Consumer Information

Kentucky Small Business Development Center - provides valuable tools to help entrepreneurs make informed business decisions when planning to open a new business purchase an existing business or expand an established business. Additionally, KCBDC offers counseling and training workshops; training topics may include Quicken, Time Management, Taxes, etc.

Assistance.ky.gov - As the national and global economy continues to remain uncertain and challenging, Governor Steve Beshear unveiled a new Web site. This one-stop-shop provides readily accessible links for struggling Kentuckians to help find critical resources in tough times, such as health insurance and home mortgage information. The new Web site will provide information and links on topics covering a wide range of areas, including financial assistance; staying healthy; taking care of Kentucky’s kids; staying in your home; job assistance; and money-saving commuting tips.

Gov Spot – Non-partisan government information portal designed to simplify the search for the best and most relevant government information online – consumer information. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) – Regulate securities firms and stockbrokers -  consumer information. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

Consumer World - Valuable website resource for consumers of various products on news, agencies, companies and travel. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

The Consumer's Almanac - Tool designed to walk you through the process of developing organization and budgeting skills. As well as work toward long-term financial goals and debt management. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

Energy Efficiency

Tax Credits Available for Home Energy Improvements - If you have been contemplating improving your home’s energy efficiency, this year could be a good time to do it. Not only can these improvements benefit the environment and your wallet through cost and energy savings, but many state and federal tax credits are available to individuals who make energy efficiency improvements to their homes this year. These tax credits would apply to your 2009 tax return due next year.

Tax Credits & Deductions for New & Fuel Efficient Vehicle Purchases - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers a tax deduction for those who purchase a new vehicle this year. Also, a tax credit for the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle is available to taxpayers through the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Power$mart - Save Energy, Save Money, Save the Planet: Quick tips for saving both energy and money in your household and the world around us. Topics include: It Starts at Home; Windows, Insulation, and Weather Stripping; Heating and Cooling; Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, and Hot Water Heaters; and much more. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

Elements of an Energy Efficient House - If you are considering building a new home or making your current home more energy efficient this site offers information on ventilation, sealing, and maximizing heating and cooling units. This is not a service or website associated with the University of Kentucky.

Save Water, Save Money, Add Up The Savings - Add Up the Savings Card - Bathroom MS Publisher or PDF, Kitchen MS Publisher or PDF, Laundry MS Publisher or PDF, Outdoors MS Publisher or PDF, Save Water, Save Money Radio Script MS Word or PDF

Fraud

Beware of Fraud - Fact sheet on how to be aware of fraudulence and know how to protect yourself and your investments. (English and Spanish)

Consumer Fraud: Don’t Be a Victim, FAM-RHF.118 - This low reading-level publication offers advice about how to protect yourself against a variety of recent scams. Includes a section on how to report potential scams and/or make complaints.

Let the Consumer Beware! A Guide to Fraud and Rip-Offs,  FAM-RHF.116 - Describes some of today’s more prevalent consumer scams, including identity theft, Internet fraud, credit card fraud, and home repair scams. Shows the reader how to recognize potential scammers and to protect his or her money and other assets. Also offers advice about reporting a scam.

Don’t Be a Victim of Telephone Investment Fraud, FAM-RHF.101 - Learn how to evaluate telephone calls inviting you to invest in “a sure thing.” Includes tips on spotting fraudulent investment deals and how to avoid losing your money to such schemes. 

Housing Resources

KY Home Foreclosure and Housing Resources, if you are wishing to purchase a home or facing foreclosure, there are a variety of KY specific resources available. Housing counselors are also available to assist.

KY Homeownship Protection Center - The Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center provides a centralized location for information on public services to assist Kentuckians in keeping their homes.  Homeowners can find information on the foreclosure process, utility assistance and home repair assistance to make smart choices and avoid losing their homes.

Federal Housing Adminstration (FHA) - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmnet. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has helped over 34 million people secure the dream of homeownership since 1934. Backed by the federal government, FHA provides safe mortgage insurance solutions while expanding its housing education and outreach efforts year after year.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Available - In February, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides first-time homebuyers with a tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a home up to $8,000 or $4,000 each for married persons filing individually. This credit can be used on the 2008 or 2009 tax returns. Qualifying taxpayers must purchase a home by Dec. 1 to be eligible.

