PROVISIONS OF TRUTH IN LENDING AND LEASING LAWS ARE EXPLAINED, AND INFORMATION NEEDED TO MAKE COMPARATIVE DECISIONS IN SHOPPING FOR CREDIT AND LEASING IS PROVIDED. EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN COMPARING CREDIT TERMS. THE COST OF OPEN END CREDITS, SUCH AS CREDIT CARDS, DEPARTMENT STORE CHARGE PLATES, AND CHECK OVERDRAFT ACCOUNTS, IS ALSO DISCUSSED. ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS FOR TRUTH IN LENDING AND LEASING ARE SPECIFIED. THE COSTS OF SETTLEMENT ON A HOUSE ARE CONSIDERED. THE INCOME CAPACITY TO REPAY A DEBT, A PAST HISTORY OF PAYING DEBTS, AND THE POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL ARE THE FACTORS CREDITORS EXAMINE WHEN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO GRANT CREDIT TO A POTENTIAL CLIENT. ILLEGAL STANDARDS APPLIED FOR THE GRANTING OF CREDIT WHICH CONSTITUTE DISCRIMINATION INVOLVE SEX AND MARITAL STATUS, CHILD-BEARING PLANS, OR A TELEPHONE LISTING IN ONE'S NAME. WAYS TO ESTABLISH GOOD CREDIT HISTORIES ARE DESCRIBED, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION GIVEN TO DIVORCED OR WIDOWED WOMEN. DEALING WITH NEGATIVE INACCURATE CREDIT INFORMATION, OLD INFORMATION ON CREDIT RATING, AND BILLING MISTAKES ARE DISCUSSED, ALONG WITH MAINTAINING CREDIT RATING. CANCELLING A SECOND MORTGAGE, LAWS GOVERNING LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS, UNSOLICITED CREDIT CARDS, DISCOUNTS FOR CASH PAYMENTS, COMPLAINTS ABOUT BANKS, AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHER BUSINESSES ARE CONSIDERED. PENALTIES ARE LISTED FOR VIOLATION OF THE FOLLOWING LAWS: TRUTH IN LENDING AND CONSUMER LEASING ACT, EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT, FAIR CREDIT BILLING, AND FAIR CREDIT REPORTING. ADDRESSES OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS ARE LISTED, ALONG WITH OTHER CONSUMER PAMPHLETS AVAILABLE. (RCB)