Below you will find resources to help with your consumer needs. Most publications from the below sources can be found at your local libraries.
Consumer World
Web: www.consumerworld.org
Consumer World is a public service website with links to hundreds of consumer resources available on the Internet. You will find consumer news, product reviews and shopping bargains. Directories provide contact information and web links for many corporations and government agencies.
Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
Pueblo, CO 81009
Phone: 1 (800) FED INFO
Web: www.pueblo.gsa.gov
Part of the U.S. General Services Administration, FCIC is a one-stop source for consumer information from the Federal Government. The free Consumer Information Catalog lists more than 200 free and low-cost publications on topics such as cars, child care, education, Federal benefits, money management, food, health, housing and travel. Order a copy of the Catalog from the FCIC website or call 1 (800) FED INFO (that’s 1-800-333-4636) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time, M-F. You can also get a copy by sending your name and address to FCIC at the address above.
Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. (CU)
101 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703-1057
Phone: 914-378-2000 / Fax: 914-378-2900
Web: www.consumerreports.org
CU is a nonprofit, independent consumer organization that researches and tests goods and services such as automobiles, appliances, food, clothing, luggage, and insurance. Some of the information is free via the Internet, radio and television. Print publications including subscriptions to the monthly Consumer Reports magazine must be purchased.
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
CooperativeStateResearch, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), USDA The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services, USDA, is federal partner in the Cooperative Extension System, a nationwide, non-formal educational network. Cooperative Extension has been a source of consumer information and assistance for nearly 100 years. With an educator in nearly every county, Cooperative Extension brings the research-based knowledge of land-grant universities directly to families and communities. Programs cover food and nutrition, housing, gardening, budgeting, using credit, saving for retirement, and more. To locate your county office, check the local government pages of your phone book or visit www.csrees.usda.gov and click on About Us, then Partnerships.
FirstGov
Web: www.FirstGov.gov The official Web portal for the U.S. government, FirstGov.gov links you to government representatives, services and information at the federal, state and local level. You can get easy-to-understand information from the government 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Similar information is posted in Spanish at www.Espanol.gov.
Center for the Study of Services
733 15th Street, NW, Suite 820
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-347-7283 / Fax: 202-347-4000
Web: www.checkbook.org
This nonprofit organization publishes information and services to help you choose and get the best price when making purchases such as autos, major appliances, audio-video equipment, doctors, hospitals and health care plans. In the Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco and St. Paul/Minneapolis areas, a subscription to CHECKBOOK magazine will give you information on many local services as auto repair, cell phones, plumbers, and banks.
