Financial Education

To ensure top-notch expertise and value for certain financial specialties, we carefully screen and select trusted partners to serve our members. These partners adhere to the same ethical and member-service standards that we do and offer significant discounts for many services.

Financial Counseling
Online Personal Finance Education
Retirement Central

Financial Counseling

As part of your membership benefits, we've contracted with BALANCE, a respected financial-education organization, to provide FREE confidential financial counseling to our members.

During a Personal Financial Assessment with a certified BALANCE counselor you can discuss your current situation and concerns; review your income, expenses, and debt; get an explanation of financial options; and receive a written action plan, all for FREE. For example, if you're having trouble keeping up with your bills, BALANCE can help you consolidate bill payments with its Debt Management Plan.

You also can turn to BALANCE for:

• FREE credit review. BALANCE will help you get a free or low-cost copy of your credit report, and then a skilled counselor will review it with you to ensure you have the tools needed to improve, maintain, and protect your credit standing. Financial experts recommend that you review your reports each year to ensure their accuracy and spot possible evidence of identity theft. To order a report on your own, see "Get a FREE copy of your credit report."
• Answers to "how-to" questions like funding your child's college education, removing information from your credit report, and setting aside money for a home purchase.
• Money-management counseling to design a realistic spending and savings plan.

BALANCE counselors are available Monday through Saturday by calling 1-888-456-2227 or by linking to the BALANCE Web site.

Online Personal Finance Education

In addition to financial counseling, BALANCE also offers a personal finance education program with BalanceTrack.

Balance Track consists of several education modules which will guide you through the core aspects of personal financial management and help you move toward financial success. Here is a quick overview of available modules:

• Money Management - You can save money and reach your financial goals - all it takes is a money management plan. Learn more ...
• Credit Matters - Using credit wisely will help you acheive your goals while avoiding financial pitfalls. Learn more ...
• Drive Away Happy - Make educated decisions on your vehicle and financing to make the best of this important decision. Learn more ...
• The Basics of Investing - You can build wealth through wise investments - all it takes is knowledge and commitment. Learn more ...
• The World of Credit Reports - With an understanding of credit reports, you can take the necessary steps to maintain a positive credit standing. Learn more ...
• The Road to Homeownership - An understanding of the home buying process puts the American dream of homeownership within your reach. Learn more ...
• Identity Theft - Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft, and how to recover if you are victimized. Learn more ...
• Financial Planning - From reducing your tax liability to preparing for your estate, financial planning means managing your finances for the long-term. Learn more ...

Finance education programs for Teens and College Students:

• Teens and Money - This is your opportunity to learn how to make the most of every penny so you can achieve the financial independence you want – when you need it. Learn more...
• Finances for College Students - If you are like most college students, your top priority is your education, but you can make sure monetary concerns don’t get in the way of your studies by fitting financial management into your schedule. Learn more...