-one assistance to help you improve your credit. See curriculum appendix for resources.
Note to the facilitator : Discussions about predatory lending can elicit strong feelings from some participants. Some participants may equate predatory lending solely with individuals who have low incomes. It is important to be aware of these possible perceptions and also to be sensitive to your audience. In addition, some participants may have personal accounts of predatory lending occurring to family or friends. Allow participants to share their perspectives, but be careful not to let the conversation become a session for participants to share war stories. Determine for yourself whether or not you are truly comfortable presenting this lesson. If you are not, you should ask for assistance, team teach with a colleague who is comfortable with the material, or teach a different lesson. Facilitators cannot be expected to know everything about predatory lending. Be honest with all questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest and explain, “I do not know the answer to your question. However, I will find the answer and get back to you.” Be sure to write down the question and follow through when you commit to finding an answer. Allow yourself up to 90 minutes to lead this lesson. Review the topics for discussion in this activity. • Describe the characteristics of predatory lending. • Understand the warning signs of predatory lending. • Learn how predatory lending affects vulnerable communities. • Identify organizations that can help. Write the term “predatory lending” on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency. • Ask participants to describe predatory lending. • How do they know when predatory lending occurs? • Who is a common target of predatory lending? (Answers include seniors, people with language barriers, and people who lack financial skills and knowledge.) Discuss the fact that predatory lending is generally thought of in connection with mortgages and most of the conversation here will be in this context, but there are predatory lending practices that show up in connection with unsecured consumer credit, as well, such as car loans and personal loans.
Debrief participants by showing “Slide 1: Predatory Lending.” Predatory lenders combine a variety of tactics to coax borrowers into high-rate, high-fee loans that either waste equity from their homes or are not affordable and thereby force the borrower into default and foreclosure. Also, predatory lending often uses subprime loan pricing. Describe the potential warning signs of predatory lending, which may include the following practices: • Credit insurance packaging — Credit life insurance, credit accident and health insurance, or involuntary unemployment insurance is included as part of the loan. This insurance is usually extremely profitable for the lender. Because it is profitable, credit insurance is often sold to individuals even if they might not benefit from it. • High interest rates and points — Predatory loans may feature interest rates that are well above prime rates and have very high fees or points, but they do not give borrowers a reduction in the interest rate for paying these fees. Special rules apply to these loans, which prohibit certain terms and conditions, such as balloon payments and loan flipping. high-cost loans should be labeled as such under federal law. • Balloon payments — High-cost loans often include a balloon payment, which is a large lump sum of money due at the end of the term of the loan. Borrowers who cannot meet the balloon payment may lose their home to foreclosure unless they refinance the loan, often at an excessive cost. • Loan flipping — Borrowers who are in default or in need of credit (like those with balloon payments) often refinance their loan. The new loan pays off the balance of the existing loan, including any prepayment penalty embedded in that loan. The resulting loan has a higher principal balance and a new set of closing costs and fees based on that higher balance. A loan may be refinanced several times in this manner. Each time the loan is refinanced, the lender receives a new set of closing costs and fees, which leads to a depletion in equity with little or no benefit to the homeowner. • Lending without the ability to repay — Loans made based on the amount of equity in a property are made to individuals who do not have the income to repay the loan.
Display “Slide 2: Identifying Predatory Lending.” Explain to participants that knowing the warning signs for predatory loans may help you to avoid such loans. There are also some key questions to ask yourself before getting a loan: • Do I feel pressured? • Have I shopped around for the best deal? • Is it too good to be true? • Do I understand the loan terms and why the loan is good for me? A loan product or lending practice may not seem predatory until it is compared with a similar loan product offered by other lenders. And the situation may not seem abusive until everyone gets to the closing table. If any fees or charges differ from what was previously disclosed, delay the closing until all terms of the loan are clearly understood.
