Consumer Bureau Aims to Simplify Credit Card Agreements - Consumer News Roundup for 12/07/11

A roundup of consumer-focused articles from around the web.

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau aims to simplify credit card agreements The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is asking the public to weigh in on a prototype credit card agreement that is shorter, written in plain language, and explains key features upfront.
• Updated Washington Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide (pdf)
  The Seattle-King County Asset Building Colloborative has updated the Washington Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide to include information about the Washington Foreclosure Fairness Act and mediation program.
• IRS seeks to return $153 million in undelivered checks; Recommends e-file, direct deposit to avoid future delivery problems
  In an annual reminder to taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that it is looking to return $153.3 million in undelivered tax refund checks. In all, 99,123 taxpayers are due refund checks this year that could not be delivered because of mailing address errors. The IRS also recommends that taxpayers file their tax returns electronically, because e-file eliminates the risk of lost paper returns. E-file also reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up refunds. Nearly 8 out of 10 taxpayers chose e-file last year. E-file combined with direct deposit is the best option for taxpayers to avoid refund problems; it’s easy, fast and safe.
• Time spent picking a financial adviser is time well spent
  Spending time to research a financial adviser is time well spent to avoid fraud. Tips and information from experts.