HOPE - The HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) program was created by Congress to help those at risk of default and foreclosure refinance into more affordable, sustainable loans. H4H is an additional mortgage option designed to keep borrowers in their homes.

Federal Mortgage Foreclosure Resources - Foreclosures are increasing nationwide, and the federal government has established online information and resources to help consumers. A wealth of resources can be found to assist consumers in avoiding foreclosure and/ or seeking solutions to foreclosure issues.

Identity Theft

Help! Someone Is Impersonating Me! What Do I Do?, FAM-RHF.132 - This low-literacy fact sheet will deal with signs that someone is being impersonated, possible results, identity theft, and what to do. It will cover the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, obtaining a free credit report, dealing with debt collectors, and tips for solving credit problems.

Personal Privacy

Privacy: A Balancing Act, FAM-RHF.130 -  This fact sheet deals with personal privacy concerns versus business’s right to profitability. Provides information on how to deal with businesses such as supermarkets that ask for your personal information and keep track of your purchases.

Do you Know Where Your Social Security Number is Right Now?,FAM-RHF.111 This fact sheet informs consumers about privacy issues and precautions they can take to prevent identity theft.

Finding Lost Insurance Policies and Other Valuables, FAM-RHF.126 - Many people are not aware that they are owed unclaimed property. This publication shows how to investigate and claim property from state treasuries, unclaimed life insurance benefits, and other sources. Lists addresses for claiming property from all states.

Internet Safety

Making Your Ride on the Internet Safer,  FAM-RHF.110a - Fact sheet designed to educate citizens on relevant issues of privacy including the use of the internet.

Insurance

Flood Insurance Coverage, FAM-RHF.104a -  This revised publication will deal with the benefits of flood insurance, who needs it, C.L.U.E. Reports, types of water damage, and tips on dealing with floods.

Tips to Save Money When Buying Insurance, FAM-RHF.115 - Introduces readers to numerous practical ideas for saving money on insurance. While assuming that readers are familiar with insurance basics, this publication provides an overview of money-saving tips and discusses strategies that pertain particularly to auto, homeowner’s, long-term care, and life insurance.

What You Need to Know About Earthquake Insurance, FAM-RHF.109a -  The revised publication will cover fault areas around Kentucky, who needs earthquake insurance, who is eligible, what coverage to look for, how rates are determined, deductibles, indirect damage, quake insurance basics, and who to contact for help.

Emergency Planning

Winter Emergency Information - Safety Information complied by the University of Kentucky School of Human and Environmental Sciences to address the aftermath of the 2009 winter ice storm. Topics include Chain Saw Safety, Carbon Monoxide Safety, Cleanup Hazards, Electrical Hazards - Power Outage, Food Safety, General, Generator Safety, Heating Homes, Helping Children cope with Disaster, Helping Families in times of Stress. Mold and Mildew, Power Outage and Flood Resources, Preparedness, Preventing Violence, Storms and Trees, and Kentucky Extension Disaster Education Network.

Emergencies: Are You Prepared?, FAM-RHF.127a - This publication, revised in 2004, deals with various emergencies any family or individual should prepare for, including natural disasters, theft, and sudden illness. Deals with contingency plans, tax records, and getting organized. Provides a detailed checklist of important documents and where each should be kept.

Family Financial Management - Interventions Following a Disaster - Fact sheet with information on financial difficulties that may occur following a disaster.

Grab and Go Box - Disaster Information Resources - Recent natural disasters have emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness.
Everyone should have individual and family evacuation plans in place.It is critical that each family have a planned evacuation arrangement and an evacuation “to-go” box ready for emergencies. Publication made available from the LSU Ag Center.

Responding to Disaster - Powepoint presentation developed by LSU Ag Center to accompany the Grab and Go Box publications. Includes information regarding emergency supplies and record keeping.

Donations & Giving

Holiday Help for the Hungry, FN-JLT.143 - Communities are facing issues of food insecurity in that some families do not have the resources or access to an adequate food supply. This publication shares ideas for helping communities to meet food needs for residents.   

Making Your Charitable Giving Go Further, FAM-RHF.124a - This publication helps the consumer make sure his or her charitable giving really makes a difference. It is estimated that as much as $2 billion ends up in the pockets of fraudulent solicitors.