The mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for consumers by making rules more effective, by consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers to take more control over their economic lives. Empowering consumers to take control of their financial lives and achieve their own life goals is a critical part of the Bureau's mission. Consumers need four things to be financially empowered. First, consumers need consistent access and the ability to choose among high-quality financial services. Second, consumers need sufficient information about the costs, the benefits, and the risks, of choices in the marketplace. Third, consumers need a set of financial habits and skills that constitute financial capability to help them to make the financial decisions that benefit themselves and their families. Finally, consumers need to know that they can get a better shot at achieving their own life goals if they affirmatively seek information, make choices, and take steps to control their financial lives. Consumers today are faced with increasingly complex financial decisions, many of which have long term consequences. When individuals don't have enough knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial marketplace, it may be harder for them to avoid financial problems. For many consumers it is essential to have a trusted resource for financial information, education and help navigating the many steps toward financial empowerment. This is especially true for people who are economically vulnerable.