Library: English | Tax Basics for Earners in the ‘Sharing Economy’.

The sharing economy might enable you to put a little extra cash in your pockets in your spare time, or it could be your primary source of income. Either way, earning money will have an impact on your tax situation. This publication, while not tax advice, will help you understand how to report your income and expenses accurately, why you should take advantage of all the deductions you’re entitled to, how to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you file your tax return, and where to get more information and assistance.

Library: English | Get Credit for Your Hard Work (2018 Tax Year) Low-income working taxpayers may qualify for the federal EITC.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-income working taxpayers and families get more money back when they file their federal income tax return. This publication contains EITC guidelines for the 2018 tax year.

Library: English | Freeze Your Credit File Leave ID thieves out in the cold.

A credit file “security freeze” is a preventive tool to help you avoid identity theft and to block impostors from using your personal information to establish credit. This publication explains how to “freeze” your credit file, which prevents new credit from being established in your name until you temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.

Library: English | Security Freeze Backgrounder Questions and Answers About Placing, Lifting and Removing a Credit Report Security Freeze.

This publication answers common questions about how a credit report security freeze can protect you from ID theft, the pros and cons of a security freeze, and how to place, lift and remove a freeze. (It has been updated to reflect changes implemented on Sept. 21, 2018, under new federal law.)

Library: English | Low-income Broadband Plans.

The flyers in this package describe programs that offer low-income households more affordable access to the internet. A companion brochure, Getting up to speed: Broadband internet for low-income households, explains the benefits of internet access.

Library: English | Improving your financial health with FinTech A beginner’s guide to personal finance apps.

Financial technology (FinTech) is the use of modern technology, such as the internet and apps (downloadable mobile software), to develop powerful financial services tools for consumers and businesses. For those who are motivated to improve their finances and dedicated to working toward their goals, FinTech can make the process more convenient, efficient and even rewarding. This guide will introduce you to the types of FinTech tools available and how they can help you. It will also tell you what to consider when choosing an app and how to stay safe when using FinTech.

Library: English | Homeowners and renters insurance What you need to know before and after a natural disaster.

With the majority of U.S. residents living in areas at risk of a natural disaster, most households need to seriously consider how they would recover from the loss of their home and possessions. This publication explains which disaster losses are—and are not—covered under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, how to make sure you are adequately insured, what steps to take to recover your losses after disaster strikes, and what your options are if your insurance falls short.

Library: English | FEMA spells federal disaster relief for homeowners and renters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a variety of programs to help victims of disasters repair, rebuild or replace their homes and possessions. This publication describes the types of FEMA assistance available to homeowners and renters and provides details about program eligibility and the application process. It also highlights the limitations of FEMA assistance and stresses the importance of purchasing adequate personal insurance coverage.

Library: English | Disaster insurance and FEMA assistance (Q&A) Questions and answers for homeowners and renters.

This backgrounder, written in Q&A format, answers many questions about renters and homeowners disaster insurance coverage and FEMA programs that help victims recover from disaster-related losses.

Library: English | Disaster Insurance and FEMA Assistance - Seminar Lesson Plan and Class Activities.

This downloadable packet guides community educators through a two-hour presentation on insuring your home and belongings against disaster and the ways FEMA helps homeowners and renters recover. In addition to the lesson plan (to be used in conjunction with the downloadable PowerPoint presentation), the packet includes exercises, resources and a class evaluation form.