More help with my finances

In this section, find answers to common questions about finances and a list of additional resources to help you access your credit information, free tax preparation, and much more. If you don’t find your question below, or you need additional resources, call 2-1-1 Texas or visit www.211texas.org.

ANSWERS TO COMMON FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
I am a Mexican citizen and I don't have a Texas driver's license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Free Tax Preparation
2-1-1 Texas

A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?

A copy of your ChexSystems report can help you understand why you have been denied opening a bank account. If you have been denied in the past 60 days because of ChexSystems, you can access your report online. Otherwise you can write to ChexSystems, Inc. to send you your report. Click here to access your report.

I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?

You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experion, and Equifax) every year. You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.

The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet explaining your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.

I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?

The Federal Trade Commission provides an entire Web site about identity theft, including how to prevent identity theft and how to recover your identity if it has been stolen. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site “Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.”

The Federal Reserve Bank has also published a guide on “How to Establish, Use, and Protect your Credit.” Click here to view the guide.

I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?

In the Central Texas area, you can call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS), a nonprofit financial resource center that offers tools to help you set and achieve financial goals. Click here to visit their Web site.

If your goal is to eliminate or manage your debt, CCCS also offers free, confidential consultations to help you achieve this goal. Click here to visit the CCCS Web site. Or call (800) 777-PLAN.

I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?

In the Central Texas area, you can call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Texas (CCCS), a nonprofit financial resource center that offers tools to help you set and achieve financial goals. To view their tools, click here. If your goal is to avoid filing for bankruptcy or to understand the bankruptcy process, they will counsel you through the process. Click here to learn more about this service.

I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?

You are not alone. Call the National Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: (888) 995-HOPE where your call will be answered by a homeownership counselor who can understand your situation and help with your next steps. You can also click here to visit their website. Frameworks CDC is a local organization that can also assist you with mortgage issues. Click here to visit their site, or call 512.385.1500.

I am a Mexican citizen and I don’t have a Texas driver’s license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?

To apply for a Matricula card from the Central Texas Mexican Consulate office, you must make an appointment with the Consulate. Click here to access their Web site and learn about eligibility requirements and how to make an appointment. Or call (512) 478-2866.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Use this list of resources to get help reducing your everyday expenses, claim all of the credits and benefits you are owed, and start building assets for the future.

Free Tax Preparation

Foundation Communities provides free high-quality tax return preparation for families living in the Austin Area making less than $50,000 (individuals less than $25,000). Tax center sites are located throughout the city. Click here to visit the Foundation Communities tax prep webpage.

2-1-1 Texas

For a list of free and/or public services in Central Texas, simply pick up your phone and dial “2-1-1”. This hotline will take you to an automated system that directs your call to an Information and Referral specialist who has access to a database of services for any situation. If you have an older phone, you may also dial (512) 973-9203 to reach the hotline. Or, visit www.211centraltexas.org. .

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