Banking and loans

Whether you're looking for information on choosing a bank or credit union, taking out a loan or mortgage, selecting a savings or checking account, or learning about debt collection, the answers to your bank/banking questions are here.

Insurance

Insurance provides disaster protection. That could be why there are more than 150 different types of insurance policies. Many of them are detailed here, along with consumer alerts and information on how to file a complaint or contact the Division of Insurance if you have questions or concerns about your insurance.

How to protect yourself from scams and identity theft

People of any age and at any stage of their life are at risk of falling prey to a scam.  There are a few rules of thumb to remember and to protect yourself, but always remember one thing:  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Find out how to protect yourself, and what to do if you're the victim of consumer fraud or identity theft.


Credit cards and debt

Here you’ll find little-known secrets that can help keep you out of credit card debt, information on obtaining or correcting your credit card report, tips on who to contact to get a copy of your credit report and resolve collection agency and creditor complaints, information on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and more.


Investments and mutual funds

Mutual funds may be an appropriate option for investors at various income levels, and may help to reduce the worry of day-to-day issues such as what individual securities to buy and sell, or when to buy and sell them. They offer a level of diversity that can be hard to match as an individual investor. This increased level of diversification may mean the funds are less volatile than others. Find out more about investing in mutual funds, the Do's and Don'ts of investing, and how to file a complaint.


Taxes

Find important tax information for individuals and families, businesses and employees, state and federal tax preparers, and local tax assessors.


A guide to consumer credit

There are many laws protecting consumers from credit card fraud and other issues, including those that govern truth in lending, billing rights, fair credit reporting, and debt collection. The information in this guide addresses these credit concerns, as well as what is often referred to as the “hidden price of plastic,” to educate you on how costly debt can be.


Educate yourself about investing and making wise financial decisions

Educating consumers on the importance of making wise investment choices is a priority of the Massachusetts Securities Division. To that end, the Division provides consumers with necessary information by distributing, free of charge, various publications, brochures, videos and teaching guides. In addition, the Division sponsors various educational programs for teachers, students and the general public on saving, investing and fraud prevention.

Financial tips for Veterans' bonus recipients

If you are receiving the Veterans’ Bonus because you served in the armed forces and lived in Massachusetts prior to enlisting, check out these practical tips — such as enrolling in undergraduate or graduate courses or paying off your credit card(s) — on how to use this bonus to advance your financial future.


A guide to bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Basics provides basic information to debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public on different aspects of the federal bankruptcy laws. It also provides individuals who may be considering bankruptcy with a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process.

Mass. state law about bankruptcy

Filing bankruptcy can provide the relief you need from your current debts, and knowing how to declare bankruptcy is essential if you want to experience a process that is efficient, and one that can accomplish your end goals. There are a number of different types of bankruptcy. This bankruptcy information compiled by the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries may help you determine the kind of bankruptcy you may be eligible for.

Federal bankruptcy court - Mass. district

Each of the 94 federal judicial districts handles bankruptcy matters, and in almost all districts, bankruptcy cases are filed in the bankruptcy court. Bankruptcy cases cannot be filed in state court.