Walk participants through the ten warning signs of predatory mortgages: 1. Unreasonably high interest rates (APR) Predatory lenders may charge rates well above those of conventional mortgages. 2. Multiple refinancing Also called flipping, this practice occurs when a lender refinances a loan to generate fee income without providing any notable benefit to the borrower. 3. Unnecessary debt consolidation Similar to the above, a predatory lender may collect fees by offering a debt consolidation loan that has little or no benefit to the borrower. 4. Balloon payment Balloon payments offer borrowers smaller monthly payments. But if you cannot afford to pay the lump sum due at the end of the loan, you must obtain another loan, resulting in more fees to the lender, or risk foreclosure. 5. Negative amortization In this practice, a loan is structured so that the monthly payment is insufficient to cover accrued interest, which means that the outstanding loan balance increases every month. At the end of the loan term, you could owe more than the amount originally borrowed. 6. Door-to-door solicitation Predatory lenders often target communities of individuals with language barriers or little financial knowledge. 7. Back-dating of documents Beware of a lender who asks you to falsify information on your loan application or other loan documents. 8. Large loan broker fees Predatory loans commonly have fees greater than 5% of the cost of the loan. 9. Kickbacks between lender and broker In this scenario, the lender or broker receives a kickback – or bonus – for making a loan more costly to a borrower. 10. Single-premium credit life insurance The lender adds credit life insurance to the amount of a loan, without giving the borrower an option. This coverage offers little benefit to the borrower.
Display “Slide 4: Common Scams.” Review the slide’s top scams and top strategies for avoiding scams. • Advance fee schemes — These schemes require you to pay a fee in advance to receive a credit card, loan, or scholarship. In return, you get something that is worthless, or worse yet, you get nothing at all. • The prize that will cost you — This is a scheme that alerts you that you have won a prize, but in order to claim the prize, you must first pay taxes or a handling fee. An example is a scheme that claims you have won a free resort stay, but are required to purchase an airline ticket. In this case, the airline ticket price is inflated to cover the cost of the resort stay. • Online auctions — Beware of auction items that are priced far too low. There’s a good chance that it could be a scam. The item may be fake or in bad condition. The item might even be stolen. Be sure to avoid buying anything online from someone who contacts you through email or through an instant message. • Fraud jobs — There are a number of employment scams. Many fraudulent job opportunities are promoted as work-at-home opportunities. Often someone who claims to work in the “human resources department” requests your personal information and then uses it to steal your identity. Another common employment scam involves an individual who promises you a job, but only if you pay an employment fee. • Moneymaking schemes — There are a variety of scams that claim you will make a lot of money in a very short time, such as pyramid schemes and counterfeit check schemes. Pyramid schemes seem like a fast way to make a lot of money, but usually, the only person to make money is the one at the top. Counterfeit check schemes usually come in the form of a letter or email message from overseas seeking your help in obtaining payment on a check. If you cash the check, the perpetrator claims that you will keep a portion of it for your trouble and requests that you mail a cashier’s check for the remainder. The original check turns out to be counterfeit, leaving you without your “bonus” and possibly with a bank judgment against you. • Bogus charities — Unfortunately, you have to be on your guard even when giving to charities. Some scam artists will use high-pressure techniques to convince you to donate money to a bogus charity. Avoid bogus charities by never giving payment information to anyone calling or e-mailing you, claiming to be with a charity. Any reputable charity will be happy to send you paperwork on their organization. You can also research the organization online and with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that it is a legitimate organization. • Scam schools — Fraudulent career and trade schools lure potential students in with the promise of a lucrative job upon graduation. By the time the students graduate, they’ve amassed a sizeable debt but are left with only substandard training and little more than an outdated classified ad in their hands.
Top Strategies to Avoid Scams: • Don’t allow yourself to become a victim because you don’t want to appear rude. Con artists will exploit your good manners. • Investigate strangers who have deals that seem too good to be true. • Always stay in charge of your money. Beware of anyone who suggests putting your money into something you do not understand or who urges that you leave everything in his or her hands. • Do not be fooled by appearances. Successful con artists sound and look extremely professional and have the ability to sound credible and respectable. Always investigate the offer thoroughly. • Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears. Fear can cloud your judgment. You should not make a decision because you feel pressured or fearful. • Monitor your investments and ask questions. Insist on regular written or oral reports. • Do not let embarrassment or fear keep you from reporting fraud or abuse. Con artists know that you might hesitate to report that you have been victimized in financial schemes out of embarrassment or fear. Every day that you delay reporting fraud is one more day that the con artist is spending your money and finding new victims. • Do your homework. If you receive an offer you find interesting, ask for more information and continue your research into other possible deals. • Be wary of door-to-door solicitations.
Display “Slide 6: Additional Resources,” which provides a listing of government agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide assistance with predatory lending concerns and counseling.
Note to the facilitator : Facilitators cannot be expected to know everything about bankruptcy. Be honest with all questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest and explain, “I do not know the answer to your question. However, I will find the answer and get back to you.” Be sure to write down the question and follow through when you commit to finding an answer. Determine for yourself whether or not you are truly comfortable presenting this lesson. If you are not, you should ask for assistance, team teach with a colleague who is comfortable with the material, or teach a different lesson. Allow yourself up to 90 minutes to lead this lesson. Write the term “bankruptcy” on the board, flipchart, or blank transparency. • Ask participants to define the term. • Write down the responses on flipchart paper.
