Better ways to buy: educate yourself with a consumer handbook

Black Enterprise, Dec, 2004 by Stephanie Young

The Consumer Action Handbook is published annually by the U.S. General Services Administration's Federal Citizen Information Center. Included are tips on cars credit, education, employment. health, housing, insurance, investing, travel, and utilities. Peruse the sample complaint letter and the Consumer Assistance Directory, a list of contacts for corporations, federal agencies, better business bureaus, and local governments.

You'll also find sections on before you buy, after you buy, and a directory that offers listings of car manufacturers and dispute resolution programs as well as national consumer organizations. If you're serious about wielding your power as a consumer, t his is the book for you. To order a free copy, call 888-8783256 or read the handbook online at www.puehlo.gsa.gov/crhl/toccah.shtml.