Links & Resources

A campaign coordinated by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America to help individuals save money, reduce debt, and build wealth
Source: americasaves.org

Budget Tracking

Free online budgeting tool to track your spending and debt.
Source: Mint

Dinky Town Financial Calculators

Financial calculators to calculate tax debt, retirement and investements, savings, debt-to-income ratio, home budget, etc.
Source: dinkytown.net

Family Budget Calculator

This calculator measures how much income a family needs to earn to maintain standard of living.
Source: Economic Policy Institute

Help With Bills

Government programs to help pay phone bills, medical bills, and other expenses
Source: usa.gov

Reddit Community Forum

Community forum on budgeting and finances
Source: reddit.com

Tools & Resources

Financial planning tools including budgeting, retirement, taxes, etc.
Source: daveramsey.com

Credit Services

Consumer Resources

Resources for consumers and portal to make consumer complaints
Source: State of Wisconsin

Credit Karma

Free credit score and free credit reports with monitoring
Source: creditkarma.com

Dispute Credit Report Error (Equifax)

Dispute a credit reporting error.
Source: Equifax

Dispute Credit Report Error (Experion)

Dispute a credit reporting error.
Source: Experion

Dispute Credit Report Error (Transunion)

Dispute a credit reporting error.
Source: Transunion

Free Credit Report

Get a copy of your annual credit report from all three bureaus.
Source: AnnualCreditReport.com

How Much Will Your Loan Really Cost?

Calculates total payments based on user-inputted variables of loan term, interest rate and amount financed
Source: practicalmoneyskills.com

Illinois Second Chance Checking Accounts

List of banks that do not use ChexSystems in Illinois
Source: rebuildcreditscores.com

Second Chance Bank Account

Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.
Source: Wells Fargo Bank

Second Chance Bank Account

Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.
Source: BBVA Compass

Second Chance Bank Account

Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.
Source: First National Bank and Trust Company

Wells Fargo

Information on how your credit score is calculated and how you can improve it
Source: wellsfargo.com

Education

FedLoan Servicing

Repayment options for federal student loans
Source: myfedloan.org

Getting Out of Default

Options to deal with student loan defaults
Source: ed.gov

Grants & Scholarships

You can apply for grants and assistance to help you pay for college.
Source: US Dept of Education

Information About Debt Relief for Corinthian Colleges Students

Information for students who borrowed student loans to attend Corinthian/Everest College
Source: ed.gov

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Information on qualifications for loan forgiveness for non-profit workers
Source: ed.gov

Repayment Estimator

Use this calculator to determine your repayment options of Federal Student Loans
Source: Federal Student Aid

Free Courses Online

Free classes available online to further or start careers.
Source: Udacity

Employment

Glass Door Job Search

Employer information and reviews
Source: glassdoor.com

How to Succeed at a Job Interview

A free 3-week course teaching how to interview for the job you want.
Source: Future Learn

Illinois Department of Employment Security Jobs Page

Calendar with Job Fair Events, Resume Workshops, etc.
Source: State of Illinois

Indeed: Job Search

Job postings
Source: indeed.com

Monster Jobs

Job postings
Source: monster.com

Resources for Job Seekers

A list of resources available to Chicago residents on the job hunt.
Source: City of Chicago

US Job Fair

A list of job fairs by city and state.
Source: Job Fairs

Financial News

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Assistance and information about fraud and scams
Source: consumerfinance.gov

IRS Tax

Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Source: IRS.gov

LifeHacker: Two Cents

Misc. articles about financial planning
Source: lifehacker.com

Free Family Services

3 For Free

Fun, free things to do in Lake County, IL
Source: littlelakecounty.com

A Parents Guide to Community Resources in Milwaukee

List of community resources and contact information
Source: oakcreekwi.org

After School Programs (Illinois)

Afterschool programs for children and teens.
Source: ACT Now!

