A free resource that every consumer should at least look through is the “2009 Consumer Action Handbook” published by the US Government Services Administration (GSA) and available for download at the Consumer Action Website.  Should you prefer a printed version, the website provides a link where you order up to 10 print copies mailed to you at no charge.

Think you’re already a savvy consumer?  Guess again.  One glance at the Handbook’s Table of Contents will reveal a number of areas where we all can pick up a tip or two.

For example, here’s a summary of what you’ll find inside this informative publication:

• Buyer Beware – tips and info on purchasing products and services; service contracts and extended warranties; product safety recalls; and how to identify shopping fraud.
• Banking – what to look out for when getting and using ATM and debit cards; the pros and cons of prepaid cards; savings and checking accounts tips and traps; and what to do about unsolicited checks and credit offers.
• Cars – the ins and outs of buying a new or a used car; leasing and renting; your rights under recalls and lemon laws; vehicle repossessions.
• Credit – what your rights are; credit cards and credit reports; billing disputes; FICO; credit scores; how to deal with and control your debt; personal bankruptcy.
• Loans – your rights under home equity and installment loans.
• Financing Your Education – how to pay for college and get financial aid without going broke.
• Employment – what to look out for in employment agencies, work-at-home companies, multi-level marketing, and net-based business opportunities.
• Food and Nutrition – what to know about healthy food choices, food safety, and safe weight loss.
• Health Care – how to choose a doctor and a healthcare facility; how to file a complaint; dealing with prescription drugs and Medicare drug coverage.
• Housing – buying a home; mortgages and reverse mortgages; avoiding foreclosure; choosing a lender; renting or leasing; dealing with landlords.
• Insurance – types of insurance including auto, disability, health, healthcare, homeowners/renters, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Internet – choosing service providers; online file sharing; online copyright issues; online auctions and sales; preventing online fraud and dealing with spam.
• Investing – all about online investing; financial advisors and brokers.
• Phones – what slamming and cramming is; cell phones vs. pay-as-you-go phones; understanding VoIP.
• Privacy Protection & Identity Theft – tips for preventing identity loss; how to report identity theft; protecting your financial, medical, and online privacy.
• Smart Home Shopping – your rights shopping from home; the 3-day cooling off rule; online auctions and sales.
• Telemarketing & Unwanted Mail – the National Do Not Call Registry; pre-recorded messages and telemarketing sales calls.
• Travel – how to resolve travel problems; passports and travel safety.
• TV – the ins and outs of cable, satellite, and Internet TV; understanding DTV.
• Utilities – electricity, natural gas, and water.
• Wills & Funerals – planning and writing a will; choosing an executor; funerals; veterans cemeteries.
• How to File a Complaint
• Key Information Resources
• Consumer Assistance Directory

See what I mean?  I challenge anyone to thumb through this resource and not come across something you didn’t know or hadn’t thought of.  And the best part is that it’s free for the asking (or downloading).

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to the Consumer Action Website and download or order your copy today!

Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy
Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and
Personal Fitness Trainer (NESTA)

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