HUD Housing Counseling Exam Questions and Answers (Graded A+)

Rental Obstacle + Solutions: Low Income - ANSWER--Some Renters reject people whose Rent would be more than 30% of GMI -Solutions -Apply for Housing Assistance -Expand housing search areas -Get a roommate -Move in w/family or friends Strategies for decreasing expenses and debt - ANSWER-Prioritize "needs over "wants" -reduce or eliminate "wants" -cancel or downgrade services(e.g. cable, telephone) -limit miscellaneous spending - stick to a shopping list - pay off a loan or credit card - move to more affordable housing - change insurance coverage to lower premiums Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) - ANSWER--Right to know what is your file -Right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information - Access to your file is limited only to people w/valid need (i.e, creditor, insurer) -You may seek damages from violators (sue) - States have their own rules which additionally project What documents to use when tracking income - ANSWER--Paychecks, direct deposits slips - If self-employed, income + expenses sheet - Additional income checks or cash - Government benefit letters Site to obtain free credit report - ANSWER- Chapter 13 bankruptcy - ANSWER-Allows individuals w/regular income to develop a plan to repay all or part of their debts over 3 to 5 years can stop foreclose sure proceedings + may delinquent mortgage payments over time Steps to take if victim of identity theft - ANSWER--Place a fraud alert w/the credit reporting agencies - order credit reports to review + identify inaccuracies - create an identify theft report obtain ID theft affidavit from the FTC - File a police report Fair and Accurate credit Transcription Act (FACTA) - ANSWER--Right to free annual credit report - Right to place a fraud alert on your credit file - Receipts may not include entirety of credit card #s Four Steps of Asset building - ANSWER-1.Chose the right bank or credit union account 2. Build savings for emergencies + Large purchase 3. Invest for retirement 4. Take advantage of tax credits