1. Economic survival guide for servicemembers and veterans Created by Consumer Action for the Veterans Financial Coalition © 2014 Rev. 5/16

2. Consumer protections for servicemembers and veterans “Alternative financial services” to avoid Using mainstream credit and banking services Spotting and avoiding scams What you will learn

3. Alternative financial services

4. Alternatives Emergency loan or grant Loan from financial institution Pay advance from employer

5. Why is good credit so important?

6. Financing a vehicle

7. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

8. Military Lending Act

9. 36% rate cap Oral and written disclosures No arbitration Military Lending Act

10. Fair Credit Reporting Act

11. Debt collection

12. Can a collector take my VA benefits?

13. Student loans

14. Alternatives Do your research Public schools and non-profit programs Federal loans VA education benefits

15. Appeals to military loyalty Requires immediate action Seeks money, accounts or personal info Too good to be true Signs of a scam

16. Bogus charitable requests

17. Pension schemes

18. Phishing/vishing attempts

19. Fees for records or assistance Free or low-cost personal records Free benefits application forms Free assistance from VA-accredited individuals

20. Armed Forces Legal Assistance Office ABA Home Front Consumer Financial Protection Bureau State Veterans Affairs Offices Assistance and complaints

21. Servicemembers and Veterans Financial Empowerment Resource Sheet (www.consumer- action.org/english/articles/servicemembers_and_veterans) (www.consumer- action.org/english/articles/servicemembers_and_veterans VeteransPlus (www.veteransplus.org)www.veteransplus.org BBB Military Line (www.bbb.org)www.bbb.org Military Saves (www.militarysaves.org)www.militarysaves.org DoD Savings Deposit Program Improving your financial health

22. You’ve completed the training. Consumer Action www.consumer-action.org 415-777-9648 outreach@consumer-action.org Created by Consumer Action for the Veterans Financial Coalition. Funding by Visa. Visit the Veterans Financial Coalition online at www.veteransfinancialcoalition.com. Congratulations!