"Provides information for teens about obtaining and using credit, managing debt, and avoiding predatory lending"--Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

Preface -- pt. 1 Money and the economy : how the big picture affects your wallet -- 1. The history of money -- 2. U.S. currency -- 3. Banks, thrifts, and credit unions -- 4. What determines interest rates? -- 5. Public debt : when the government owes money -- pt. 2. Using credit -- 6. Why should you care about credit? -- 7. The ABCs of credit reports -- 8. How to dispute credit report errors -- 9. What is credit scoring? -- 10. Credit and your consumer rights -- 11. Getting a loan : shopping for credit -- 12. Cosigning a loan -- 13. Understanding vehicle financing -- 14. Loans for education -- 15. Types of loans and capital for entrepreneurs -- 16. What is a mortgage? -- 17. Credit protection : what to consider before you buy -- pt. 3. Credit and debit cards -- 18. Choosing and using credit cards -- 19. How is a debit card different from a credit card? -- 20. Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards --21. Understanding credit card offers : what's the catch? -- 22. Common problems with plastic -- 23. Understanding credit card finance charges and penalties -- 24. A guide to reading your monthly credit card statement -- 25. Small payments can mean big costs -- 26. Credit and debit card fraud : protect yourself -- 27. If your credit or debit card is lost or stolen -- pt. 4. Predatory and problematic lending practices -- 28. Alternative financial services : a helping hand or loan sharking? -- 29. What is predatory lending? -- 30. Payday and title loans -- 31. Refund anticipation loans -- 32. Overdraft loans : courtesy or debt trap? -- 33. Rent-to-own stores and no-interest financing -- 34. The truth about advance-fee loan scams -- 35. Be wary of "gold" and "platinum" cards offering "easy credit" -- pt. 5. Preventing and resolving debt-related problems -- 36. How to avoid common debt mistakes -- 37. Avoiding costly banking mistakes -- 38. How to budget and save -- 39. Smart shopping -- 40. Signs of compulsive debting -- 41. Take control of debt -- 42. If you are contacted by a debt collector -- 43. Credit counseling -- 44. Credit repair -- 45. Bankruptcy : a brief overview -- pt. 6. If you need more information -- 46. Credit and debt statistics -- 47. A directory of financial literacy resources -- 48. Additional reading about credit and debt -- Index.