Consumer Action
Consumer information (including the current Consumer Action Handbook) from the Federal Citizen Information Center.
Consumer Information Center
Source for government publications.
ConsumerSearch
Consumer information with links to the magazines in which the original articles appeared.
Consumerworld
Searchable catalog of useful consumer resources.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Information about checks and currency, credit, Treasury securities, savings bonds, interest, mortgages, the economy, and more.
Minnesota Consumer Credit Card Report
Annual report from the Minnesota Department of Finance providing consumers with credit card interest rates, terms of credit, grace periods, and annual and other fees.
Recalls
Information on recalls of unsafe, hazardous or defective products -- consumer items used in and around the home, motor vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics, and chemicals.
Better Business Bureaus
BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau
Information for boat owners including a Boat Manufacturers Directory and a dispute mediation program. Discusses your rights as a consumer.
Consumer.gov
Includes Consumer's Resource Handbook.
Consumer Reports
Look in the Free Highlights sections under each of the banner topics for free consumer advice.
Crossroads (Safety, Health, Environment)
Links to articles of interest to personal and business/industry consumers. Covers ergonomics, first aid, injury statistics, indoor air quality, emergency and risk management, chemicals and chemical safety, and electronics recycling.
Federal Trade Commission
Articles on consumer subjects (with subdivisions) that include everyting from Advertising to Tobacco. The section on products and services includes buying jewelery, new clothing care labels, pre-paid phonecards.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety presents its statistics on accidents, vehicle ratings, other safety facts and statistics.
Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Tips
Information about the rights and responsibilities of consumers under Minnesota law.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Guidelines for hiring contractors, including essential interview questions.
National Consumers League
Protection against fraud.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Motor vehicle safety issues are dealt with. Includes crash test ratings. This site addresses some of the issues associated with school bus safety.
Privacy Rights
Tips on maintaining privacy and preventing identity theft in an era of increasing technology.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Report unsafe products here.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Information on food, drugs, medical devices, biologics (vaccines), animal feed and drugs, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products.
Your Credit Score
Information on consumer credit provided by Consumer Action (a non-profit consumer advocacy organization) in partnership with Visa.
Consumer Price Indexes
Cost of Living Calculator
Autotropolis
Interactive tools for consumers researching the purchase of a new or used vehicle.
Cars.com
Help for everything relating to buying and selling an automobile.
CostHelper
Typical costs for over 600 items and/or services and background information on what should be included in the cost for each.
Edmunds.com
New & used vehicle values
Froogle
A new service from Google, Froogle is a search engine designed to locate things for sale online.
Kelley Blue Books
Car values and more.
NADA Guides.com
Used vehicle values.
10-10 PhoneRates.com
Compares long-distance phone rates.
A Bell Tolls
Long distance rate comparisons.
CardTrak.com
Comparison shop for credit/debit cards.
Consumer Guide
Includes Best Buys
Fueleconomy
Compare the fuel efficiency of different makes, models, and years of cars. Check the price of gasoline in your area. Site also offers mileage tips.
Nursing Home Compare
Compares nursing homes in your location according to your selected criteria. Offers explanations of why certain items are important when choosing a nursing home.
Point.com
Cell phone, plan, and accessories comparisons for individuals and business.
Remodeling Online
This site provides all types of remodeling help from the planning stages through construction. Lets you plan your remodel online under the Find-a-Pro section.
Scout Report Best Sites
Guide to best internet sites.
Sperling's Best Places
Find your best place to live. Survey helps you determine your criteria, then gives a list of U.S. cities that meet them. Includes climate and crime statistics.
American Academy of Audiology Consumer Resources
Information on hearing loss and purchase of hearing aids.
Appliance411
Purchase and service information on home appliances.
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Information to guide consumers through selection, use and care, service and repair of household appliances.
Autosite
800 numbers, recalls, and more
Digital Television Transition
Help for consumers in preparing for the 2009 transition from analog to digital broadcast television.
Gamanet.org
Certified efficiency ratings for residential and commercial heating, and water heating equipment --from GAMA (the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)
HousingLink
This organization distributes low-income housing information for Twin Cities metro-region. Directory of housing searchable by location, housing type, available subsidies and accessibility.
HVAC for Beginners
Brand ratings of furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers, water heaters and related devices, compiled by former contractors, now turned HVAC consultants.
RealEstate.com - Resources and References
Provides addresses, phone numbers and descriptions of state and national agencies designated to help consumers rent and purchase homes. Includes financial help and civil rights organizations.
