There are times in every person's life when understanding how money works helps when making major decisions. Opening a bank account? Moving into your first apartment? Buying a car? Getting your first credit card? For each of these life-changing experiences, there are things to know that allow you to make wise decisions about the best option for you.

IDFPR licenses and regulates almost all the professionals and the financial institutions you'll use to make these choices. The information below was collected from public and private websites recommended by leading financial publications. They should make it a little easier, save some aggravation, and protect against unnecessary loss of time or money.