FTC Announces New Website That May Help Manage Debt

In anticipation of National Consumer Protection Week next March, the Federal Trade Commission has launched a new website and blog to help taxpayers better manage their finances.

The website will provide consumers with information about their legal rights, as well as free resources to help them manage their privacy, credit cards, mortgages and debt.

In addition, consumer experts will provide blog posts on a variety of subjects, the agency says. Consumers will also be able to read, download, print, copy and share the files at their leisure.

At the announcement, the FTC also invited other government agencies and organizations to plan events for the week. Times, dates and locations for these events will also become available to consumers as the date approaches.

The 13th annual National Consumer Protection Week begins on March 6, and is hosted by the FTC along with nearly 30 other government agencies.

Despite struggling with debt, many consumers are planning to spend more this holiday season. Early sales estimates indicate 2010 will top 2009 in overall spending.