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Best Government Web Sites for Financial Information

Many Web sites offer financial information; however, it may be difficult to know which ones provide the best financial information for consumers. In a search for sound and accurate financial information, it is always wise to go straight to the agency responsible for creating, administering, and overseeing the laws of the Unites States.

Governmental Web sites provide direction, data, trends, “how-to” advice, and overviews in an understandable manner. They seek to inform and protect consumers and their money. Here are the best Web sites from the federal government regarding financial information.

Best Banking Web Sites

www.federalreserve.gov is the Web site of the Board of Governors of The Federal Reserve System, often referred to as the Federal Reserve or simply "the Fed.” This is the central bank of the United States, and it provides the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. Here are the Fed’s responsibilities:

-- Conduct the nation's monetary policy

-- Supervise and regulate banking institutions

-- Maintain the stability of the financial system

-- Provide certain financial services to the U.S. government, the public, financial institutions, and foreign official institutions

www.fdic.gov is the Web site of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which is an independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's financial system. The agency accomplishes this by doing the following:

-- Insuring deposits

-- Examining and supervising financial institutions for safety, soundness, and consumer protection

-- Managing receiverships

Best Tax Web sites

www.irs.gov is the Web site of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and may be the best place to find information about taxes. Although there are many Web sites offering guidance and interpretation of tax codes, the IRS is the governmental agency that administers the codes enacted by Congress. In addition, it is the nation’s tax collection agency, so individuals may benefit from getting the information straight from the organization that has the authority and mandate to enforce the law.

Best Investment and Financial Services Web Sites

www.sec.gov/index.htm is the Web site for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The mission of this organization is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.

www.treasurydirect.gov is the Web site for TreasuryDirect. This is the only financial services Web site that lets individuals buy and redeem securities directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury in paperless electronic form. On this Web site, people can buy the following:

-- Treasury Bills

-- Notes

-- Bonds

-- Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)

-- Series I and EE Savings Bonds

The Web site MyMoney.gov, at www.mymoney.gov/default.shtml, is dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education and is sponsored by the U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission. In addition, it is a clearinghouse for other federal government Web sites. Here consumers will find financial information on topics like buying a home, balancing a checkbook, and investing in a 401(k) plan.

Best Consumer Protection Web Sites

www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm is the Web site of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC offers information and protection to consumers to help them avoid fraud and make wise money decisions. Here are some of the subjects about which the FTC offers information:

-- Credit Reports (receive a free report at www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp)

-- Franchise and Business opportunities (investment schemes and work-at-home schemes)

-- Consumer Credit Rights (credit reporting, credit cards and consumer loans, credit reports and scoring, debt, mortgages and real estate, and privacy)

-- Identity Theft

-- Do-Not-Call Registry

Best Economic Web Sites

www.ustreas.gov is the Web site of U.S. Department of the Treasury. It is the executive agency responsible for promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States.

www.bea.gov is the Web site of the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This agency provides timely, relevant, and accurate economic data. The BEA is one of the world's leading statistical agencies and produces closely watched economic statistics that influence decisions made by governments, businesses, and individuals. The key economic statistics that the BEA generates are the national income and product accounts (NIPAs), which feature the estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) and related measures.

Best Legal Web Sites

www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics.html is the Web site of the U.S. Courts. This Web site provides information on bankruptcy laws. If an individual is considering filing for bankruptcy, he or she can visit this Web site and read about basic bankruptcy information and the bankruptcy process. Debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public may also get valuable answers to questions on this subject here.

Additional Resources:

-- Consumer Action Website (for state insurance regulation):

http://consumeraction.gov/insurance.shtml

-- Consumer Action Website (for state banking authorities):

http://consumeraction.gov/banking.shtml

-- Financial Literacy and Education Commission

http://treas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/fin-education/commission