Resources
A short list of official U.S. government resources worth bookmarking β no commercial products, just the primary sources for taxes, student loans, retirement, and consumer protection.
Taxes
IRS.gov
The official source for federal tax forms, filing deadlines, refund status, and answers to specific tax questions straight from the agency that administers them.
Student Loans
StudentAid.gov
The Department of Education's official hub for federal student loans β applying for aid, comparing repayment plans, and applying for loan forgiveness programs directly, without a third party in between.
Retirement & Social Security
SSA.gov
The Social Security Administration's official site for retirement benefit estimates, applying for benefits, and understanding how your work history affects your future payments.
Consumer Protection
ConsumerFinance.gov (CFPB)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about banks, lenders, and debt collectors, and publishes plain-English guides on mortgages, credit reports, and other financial products.
General Guidance
USA.gov β Manage Your Money
The federal government's general starting point for personal finance topics, with links out to the specific official agency for whatever you're dealing with.