Free tools

Resources

Start with Ray's free Toolkit. Then use these free official tools, the same sources Ray uses in the videos. Government and public programs only: no ads, no affiliate links, nothing to buy.

Start here

Ray's Money Ladder Toolkit

A free printable guide: a short quiz to find your level on the money ladder, the 10-minute bill check, and a money map to fill in by hand. 12 pages, about 15 minutes to read. Nothing to sell inside.

Get the free Toolkit

Medicare

Medicare Plan FinderCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, medicare.gov
Compare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with your own medicines and pharmacies.
Medicare.govmedicare.gov
What Medicare covers, what it costs, and when to sign up.
SHIP: free Medicare counselingState Health Insurance Assistance Programs, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living
Free, unbiased one-on-one help with Medicare choices in every state. Counselors sell nothing.

Taxes

IRS.govInternal Revenue Service
Official tax rules, forms, and your online account. Search "Tax Counseling for the Elderly" for free tax help if you are 60 or older.
Tax Withholding Estimatorirs.gov
Check how much tax to have withheld from a paycheck or a pension, so April has no surprise.

Saving, debt, and investing basics

Consumer Financial Protection Bureauconsumerfinance.gov
Plain guides on credit cards, debt collection, bank fees, and retirement, plus a place to file a complaint against a company.
Compound interest calculatorU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, investor.gov
See how a regular amount can grow over time. Education only, no products.
AnnualCreditReport.comThe only free credit report site authorized by federal law
Get your free credit reports and check them for mistakes or accounts you do not recognize.

Home and energy bills

Find a HUD-approved housing counselorU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, hud.gov
Free or low-cost help with buying, renting, reverse mortgages, or avoiding foreclosure.
LIHEAP: help with heating and cooling billsU.S. Administration for Children and Families
The federal energy assistance program, run by each state. Households with older adults get priority.

Scams and fraud

ReportFraud.ftc.govFederal Trade Commission
Report a scam, a fake call, or an unfair business practice, and get next steps.
IdentityTheft.govFederal Trade Commission
A step-by-step recovery plan if someone used your personal information.
National Do Not Call Registrydonotcall.gov
Register your phone numbers to cut down on sales calls, and report unwanted calls.

Addresses last checked in October 2026. These links are listed for education only: we receive nothing from them. Spot a broken link? Tell us at raysmoneyladder@gmail.com.