After School Programs (Indiana)

Afterschool programs for children and teens.
Source: Indiana Afterschool Network

After School Programs (Wisconsin)

Afterschool programs for children and teens.
Source: Wisconsin Aftershool Network

Chicago Public Library

Free events for library card holders.
Source: Chicago Public Library

Childbirth & Parenting Classes (Indiana)

Affordable parenting classes.
Source: Community Health Network

Free Mommy & Me Classes (Illinois - Chicago)

A list of free programs for new moms and babies.
Source: Mommy Nearest

Illinois Winter Events

List of holiday events and festivals in Illinois
Source: Travel Illinois

Indianapolis Public Library

Free events for library card holders.
Source: Indianapolis Public Library

Milwaukee Public Library

Free events for library card holders.
Source: Milwaukee Public Library

Parenting Classes

Affordable parenting classes.
Source: The Parenting Network

Parenting Education Program (Illinois-Chicago)

Support services with focus on youths in foster care, teen parents and low income families.
Source: Ucan

SouthShore Convention & Visitor Authority

30 Free and fun things to do on the South Shore
Source: southshorecva.com

Lawsuit Information

Judicial Sales Corp.

Schedule of upcoming and completed sheriff sales in Illinois
Source: tjsc.com

mycase.IN.gov

Search lawsuits filed in any county in Indiana
Source: IN.gov

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

Look up lawsuits in the state of Wisconsin
Source: wicourts.gov

Owning a Home

Home Buying Seminars

Schedule of seminars for potential home-buyers in the Milwaukee area
Source: landmarkcu.com

How Much House Can I Afford?

Budget and cost planning for home buyers
Source: bankrate.com

Illinois Hardest Hit

Application for mortgage assistance
Source: Illinois Hardest Hit

Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network

Application for mortgage assistance
Source: Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network

Refinance Calculator

Use this calculator to see options to refinance your home.
Source: Realtor.com

Owning a Vehicle

Car Affordability Calculator: How Much Car Can You Afford?

Tips and tools for calculating an affordable car payment
Source: nerdwallet.com

Car Insurance Requirements (Illinois)

Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.
Source: DMV

Car Insurance Requirements (Indiana)

Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.
Source: DMV

Car Insurance Requirements (Wisconsin)

Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.
Source: DMV

Chicago Parking Ticket Search

Chicago Parking Ticket Search
Source: CityofChicago.org

Child Care Assistance (Illinois)

Apply for child care subsidy
Source: Department of Human Services

Saving Money

Child Care Assistance (Indiana)

Apply for child care subsidy
Source: Family & Social Services Administration

Child Care Assistance (Wisconsin)

Apply for child care subsidy
Source: Wisconsin Department of Children & Families

Holiday Savings

Tips to save money on the holidays
Source: Parenting.com

Indiana Winter Events

List of events and festivals in Indianapolis
Source: Indianapolis Travel Site

17 Ways to Save Money On Groceries

Tools and tips to save on food
Source: bonappetit.com

SNAP Benefits (Illinois)

Apply for food assistance
Source: Department of Human Services

SNAP Benefits (Indiana)

Apply for food assistance
Source: Family & Social Services Administration

SNAP Benefits (Wisconsin)

Apply for food assistance
Source: Department of Health Services

Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

Use this calculator to determine your monthly grocery budget based on your household size.
Source: Iowa State University

Healthcare.gov

Government Sponsered Medical Coverage
Source: Healthcare.gov

Medicaid

Application for Medicaid.
Source: Heathcare.gov

CTA & PACE Fare Programs

A list of Ventra programs available for students, elderly and low income.
Source: Ventra

Find Cheap Gas Prices in Illinois

Helps you find the cheapest gas in your area in Illinois
Source: illinoisgasprices.com

IndyGo

A list of fare and programs for public transportation in Indianapolis.
Source: IndyGo

MCTS

A list of fare and programs for public transportation in Milwaukee.
Source: Milwaukee County Transit

