According to Consumer Action, “Many people first realize the impact credit can have when they are turned down for a loan, a job or a rental dwelling. Landlords, utility companies, employers and insurers, as well as lenders, can use a person's credit status as a reason to turn them down. Rejection, while not pleasant, often provides an opportunity for people to seek out community resources that can help them learn about their rights and responsibilities and receive advice on recovering from damaged credit.” Consumer Action has several easy to read pamphlets to show consumers how to build and use their credits such as:

   Good Credit – Build it and keep it

   Improve your Credit

   Rebuilding Good Credit

To further help consumers understand and navigate the credit market, the Library is sponsoring a workshop on “Credit Myths and Repair” on Tuesday, September 11, at 6:30 pm (in King Library, Room 255, 2^nd floor.) The workshop is conducted by Greg Meyer of the Meriwest Credit Union. He will show you the top ten myths of credit, how to access your credit report and initiate corrections to the report, as well as some other resources. The workshop is free; you are most welcome to join us!

In these challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever to have a financial plan. Thanks to the Financial Planning Association of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County residents will have an opportunity to get free financial planning advice and attend educational workshops at the Silicon Valley Financial Planning Day on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 am to 5 pm at the King Library. Free parking is available at the Fourth/St. John Garage (50 N. Fourth St. between St. John Street and Santa Clara Street), less than two blocks from the library.

The event is open to the public and features more than 50 Certified Financial Planners who will provide no-strings attached services and private consultations on topics such as budgeting, getting out of debt, income taxes, dealing with a mortgage, paying for college, estate planning and insurance, among many other topics.

Educational workshops will also be scheduled throughout the day: 

• 11 am: Taking Control: A Financial Planning Starter Kit;
• 1 pm:  Real World Retirement Planning; and
• 3 pm:  Budgeting 101: Life’s Balancing Act.

There is no cost for the consultations. Attendees will not be asked for a phone number, credit card or address. Volunteer Certified Financial Planners will not sell products and services, or give out business cards. Walk-ins are welcome, but online registration is recommended.

Free online registration is available at www.financialplanningdays.org/siliconvalley or call (877) 861-7826.

Learn the top ten myths of credit. Learn how to access and initiate corrections to your credit report. Join Greg Meyer of Meriwest Credit Union for this useful workshop. This free event will take place in the Community Room of the Edenvale Branch Library on Wednesday July 27 from 6:30 until 7:30 PM.

Nolo Press has published a book called Credit Repair, written by Robin Leonard and Margaret Reiter. This book has a lot of useful information, as well as a CD-ROM which contains forms that users may print out.  

Many books published by Nolo Press are available in ebook format. To access them, visit our Downloads Page, and click on "Nolo and Other Legal Books."  If you are using a non-library computer,  you will need to log in by using your library card and pin number.