Got Credit Questions? OCCC Has Answers
July is Military Consumer Month, an annual observance to increase awareness of consumer protections and financial readiness for servicemembers, Veterans and military families.
Military families make enormous sacrifices for our nation, but as a result of their service, they often face unique financial challenges. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner may be able to help.
Since 1963, the OCCC has supervised the consumer credit industry in Texas. Their mission includes industry regulation as well as helping Texans resolve issues and complaints against those regulated companies* and a lot more.
The OCCC offers multiple ways to help the public understand their rights and responsibilities. Their goal is to help improve Texans’ financial wellness. They do that by offering:
- a consumer helpline;
- email assistance;
- consumer education that includes a built-in speaker’s bureau.
Groups of 15 or more can request an OCCC speaker or exhibitor to attend their next event or provide a virtual presentation.
Financial Wellness Grants Available
In 2012, the Texas Legislature established the Texas Financial Education Endowment (TFEE) to provide grants to organizations that exemplify OCCC’s values of helping improve financial wellness for students or adults. The grant process is open to schools and non-profit organizations with programs about financial education and financial coaching. Recent recipients included groups that serve Texans in the five largest cities, the Rio Grande Valley and the statewide Texas State Affordable Housing Corp.
Regulated Businesses
*The industries regulated by OCCC include six categories of licensed businesses and four categories of registered businesses. Some of those businesses include mortgage loan originators, vehicle sales finance companies, auto title loans, debt settlement providers, pawnshops and credit access businesses.
