America's Money Crisis: Information for Us
Wall Street is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. No one knows what will happen or how it will affect our pocketbooks, our economy, or our retirement.
Helpful Web Sites
Start here
Top Questions Members Are Asking AARP About the Current Financial Crisis
See answers to your questions about the current financial crisis.
Recovery.gov
This is President Obama's new Web page that will allow tax payers to "figure out where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going.
Read the President's FY 2010 Budget
President Obama's budget, called A New Era of Responsibility, was released on February 26 and is available in PDF form.
Read the New Law
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF)
This is the final version of the bill that was approved by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on February 13 and signed into law by the President on February 17.
How Much Stimulus Funding is Going to Your County? | ProPublica Recovery Tracker
ProPublica is an independent, non-profit newsroom that has compiled nearly all the contracts, grants, and loans that the government has reported awarding so far in the stimulus program.
Read the previous Law
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (PDF)
This is the final version of the bill that was aproved by the U.S. Senate on October 1, the House of Representatives on October 3, and signed into law by the President.
Summary of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (PDF)
This is a one-page summary of the act.
Banks
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The FDIC insures people’s accounts. They also provide consumer information that may help you protect yourself.
FDIC: Are My Deposits Insured?
Find out how FDIC deposit insurance works and estimate coverage on your deposits.
Failed Bank List
From the FDIC, this list includes banks that have failed since October 1, 2000.
Is My Credit Union Federally Insured?
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the federal agency that administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
Credit
Federal Reserve Board: Choosing a Credit Card
This Web site contains concise explanations about credit cards and terms related to credit cards, such as APR, finance charge and variable-rate. This site answers questions for people new to credit cards and people who already have credit cards.
How to Get a Free Credit Report
With banks paying for past mistakes, it may be harder for us to get a loan. Checking and understanding your credit may make the difference for you.
Help for Us
Recession Busters
Dozens of ways to save money using coupons, tax breaks, and tips on cheaper gas, food, housing, and insurance.
Investments
Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)
SIPC is the first line of defense in the event a brokerage firm fails owing customers cash and securities that are missing from customer accounts. Look at their How SIPC Protects You page to see what it does and doesn't cover.
U.S. Treasury Department
The U.S. Treasury Department advances and protects the U.S. economy, and their Treasury Direct site offers product information and research across the entire line of Treasury Securities, from Series EE Savings Bonds to Treasury Notes.
Business News
Keeping up with business news and analysis is even more important now than ever before, but where do we find business news and analysis?
The following Web sites belong to news sources that provide up-to-date articles on the current financial crisis.
Ask Us
Though we cannot provide you with financial advice, if you have any questions about any of these sources, please e-mail us, call (410) 396-5317, or contact us by mail:
Business, Science, and Technology Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
State Library Resource Center
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
