Works to provide consumers the information they need to understand the terms of their agreements with financial companies. Also: -  Writes rules, supervises companies and enforces federal consumer financial protection laws -  Restricts unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices within financial companies -  Takes consumer complaints about financial companies -  Promotes financial education -  Monitors financial markets for new risks to consumers -  Enforces laws that outlaw discrimination and other unfair treatment in consumer finance  Provides information on a wide range of topics of interest to consumers dealing with financial companies, including:   -  Paying for college and student loans -  Planning for retirement -  Owning a home -  Protections against credit discrimination -  Trouble paying a mortgage -  Preventing financial exploitation of older adults -  Consumer financial challenges affecting service members and veterans   Receives confidential reports from whistleblowers who have information about companies or individuals that are violating federal consumer financial laws. Provides information on website in several languages; responds to telephone inquiries from consumers.

May be able to assist individuals experiencing the following problems with student loans: -  Recipients of VA or Social Security Disability benefits with difficulty repaying loans -  Those with medically certified/certifiable disabilities with difficulty repaying loans -  Student loan servicer is not playing by the rules or treating the individual unfairly -  Eligible for a student loan hardship discharge but loan servicer making it difficult or impossible

Provides regulatory oversight for state-chartered commercial banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, trust companies, foreign banks, credit unions, payday loan companies and check cashers and sellers. Issues licenses to financial companies operating in Washington. Also provides oversight of mortgage brokers, mortgage loan originators, investment advisers, franchises and securities.  Consumers may file a complaint after contacting the company directly and getting no positive results.   Cannot give legal advice, nor recommend attorneys. The agency cannot pursue redress on your behalf. Contact a private attorney who can advise you of your rights.