US government agencies work to help consumers make wise choices and stay healthy and safe. Their information is made available to us in over 200 publications, which you can order or download at www.publications.usa.gov. Depending on the publication, they are available in print, as a pdf, or online. Some can be downloaded to an e-reader, and many are available in Spanish.
These free and low-cost publications cover a variety of topics: pets, cars, food, health, travel, consumer protection, employment, going green, travel, and more. One of the most popular is the Consumer Action Handbook which offers assistance with consumer purchases, problems and complaints. It also provides contact information for hundreds of companies and trade associations, government agencies, and national consumer organizations.
Money is a topic of many of the publications, of course. They cover investing, loans, scams and fraud, retirement, child support, and debt, to name a few. A few selected titles are:
- How to Stop Mystery Credit Card Fees
- Investor Bulletin: Protecting Your Online Brokerage Accounts from Fraud
- Are Your Finances Ready for a Stressful Life Event?
- Teaching Young People About Money: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Protect Your Pocketbook: Tips to Avoid Financial Exploitation
- Managing Someone Else’s Money: Help for Agents Under a Power of Attorney
- Retirement Toolkit
This consumer information program began in the 1970’s with a paper catalogue. In 2000, it moved on line but still offered a booklet listing many of the available publications. This year marks the 45th year of this program and, with it, the end of the paper catalogue.
Visit www.publications.usa.gov to check out, download or order publications that interest you.
This blog is published to provide you with general information only, and is not intended to provide specific or comprehensive advice. Money Care, LLC encourages individuals to seek advice from competent professionals when appropriate.
