Financial Tips for Youth
Here you will find
Financial Tips for Youth
No matter your age, it’s always a good idea to start learning more about money and how you can better control your financial future. We can help!
Visit our CFE Youth Financial Education Center!
We know you face important financial decisions every day and we are here to help!
This system of video playlists will teach you money management strategies to help you make wise financial decisions.
Click the button below to visit our page, sign in, and choose a playlist that can best help you!
Learn more tips to help you build and protect your financial future!
Many people and families qualify for free income tax preparation assistance programs. Find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site near you.
Tax credits are income! When you file your income taxes, you might qualify for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can put thousands of dollars into your pocket.
Starting with the 2022 Tax Year, former foster youth ages 18 to 25 can earn a $1,000 tax credit from the State of California. You have to file income taxes to get the money from this tax credit.
If you are renting a room or apartment, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your arrangement. We can help you understand the basics of landlord/tenant laws in California.
In some, but not all cities and neighborhoods, there are rent stabilization laws which give renters additional protections. If you live in unincorporated Los Angeles County, learn more about L.A. County’s rent stabilization ordinance.
Identity theft is if someone uses your name, social security number, or other personal information to get credit cards or loans. What do you do if you are a victim of ID theft? Learn the basics here.
You can get a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Find out how.
A bad credit report can hurt you trying to rent an apartment, buy a car, get a credit card, or even get a job. Make sure your credit report is accurate. If there are errors, learn how to get them corrected.
If you think you are an identity theft victim, a fraud alert tells potential creditors that your information has been compromised and they should take extra steps in verifying your identity before issuing new credit.
If you have been a victim of identity theft, these forms and sample letters can help you try to get your credit back in order.
Learn how to establish a positive credit history (even for individuals with no credit history) or improve your credit by opening small dollar installment loans or a secured credit card.
Most everything you do with credit, both good and bad, is reported to a credit reporting agency. Learn some best practices to improve your credit and give you the best chance to have better credit.
Sometimes credit card companies will make a mistake. It’s up to you to get those errors corrected. If you need to dispute a charge on your credit, learn the steps you should take.
Don’t get ripped off by loans that you pay for, instant loan checks in the mail, and credit repair scams.
If you need help with credit, make sure you turn to places you can trust.
For help with credit fraud, contact DCBA. For more detailed financial help, visit Get Ahead LA. For more places that can help, visit our resource map.
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Before you go shopping, consider these tips.
You may be asked to co-sign for a car if the person buying the car has bad credit, or no credit at all. Think twice before you co-sign for someone else.
California’s Lemon Law protects you when a new car you buy or lease cannot be repaired. In some cases, you may be entitled to a replacement or a refund.
Most car dealers sell service contracts for new and used vehicles. These contracts are also called extended warranties. Some offer good protection at a fair price. Others are useless. Learn the difference.
“Buy Here, Pay Here” car dealers say they offer a valuable service, giving people with bad credit access to vehicles. However, they usually have higher interest rates and unfavorable terms.
With a car title loan, you give your car’s title in exchange for a loan. In most cases, you get to keep and use the car. They are usually short-term with high interest rates and can be troublesome.
If you are choosing a college, make sure you are investing wisely. Learn about the ins and outs of student loan debt.
College is expensive. Scammers take advantage of that, saying they’ll help you get financial aid or scholarships when they’re just trying to take your money or steal your personal information.
Unlike public universities and private nonprofit colleges, for-profit colleges are owned and operated by private corporations with a goal of making money. Some schools offer a good investment, but others might not.
Nearly 10 percent of Californians have student loan debt. The average student loan takes 20 years to repay. Learn strategies to help you properly manage student loan debt.
There are many types of checking accounts you can open at a bank or credit union. These resources will help you shop around for an account that fits your needs.
BankOn’s goal is to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services.
Payday lenders loan money until you get your next paycheck. Check-cashing shops will give you cash for your paycheck. These businesses will charge you a fee for this service.
The minimum wage you get paid for your job might depend on where you work. In California, different cities or communities might have different minimum wages. Know which minimum wage applies to you.
If you perform work in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you must receive at least L.A. County’s minimum wage. Not sure if you work in the unincorporated areas? Check here.