Wisconsin Winter Events

List of events and festivals in Wisconsin
Source: Travel Wisconsin

Wisconsin Foodshare and Public Assistance

How to Check Eligibility for Foodshare and other Public Assistance benefits in Wisconsin
Source: State of Wisconsin

Affordable Housing

This link can help you find affordable housing programs in your area.
Source: HUD

Illinois Legal Aid

Free Guide to ILLINOIS tenants rights
Source: Illinoislegalaid.org

Marquette University School of Dentistry Community Care Clinics

Reduced-fee dental services in the Milwaukee area
Source: marquette.edu

SoberRecovery

Help with drug and alcohol addiction
Source: soberrecovery.com

Taxes

Affordable Tax Preparers

Free tax return preparation for anyone making less than $54,000 per year.
Source: IRS

Do I need to file?

Questionaire to determine if you are required to file a tax return.
Source: IRS

IRS Tax Refund Status

Check the status of your IRS tax refund
Source: IRS.gov

IRS Withholding Calculator

How to calculate proper tax withholdings to maximize your income
Source: IRS.gov

TurboTax Tax Calculator

Estimate Your Upcoming Tax Refund
Source: Turbotax.com

VITA Tax Program

Tax preperation assistance for low-income residents of Milwaukee County
Source: Social Development Commission

Link	Description	Source
Geraci Law Bankruptcy News	We write about bankruptcy news and events relevant to your life.	PeterFrancisGeraciLaw.com
Free Credit Reports	Get a copy of your annual credit report from all three bureaus.	annualcreditreport.com
Get IRS Transcripts Online	Get copies of your IRS transcripts online, directly from the IRS.	irs.gov

Budgeting

Link	Description	Source
25 Simple Ways to Get Your Finances In Order Right Now	Tips and tricks for saving money and fixing financial problems	frugalrules.com
50/30/20	Budgeting tips and advice based on monthly income.	Senator Elizabeth Warren
America Saves	A campaign coordinated by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America to help individuals save money, reduce debt, and build wealth	americasaves.org
Budget Tracking	Free online budgeting tool to track your spending and debt.	Mint
Dinky Town Financial Calculators	Financial calculators to calculate tax debt, retirement and investements, savings, debt-to-income ratio, home budget, etc.	dinkytown.net
Family Budget Calculator	This calculator measures how much income a family needs to earn to maintain standard of living.	Economic Policy Institute
Help With Bills	Government programs to help pay phone bills, medical bills, and other expenses	usa.gov
Reddit Community Forum	Community forum on budgeting and finances	reddit.com
Tools & Resources	Financial planning tools including budgeting, retirement, taxes, etc.	daveramsey.com

Credit Services

Link	Description	Source
Consumer Resources	Resources for consumers and portal to make consumer complaints	State of Wisconsin
Credit Karma	Free credit score and free credit reports with monitoring	creditkarma.com
Dispute Credit Report Error (Equifax)	Dispute a credit reporting error.	Equifax
Dispute Credit Report Error (Experion)	Dispute a credit reporting error.	Experion
Dispute Credit Report Error (Transunion)	Dispute a credit reporting error.	Transunion
Free Credit Report	Get a copy of your annual credit report from all three bureaus.
How Much Will Your Loan Really Cost?	Calculates total payments based on user-inputted variables of loan term, interest rate and amount financed	practicalmoneyskills.com
Illinois Second Chance Checking Accounts	List of banks that do not use ChexSystems in Illinois	rebuildcreditscores.com
Second Chance Bank Account	Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.	Wells Fargo Bank
Second Chance Bank Account	Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.	BBVA Compass
Second Chance Bank Account	Bank that offers a second chance for people with low credit scores.	First National Bank and Trust Company
Wells Fargo	Information on how your credit score is calculated and how you can improve it	wellsfargo.com

