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_a ssistance/tenantrightshttp://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_a ssistance/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-emailhttp://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 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&p arent=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