Helpful Documents & Webpages
Review helpful documents and fact sheets on budgeting, credit, debt management, foreclosure, and more.
Facing Financial Uncertainty? Take Action!
Transition from Survival to Success (Webpage)
Five key actions, additional options when facing financial hardship, and top 10 questions to ask your employer before your last day of work.
Prioritize Your Expenses (Webpage)
Facing financial uncertainty? Start prioritizing your expenses to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.
Find Resources — For Minnesota Residents Only (Webpage)
10 key resources to help bridge financial gaps (for Minnesota residents only)
Budget and Credit Resources
Expense Tracking Form (PDF)
Estimate your monthly expenses.
Weekly Spending Tracker (PDF)
Can't figure out where your money goes each week? Use this form and write down what you spend every day for a week. You might be amazed!
Periodic Expense Chart (PDF)
Periodic expenses are items such as insurance or vehicle registration which may be paid quarterly or annually. It is important to set money aside for periodic expenses and unplanned emergencies.
Strategies to Maintain and Improve Your Credit Score (Webpage)
Generally, consumers with higher credit scores get offers for better credit terms. Every score can be improved— take the steps to boost your score!
Am I Exempt from Garnishment by a Judgment Creditor? Minnesota Residents Only (PDF)
What is a judgment and what are my options if I have one?
Annual Credit Report Request Form (PDF)
Get a copy of your credit report to make sure the information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. Knowing what’s in your report may help guard against identity theft. (Because of COVID, the three credit reporting bureaus are now offering free weekly online reports through the end of 2023.)
The Collection Process (PDF)
A guide to understanding the collection process
Dealing with Creditors (PDF)
The Do's and Don’ts of working with creditors
Envelope Budget System (PDF)
Using an envelope system can be a fun way to physically see what you earn each month, where the money is going, and helps you avoid overspending.
Ideas for Increasing Income (PDF)
Suggestions for adding income to your household
Ideas to Reduce Expenses (PDF)
Creative ideas to help you reduce expenses
How to Establish or Rebuild Credit (PDF)
Since so many financial decisions are based on credit history you may want to consider these options to establish or rebuild credit.
Monthly Cash Flow Plan (PDF)
Managing finances depends on tracking when money comes in and when it goes out. Use this form and keep track of your monthly cash flow plan.
Resources for the Unemployed and Underemployed — Minnesota Residents Only (PDF)
Resources for Minnesota residents who are un- or under-employed
How To Spend $2,000 (PDF)
What you do with your tax refund can have an incredible impact on your financial future. Use these suggestions to use your tax refund to improve your financial situation.
How To Write a Stop Contact Letter (Cease and Desist Letter) (PDF)
View sample letters and instructions on how to write to your creditors or collectors asking them to stop contacting you.
Credit Scoring (PDF)
Credit scoring may be used with decisions on eligibility for loans, the cost of insurance premiums, and even employment or rental applications. Scores can be improved with strategy and time.
Crisis Budgeting (PDF)
Prioritize your budget during times of financial uncertainty.
Payday Loan Options (PDF)
Feeling stuck with payday loans? You don’t have to be. There are options to stabilize your situation.
Debt Management Plan (DMP) Resources
A DMP and Your Credit Report (PDF)
Knowing what is on your credit report and understanding the information is important. We recommend you obtain a credit report at least once a year. (Because of COVID, the three credit reporting bureaus are now offering free weekly online reports through the end of 2023.)
Benefits of a DMP (PDF)
Are you tired of making monthly payments to credit card companies while the balances don't seem to shrink? A DMP can help you successfully pay off your debt.
DMP Q & A (PDF)
Our staff is committed to working with you so your DMP is a successful and positive experience.
Getting a Jumpstart on Your DMP (PDF)
Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming debt-free! Transitioning onto the DMP is just as important as making monthly payments.
Current DMP Clients Resources
How to Complete a Money Order (PDF)
Directions on how to complete a money order for your DMP payment
How to Complete a Personal Check (PDF)
Directions on how to complete a personal check for your DMP payment
Electronic Payment Services (EPS) Rules and Regulations (PDF)
When you set up automatic payments, your DMP payments automatically deduct from your checking or savings account every month via an Electronic Payment System (EPS). Learn more about EPS rules and regulations.
Electronic Payment Services (EPS) Enrollment Form (PDF)
Get started with EPS for your next payment.
Foreclosure Resources
Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Glossary (PDF)
Our staff is committed to working with you to answer your questions.
Tips for Talking with Your Lender (PDF)
Your lender may be able to help you avoid missing mortgage payments or catch up on payments you already missed.
Your Rights During the Redemption Period (PDF)
The term "redemption period" refers to the period of time after a foreclosure sale (sheriff's sale).
Tax Issues: Foreclosure and Workouts (PDF)
Homeowners should know the tax consequences of forgiveness of any portion of a loan, including a loan that goes through foreclosure.
Reverse Mortgage Resources
What is a Reverse Mortgage? (PDF)
A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows eligible senior homeowners to access some of their home equity.
Understanding Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (aka Reverse Mortgages) (PDF)
Reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity with seniors who have equity in their homes and want to supplement their income.
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