20 Questions: Empowering Consumers

1. 20 Questions: Empowering Consumers

2. Question One • Question: “I’m interested in giving to a variety of causes. How can I be sure a charity is reputable?” • Resource: • Charity Navigator • http://www.charitynavigator.org/

3. Question Two • Question: • “I have been very displeased with the management company of my apartment complex. I’ve called and called, but nothing seems to work. What next?” • Resource: • Department of Housing and Urban Development, Renter’s Rights by State • http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/tenantrights

4. Question Three • Question: • “Well, I tried everything I know to do with the apartment management company, and now I want to complain in some meaningful way. What can I do?” • Resource: • Better Business Bureau • http://www.bbb.org/ • Consumer Action Handbook • http://www.consumeraction.gov/

5. Question Four • Question: • “Strange things have been happening to me lately. I think someone might have stolen my identity. What steps do I need to take?” • Resource: • Federal Trade Commission, Identify Theft • http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ • Privacy Rights Clearinghouse • http://www.privacyrights.org/index.htm

6. Question Five • Question: • “Another parent told me she was suspicious of a pair of shoes her kids are wearing—they have a loose bow. She thinks they may have been recalled! How can I find out of this is the case?” • Resource: • Consumer Products Safety Commission, Recalls • http://www.cpsc.gov/ • http://www.recalls.gov/ • Auto Recalls: • www.safercar.gov

7. Question Six • Question: • “I see those ads for free credit reports every day. I’d like to see my reports, but there are so many options. Which is the most reliable/trustworthy?” • Resource: • Annual Credit Report • https://www.annualcreditreport.com • More info about credit reports- • http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports

8. Question Seven • Question: • “Now that I know my credit is in good shape, I want to apply for a new, low interest card with some benefits. Where can I find the best cards?” • Resource: • Card Ratings • http://www.cardratings.com/

9. Question Eight • Question: • “I’m interested in buying the fancy Google phone. Is it any good? How does it stack up against the Iphone? • Resource: • CNET, ZDNET • http://www.cnet.com • http://www.zdnet.com

10. Question Nine • Question: • “I have some beautiful antiques that simply must be appraised. How can I find a reputable appraiser in my area?” • Resource: • International Society of Appraisers Directory • http://www.isa-appraisers.org/ISA_form.html • Or American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the Appraisers Association of America (AAA)

11. Question Ten • Question: • “The phone is a constant source of frustration in my life. What will help me with managing my calls?” • Resource: • Get Human: • http://www.gethuman.com/ • National Do Not Call Registry: • https://www.donotcall.gov/ • Who Called Us? • http://whocalled.us/lookup/ • Junk mail? • http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email

12. Question 11 • Question: • “There are lots of great consumer health resources for people, but fewer for pets! Can you help me find a good site with information about pet care, pet products, and other services?” • Resource: • American Animal Hospital Association, Healthy Pet • http://www.healthypet.com

13. Question 12 • Question: “I’ve still got an old brick phone from the 90’s lying around. Where can I recycle it?” • Resource: • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “e-cycling” http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm

14. Question 13 • Question: • “I was reading an article on purchasing new cars that suggested I find out the invoice price. • “What does this mean? Where can I find that?” • Resource: • edmunds.com, Pricing System

15. Question 14 • Question: • “Before I know what hit me, it will be time to send my kids to college. Where can I find more information about college savings plans available in my state?” • Resource: • College Savings Plans Network • http://www.collegesavings.org

16. Question 15 • Question: • “I have little to no understanding of the investment landscape. At my new job, I have the option of investing in a 401k. I need help understanding how it works!” • Resource: • Investopedia • http://www.investopedia.com/ • Motley Fool • http://www.fool.com/

17. Question 16 • Question: • “I am trying to save some money on legal fees. Are there resources online where I can get forms?” • Resource: • Findlaw • http://www.findlaw.com • Nolo • http://www.nolo.com

18. Question 17 • Question: • “I need to find good information about the effectiveness of dietary and herbal supplements—can you help?” • Resource: • Office of Dietary Supplements • http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/ • General consumer health information-Medline Plus: • http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

19. Question 18 • Question: • “I just had the best experience buying sportswear at a Jockey outlet store. I really want to send my compliments to the parent company. How would I do that?” • Resource: • Planet Feedback • http://www.planetfeedback.com/

20. Question 19 • Question: • “New technology is so expensive. Is there a place where I can find good deals?” • Resource: • Woot! • http://www.woot.com • Google shopping (formerly Froogle) • www.google.com/shopping

21. Question 20 • Question: • “I was just in this online class where I learned about a lot of resources for consumers, but I know there have to be a lot more. Where can I find more info?” • Resource: • Consumer Action • http://www.consumeraction.gov • Clark Howard • http://clarkhoward.com/ • Internet Public Library, Consumer Issues and Services • http://www.ipl.org/IPLBrowse/GetSubject?vid=13&cid=1&tid=6615&parent=6607 • http://www.consumerworld.org/

22. Thank You for Attending! Questions? Professional Development 1.800.999.8558 Ext. 4916 Web: lyrasis.org • Email: russell.palmer@lyrasis.org