This document provides 20 questions from consumers on various topics and recommends resources to help answer those questions. The questions cover issues like finding reputable charities, dealing with problems with an apartment complex, checking if a product has been recalled, understanding credit reports and loans, getting a phone appraised, finding legal forms online, and more. For each question, a relevant website or organization is provided as a resource for more information. The goal is to empower consumers by providing them with trusted sources to research issues and make informed decisions.
2. Using this software
Microphone Text chat
Raising your hand Feedback
Green / Red X Audio
Laughing / Clapping Full Screen
Stepping out
Exiting
3. Question One
Question:
Im interested in giving to a variety of causes. How
can I be sure a charity is reputable?
Resource:
Charity Navigator
http://www.charitynavigator.org/
4. Question Two
Question:
I have been very displeased with the management
company of my apartment complex. Ive called and called,
but nothing seems to work. What next?
Resource:
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Renters
Rights by State
http://www.hud.gov/renting/tenantrights.cfm
5. 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/
6. 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
7. Question Five
Question:
Another parent told me she was suspicious of a Monsters,
Inc. book my kids are reading. She thinks its 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: http://www-
odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm
8. Question Six
Question:
Freeee Credit Reeeport.com. I see those ads every day. Id
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.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm
9. 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/
10. Question Eight
Question:
Im 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
11. 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)
12. 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/
13. 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
14. Question 12
Question:
Ive still got an old brick phone from the 90s lying
around. Where can I recycle it?
Resource:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, e-cycling
http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ec
ycling/index.htm
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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:
The Investors Clearing House, Investor Education
http://investoreducation.org/
18. 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
19. Question 17
Question:
I need to find good information about the effectiveness of
dietary and herbal supplementscan 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/
20. 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/
21. Question 19
Question:
New technology is so expensive. Is there a
place where I can find good deals?
Resource:
Woot!
http://www.woot.com
22. 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/
23. Thank You for Attending!
Questions?
Professional
Development
1.800.999.8558
Ext. 4916
Web: lyrasis.org
Email: russell.palmer@lyrasis.org