Education

Link	Description	Source
FedLoan Servicing	Repayment options for federal student loans	myfedloan.org
Getting Out of Default	Options to deal with student loan defaults	ed.gov
Grants & Scholarships	You can apply for grants and assistance to help you pay for college.	US Dept of Education
Information About Debt Relief for Corinthian Colleges Students	Information for students who borrowed student loans to attend Corinthian/Everest College	ed.gov
Public Service Loan Forgiveness	Information on qualifications for loan forgiveness for non-profit workers	ed.gov
Repayment Estimator	Use this calculator to determine your repayment options of Federal Student Loans	Federal Student Aid
Free Courses Online	Free classes available online to further or start careers.	Udacity

Employment

Link	Description	Source
Glass Door Job Search	Employer information and reviews	glassdoor.com
How to Succeed at a Job Interview	A free 3-week course teaching how to interview for the job you want.	Future Learn
Illinois Department of Employment Security Jobs Page	Calendar with Job Fair Events, Resume Workshops, etc.	State of Illinois
Indeed: Job Search	Job postings	indeed.com
Monster Jobs	Job postings	monster.com
Resources for Job Seekers	A list of resources available to Chicago residents on the job hunt.	City of Chicago
US Job Fair	A list of job fairs by city and state.	Job Fairs

Financial News

Link	Description	Source
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau	Assistance and information about fraud and scams	consumerfinance.gov
IRS Tax	Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts	IRS.gov
LifeHacker: Two Cents	Misc. articles about financial planning	lifehacker.com

Free Family Services

Link	Description	Source
3 For Free	Fun, free things to do in Lake County, IL	littlelakecounty.com
A Parents Guide to Community Resources in Milwaukee	List of community resources and contact information	oakcreekwi.org
After School Programs (Illinois)	Afterschool programs for children and teens.	ACT Now!
After School Programs (Indiana)	Afterschool programs for children and teens.	Indiana Afterschool Network
After School Programs (Wisconsin)	Afterschool programs for children and teens.	Wisconsin Aftershool Network
Chicago Public Library	Free events for library card holders.	Chicago Public Library
Childbirth & Parenting Classes (Indiana)	Affordable parenting classes.	Community Health Network
Free Mommy & Me Classes (Illinois - Chicago)	A list of free programs for new moms and babies.	Mommy Nearest
Illinois Winter Events	List of holiday events and festivals in Illinois	Travel Illinois
Indianapolis Public Library	Free events for library card holders.	Indianapolis Public Library
Milwaukee Public Library	Free events for library card holders.	Milwaukee Public Library
Parenting Classes	Affordable parenting classes.	The Parenting Network
Parenting Education Program (Illinois-Chicago)	Support services with focus on youths in foster care, teen parents and low income families.	Ucan
SouthShore Convention & Visitor Authority	30 Free and fun things to do on the South Shore	southshorecva.com

Lawsuit Information

Link	Description	Source
Judicial Sales Corp.	Schedule of upcoming and completed sheriff sales in Illinois	tjsc.com
mycase.IN.gov	Search lawsuits filed in any county in Indiana	IN.gov
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access	Look up lawsuits in the state of Wisconsin	wicourts.gov

Owning a Home

Link	Description	Source
Home Buying Seminars	Schedule of seminars for potential home-buyers in the Milwaukee area	landmarkcu.com
How Much House Can I Afford?	Budget and cost planning for home buyers	bankrate.com
Illinois Hardest Hit	Application for mortgage assistance	Illinois Hardest Hit
Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network	Application for mortgage assistance	Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network
Refinance Calculator	Use this calculator to see options to refinance your home.	Realtor.com

Owning a Vehicle

Link	Description	Source
Car Affordability Calculator: How Much Car Can You Afford?	Tips and tools for calculating an affordable car payment	nerdwallet.com
Car Insurance Requirements (Illinois)	Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.	DMV
Car Insurance Requirements (Indiana)	Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.	DMV
Car Insurance Requirements (Wisconsin)	Review the car insurance requirements and affordable options.	DMV
Chicago Parking Ticket Search	Chicago Parking Ticket Search	CityofChicago.org

