Consumer Information Resources
Premium Resources
Legal Information Reference Center
Online full text for many of the top consumer legal reference books and thousands of legal forms. Content offers users detailed “how-to” instructions to address a wide-range of legal issues including business law, financial planning, family law, and property & real estate.
Weiss Financial Ratings
Independent and unbiased financial strength ratings for banks and credit unions, stocks and mutual funds, and all types of insurance companies including HMOs; customized Medicare Supplemental Insurance (MediGap) buyer's guide that includes plan features, pricing, and regional availability. Financial planning tips are also available. * (Note: 7-digit library cards will not work with this resource. Please contact HPL Circulation at circinfo@houstontx.gov to request a longer card number.)
Recommended Websites
Annual Credit Report
Request your free annual credit report.
Bank Rates
A site providing bank interest rates for mortgages, loans, credit cards, various accounts, and certificates of deposit.
Better Business Bureau for the Houston Area
Information about companies and charities to encourage wise purchases and a fair marketplace.
BroadbandSearch
Unbiased ratings and side-by-side comparisons of Internet, television, and phone service providers in the Houston area and across the country to aid consumers in selecting the service that is right for them. Contact information for providers is included, as well as outlines of plans they offer, pricing, coverage areas, and other details.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
The BCP works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace. Includes scam alerts as well as information on mortgages, money, privacy and identity and more.
Consumer Action
Provides tips and advice on consumer purchases and repairs, fraud, complaints, consumer privacy, and credit as well as links to related private and governmental organizations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resources
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) strives to protect consumers, provide guidance to businesses, and protect competition in the marketplace throughout the pandemic. Website includes information on how consumers can recognize and avoid scams, handle financial crises, and track complaints.
Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
Compare costs of living between United States cities.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD is the Federal agency responsible for national policy and programs that address America's housing needs, improve and develop the Nation's communities, and enforce fair housing laws. HUD's mission is to create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans, and it plays a major role in supporting homeownership by underwriting homeownership for lower- and moderate-income families through its mortgage insurance programs.
DepositAccounts.com
Easy to find bank information and compare interest rates.
Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guide
New and used car prices, as well as other information for car owners.
FDIC Consumer Protection
Financial literacy resources to educate and protect consumers.
Filing a Claim For Your Health or Disability Benefits
Describes some of your plan's obligations and briefly explains the procedures and timelines for filing a health or disability benefits claim (from the U.S. Department of Labor).
Financial Calculators
Financial calculators for mortgages, car loans, student loans and more.
Fueleconomy.gov
Fuel economy ratings of vehicles from the EPA and Department of Energy.
Healthcare.Gov
Learn about insurance options, coverage, and consumer rights under the Affordable Care Act.
Hospital Compare
Information about the quality of care at over 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals, including over 130 Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers and over 50 military hospitals, across the country. You can use Hospital Compare to find hospitals and compare the quality of their care.
Houston Summer Camps
An up-to-date listing of summer camps in the Houston area.
Kelley Blue Book
Get help shopping for used cars.
Motor Trend
Reviews about new and used cars with pricing information and road tests.
Retirement Living
Buyer's guides, advice and tips for all things senior living.
Reviews.com
Data-driven reviews in the categories of Business, Education, Finance, Home & Lifestyle, and Insurance.
Texas Department of Insurance : Consumer Protection
Gives insurance buying tips and offers both auto and homeowners insurance price comparisons.
Texas Department of Safety Identity Theft Information Guide
Tips and information to prevent identity theft and steps to take if you have been a victim.
Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel
OPIC helps Texas consumers compare policies and coverage when shopping for insurance of all types, knowing your rights under Texas law, and provides advice on making claims. OPIC also issues annual reports on Texas HMOs, including consumer satisfaction and quality of care measures.
Tips for Choosing an Insurance Policy
Offers general tips and resources to use when buying insurance.
United Way of Greater Houston Community Resources
Online edition of the United Way's Community Resource Directory.