TopLinks!
Free Credit Reports
Get a copy of your annual credit report from all three bureaus.
Source: AnnualCreditReport.com
COVID-19 Resources
CDC
The main CDC web site for Coronavirus information & resources.
Source: CDC
CDC Recommendations
CDC recommended guides to cleaning and sanitation using everyday supplies.
Source: CDC
Google
Google links for finding jobs remotely, home exercise and sanitization.
Source: Google
NY Times
Interactive map of Coronavirus cases
Source: NY Times
WHO
World Health Organization instructions on how to PROPERLY wash your hands.
Source: WHO
Benefits.gov
Guide to government benefits and resources available.
Source: Federal Government
ComEd
Information from ComEd suspending disconnection notices during COVID-19.
Source: ComEd
Department of Education
Information on how to put student loans in deferment, home schooling resources and suggestions for keeping kids busy at home.
Source: Department of Education
Edmunds
Information about car loan and relief options.
Source: Edmunds
Fannie Mae
Mortgage options and resources from Fannie Mae
Source: Fannie Mae
Forbes
Information about stimulus check if you received your tax refund using a loan or an advance.
Source: Forbes
Illinois Realtors
Information about unemployment options for independent contractors and realtors.
Source: Illinois Realtors
USBG
Information for bartenders & servers
Source: USBG
Buzz Feed
Indoor idea for kids!
Source: Buzz Feed
KQED
Ideas to become more trauma-informed.
Source: KQED
PBS
How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus
Source: PBS
NPR
The Coronavirus Comic
Source: NPR
Porter County
COVID-19 resources in Porter County, Indiana
Source: Porter County Indiana
State of Indiana
Indiana information about "remote" learning including resources for parents and teachers.
Source: State of Indiana
Budgeting
50/30/20
Budgeting tips and advice based on monthly income.
Source: 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
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
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
Free Credit Report
Get a copy of your annual credit report from all three bureaus.
Source: AnnualCreditReport.com
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
Grants & Scholarships
You can apply for grants and assistance to help you pay for college.
Source: US Dept of Education
Repayment Estimator
Use this calculator to determine your repayment options of Federal Student Loans
Source: Federal Student Aid
Employment
US Job Fair
A list of job fairs by city and state.
Source: Job Fairs
Financial News
IRS Tax
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
Source: IRS.gov
Free Family Services
3 For Free
Fun, free things to do in Lake County, IL
Source: littlelakecounty.com
Lawsuit Information
mycase.IN.gov
Search lawsuits filed in any county in Indiana
Source: IN.gov
Owning a Home
Home Buying Seminars
Schedule of seminars for potential home-buyers in the Milwaukee area
Source: landmarkcu.com
Owning a Vehicle
Saving Money
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
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
Affordable Housing
This link can help you find affordable housing programs in your area.
Source: HUD
SoberRecovery
Help with drug and alcohol addiction
Source: soberrecovery.com
Taxes
Do I need to file?
Questionaire to determine if you are required to file a tax return.
Source: IRS
VITA Tax Program
Tax preperation assistance for low-income residents of Milwaukee County
Source: Social Development Commission
Utility Assistance
Budget Billing (Wisconsin)
Spread your utility bills out over a 12 month period to ease the burden of peak months.
Source: WE Energies
CEDA
Non-profit Energy/utility assistance programs for Cook County
Source: 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
Source: Commonweath Edison
Energy.gov
List of Winter/Fall Utilities Savings
Source:
Nortwest Indiana Community Action
Wide range of assistance from Energy Assistance Program to Volunteer Tax Assistance, to tips on weatherizing a home
Source: nwi-ca.com