Saving Money

Link	Description	Source
Child Care Assistance (Illinois)	Apply for child care subsidy	Department of Human Services
Child Care Assistance (Indiana)	Apply for child care subsidy	Family & Social Services Administration
Child Care Assistance (Wisconsin)	Apply for child care subsidy	Wisconsin Department of Children & Families
Holiday Savings	Tips to save money on the holidays	Parenting.com
Indiana Winter Events	List of events and festivals in Indianapolis	Indianapolis Travel Site
17 Ways to Save Money On Groceries	Tools and tips to save on food	bonappetit.com
SNAP Benefits (Illinois)	Apply for food assistance	Department of Human Services
SNAP Benefits (Indiana)	Apply for food assistance	Family & Social Services Administration
SNAP Benefits (Wisconsin)	Apply for food assistance	Department of Health Services
Spend Smart. Eat Smart.	Use this calculator to determine your monthly grocery budget based on your household size.	Iowa State University
Healthcare.gov	Government Sponsered Medical Coverage	Healthcare.gov
Medicaid	Application for Medicaid.	Heathcare.gov
CTA & PACE Fare Programs	A list of Ventra programs available for students, elderly and low income.	Ventra
Find Cheap Gas Prices in Illinois	Helps you find the cheapest gas in your area in Illinois	illinoisgasprices.com
IndyGo	A list of fare and programs for public transportation in Indianapolis.	IndyGo
MCTS	A list of fare and programs for public transportation in Milwaukee.	Milwaukee County Transit
Wisconsin Winter Events	List of events and festivals in Wisconsin	Travel Wisconsin
Wisconsin Foodshare and Public Assistance	How to Check Eligibility for Foodshare and other Public Assistance benefits in Wisconsin	State of Wisconsin
Affordable Housing	This link can help you find affordable housing programs in your area.	HUD
Illinois Legal Aid	Free Guide to ILLINOIS tenants rights	Illinoislegalaid.org
Marquette University School of Dentistry Community Care Clinics	Reduced-fee dental services in the Milwaukee area	marquette.edu
SoberRecovery	Help with drug and alcohol addiction	soberrecovery.com

Taxes

Link	Description	Source
Affordable Tax Preparers	Free tax return preparation for anyone making less than $54,000 per year.	IRS
Do I need to file?	Questionaire to determine if you are required to file a tax return.	IRS
IRS Tax Refund Status	Check the status of your IRS tax refund	IRS.gov
IRS Withholding Calculator	How to calculate proper tax withholdings to maximize your income	IRS.gov
TurboTax Tax Calculator	Estimate Your Upcoming Tax Refund	Turbotax.com
VITA Tax Program	Tax preperation assistance for low-income residents of Milwaukee County	Social Development Commission

Utility Assistance

Link	Description	Source
Budget Billing (Wisconsin)	Spread your utility bills out over a 12 month period to ease the burden of peak months.	WE Energies
CEDA	Non-profit Energy/utility assistance programs for Cook County	Community & Economic Development Assoc. of Cook County
ComEd Bill Payment Assistance	Bill Payment Assistance for people who are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss, illness, military deployment, disability, or as a senior citizen	Commonweath Edison
Energy.gov	List of Winter/Fall Utilities Savings
Home Energy Savings Program	Information about saving money on utilities	Illinois Department of Commerce
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor	Assistance to prevent utility disconnection in the state of Indiana	in.gov
Nortwest Indiana Community Action	Wide range of assistance from Energy Assistance Program to Volunteer Tax Assistance, to tips on weatherizing a home	nwi-ca.com
Utility Assistance (Illinois - Chicago)	Application for utility assistance programs in Chicago.	Catholic Charities
Utility Assistance (Illionis)	Requirements for Utility Assistance in Illinois	Illinois Department of Commerce

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