Debrief participants by showing “Slide 1: Bankruptcy.” Define the different types of bankruptcy and explain that this activity focuses on personal bankruptcies (Chapter 7 and 13).
Display “Slide 2: New Provisions of the Bankruptcy Law” and discuss the following points: • In April 2005, President Bush signed into law the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which took effect in October 2005. This is the most significant change in U.S. bankruptcy laws since the late 1970s. • In general, the new law makes it harder to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and steers more people toward repaying a portion of their debts through Chapter 13. • Instead of wiping out debts under Chapter 7, many debtors will have to establish up to five-year repayment plans under Chapter 13. A test to determine eligibility to file bankruptcy Under the new law, your income will be subject to a two-part means test. You won’t be allowed to file for Chapter 7 if your income is above your state’s median income, and you can afford to pay 25 percent of your unsecured debt. Determining what you can afford to pay Under the new law, the court will apply living standards set by the IRS to determine what is reasonable to pay for rent, food, and other expenses. These standards help the consumer figure out how much he or she has available to pay debts. Tougher homestead exemptions Currently, if you declare bankruptcy, the state where you file may allow you to protect some or all of your home equity from creditors. In Florida, for instance, your home may be entirely exempt, even if you bought it shortly before filing. In Nevada, you may be exempt up to $200,000. The new law, however, places more stringent restrictions on the homestead exemption. Filers may only be exempt up to $125,000, regardless of a state’s exemption allowance, if their home was acquired less than 40 months before filing or if the filer has violated securities laws or been found guilty of certain criminal conduct. Lawyer liability Under the new law, the bankruptcy attorney may be subject to various fees and fines if information about a client’s case is found to be inaccurate. Consumers considering bankruptcy therefore may find it more challenging to find an attorney who is willing to file and take on that risk. Nevertheless, it is crucial for anyone considering bankruptcy to consult with an attorney before making that decision. Credit counseling and money management Under provisions of the new law, you must meet with a credit counselor in the six months prior to applying for bankruptcy. Before debts are discharged, you must attend money management classes at your own expense. New debt may not be discharged. Credit card debt, cash advances, and other forms of consumer debt borrowed within 70 days of a bankruptcy filing may not be discharged under the new law. Quicker collections process The automatic stay — which buys debtors time from the collections process — is less generous. The stay will terminate 60 days after the request is filed, or 30 days if the debtor filed another case in the past year.
Stimulate group discussion by asking the following questions: • Why would someone declare bankruptcy? • Are there legitimate reasons to declare bankruptcy? Listen to the responses. Do not pass judgment on responses. This exercise is simply to get participants thinking about situations in which an individual might declare bankruptcy. Stress that while there are legitimate reasons to declare bankruptcy, it should always be a last resort. Debrief participants by showing “Slide 3: Things to Consider before Filing for Bankruptcy” and reviewing each point on the slide.
Display “Slide 4: Things to Do Before Deciding to File Bankruptcy, Cont.” Explain that declaring bankruptcy will have long-term effects and stress that declaring bankruptcy should always be the consumer’s last alternative. • Reduce your spending. Consider a smaller home or vehicle. Slash your spending, and you may be surprised to find enough money left over to repay the debt you’ve accumulated. • Talk with your creditors. Despite what you may have heard, your creditors are often willing to work out a payment plan to help you pay off what you owe. • Talk with a nonprofit counseling agency. These agencies can help you create a plan that will handle all of your debts. • Talk with an attorney and understand the consequences of declaring bankruptcy. • Consider consolidation carefully. You may be able to borrow against a workplace retirement plan, stocks, or other securities you own, or the cash value of a life insurance policy in order to pay off your debt. however, all of those options have serious implications. make sure you analyze the potential risks and consequences thoroughly.
• Keep track of your daily expenses. Even the little expenses, such as a cup of coffee, can add up. Once you know exactly where the money is going, you can figure out where to cut back. • No matter how well you are doing financially, don’t forget to save money on a regular basis. • If you see yourself starting to get into financial trouble, make changes right away. Debt can get out of control quickly. • Pay attention to your household finances, especially if you are married. Many people get into trouble after a divorce or death of a partner when they have no idea where their money is and are inexperienced with keeping financial records. Thank everyone for their participation, and encourage them to return for additional sessions. If such sessions are scheduled, you might provide a “ sneak preview” of any activity to come.
