Consumer Information

Budget/Money	Car/Truck/RV/Motorcycle
General	House/Home
In the News	Insurance
Miscellaneous	Organizations
Product Reviews

Budget/Money

877-GET-HOPE – Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network

Annual Credit Report – free, really!

Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) – Find an Agency

Bankruptcy – Resource Center

Basics of Budgeting: Indiana Secretary of State (printable worksheets & spending logs)

Best Time to Buy Almost Everything | Get Rich Slowly

Best ways to sell your stuff

Consumer Reports Money & Shopping

Couponomic Stimulus Package – deals and matchups for the Elkhart County area

Credit 101 [ View Description ]From debtadvice.org

Credit Card Complaint Form: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CreditCards.com – Compare Credit Card Offers

Days To Pay – How long until you pay it off?

Dollar Stretcher [ View Description ]Features articles on money management and money-saving techniques

Fake check scammers hunt for victims [ View Description ]from CNN.com

FDIC: Unclaimed Funds (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation )

Financial Calculators

Financial Help For Single Moms – Home Loans, State Assistance, Support [ View Description ]At SingleMomFinancialHelp.com we strive to help women from all walks of life by providing information about various aspects of financial assistance and financial advice.

FinancialStability.gov

Foreclosure Resources for Consumers [ View Description ]If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment, one of the most important things you can do is seek assistance. The following resources provide information and links to agencies and organizations that may be able to help you. From the Federal Reserve Bank.

Government May Owe You Money: USA.gov [ View Description ]Check unclaimed property, credit unions, mortgage refunds, and more.

Help for National Bank Customers

How To Avoid Hidden Charges (credit cards, banks, utilities) [ View Description ]Indiana Department of Financial Institutions

IndianaUnclaimed.com (unclaimed money search)

IRS Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [ View Description ]Congress has approved and the President has signed new economic recovery legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The IRS is implementing tax-related provisions of this new program as quickly as possible.Here are some key highlights:COBRA: Health Insurance Continuation Subsidy. First-Time Homebuyer Credit Expands. Payroll Checks Increase This Spring. $250 for Social Security Recipients, Veterans and Railroad Retirees. Money Back for New Vehicle Purchases.

Missing Money (missingmoney.com) [ View Description ]A single, easy to use website to search nationally for your missing money.

MomAdvice: The Community of Tips, Advice and Articles for Moms [ View Description ]Well researched and in-depth articles on frugal living, saving money, work at home opportunities, inexpensive recipes, and tips for organizing your life. Find answers, opinions and a community who understands.

Money 101 – Financial Advice (CNNMoney.com)

Mortgage Foreclosure Trial Court Assistance Project

New Credit Card Rules: Who Really Benefits? 2010

Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation – Find Missing Participants

Personal Finance information from Consumer Reports

Practical Money Skills

Printable Grocery Coupons, Coupon Codes, and Online Deals

Rebuild Your Finances & Manage Your Budget – ConsumerReports.org

RetailMeNot.com – find online discounts & coupon codes [ View Description ]Coupon codes and discounts for 30,000 online stores!

Savvy Savings Tips: Indiana Secretary of State

Teaching your kids to be money-savvy

The 20 best money Web sites

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Help Desk: Money Magazine – answering your money questions

The Store Sales Cycle: Your Monthly Guide to Clearance Prices

Top 10 Ways to Save Money in a Recession – Lifehacker

Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed Property Programs – Search by State

Unemployed? Underemployed? Here’s How to Get Help

Welcome to myFDICinsurance.gov [ View Description ]Find out whether all your money is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

What It Costs – Everything Costs Something [ View Description ]Whether you want to know the price range of practical activities — such as removing a tree stump from your yard, having your teeth whitened or joining a gym – or are interested in our more unusual articles – such as the cost of climbing the Seven Summits, being cryogenically frozen or cleaning up a murder scene – you will find all this and more on our website.

Your Credit Score – Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

Car/Truck/RV/Motorcycle

AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report

Automobile Recall Database

Best Cars and Trucks – U.S. News Rankings and Reviews [ View Description ]Thousands of published reviews, test drives and ratings analyzed by the U.S. News editors

Car Survey.org

Car Talk: Mechanics Files – The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Great Mechanic

Cars.com – Buy, Sell, & Research [ View Description ]Offering credible and easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car.

CHILTON LIBRARY car repair (EPL subscribes to this) [ View Description ]Chilton Library provides photographs, diagnostics, step-by-step repair procedures, OEM maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks. This database is accessible from the Main Library, all Branch locations and can also be accessed remotely using an Elkhart Public Library Card.

Click It or Ticket – Seat Belt Campaign

Crashtest.com

EconoFix.com – Auto and Truck Repair and Advice

Edmund\’s Consumer Information

Elkhart Gas Prices | Find the Lowest Elkhart Gas Price at Local Gas Stations [ View Description ]This tool can help you pinpoint the local stations with the the cheapest gas prices.

Epinions – Cars

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy Info on Cars

Gas Mileage Calculator

GasBuddy.com

General Moped Repair Links – Moped Riders Association

Intellichoice – Choose Your Car Wisely

Keep Your Ride Rolling: Tips For a Longer Lasting Car

Kelley Blue Book

NADA price guide

RepairPal: Auto Repair and Maintenance Estimates & Auto Shop and Mechanic Ratings

Safercar.gov – vehicle safety information

General

Better Business Bureau – search United States and Canada BBB [ View Description ]Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings

Consumer Action Handbook – Federal Citizen Information Center

Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws

Consumer World

eConsumer

Facts on the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)

FixYa:Tech Support, Manuals & Troubleshooting for Consumers

Free Credit Report Availability – new law

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection – Consumer Information [ View Description ]This section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights.

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

House/Home

100 Skills Every Man Should Know: DIY Advice – Popular Mechanics

AltUse – Discover Alternative Uses for Everyday Products

American Association of Poison Control Center

Decoding Food Product Dates

Donate Unwanted Furniture – National Furniture Bank Association [ View Description ]A “furniture bank” is a non-profit organization which collects good quality used furniture and provides it to those whoneed it. In 1999, twenty furniture banks created the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA). There are now over 60furniture banks that belong to the NFBA.

Elkhart County Works Together – Use the Skills Bank to locate Services for HIre, Find Work , Network, Grow Food [ View Description ]…a group of Elkhart County unemployed or under-employed residents that are trying to provide work for ourselves and fellow residents. Elkhart County Works Together connects residents of Elkhart County to share resources and strengthen the bonds of community in order to build our common future.

Environmental Working Group – Drinking Water Quality Analysis and Tap Water Database

Fix Your VCR

FlyLady.net – decluttering and organizing your home and life!

For Consumers: Advice for Remodeling or Building a New Home

Goodwill Stores and Donation Centers

Green cleaners – safe & healthy cleaning products [ View Description ]Save money, protect your family and the environment by using safe, simple ingredients to clean your home.

Green Remodeling: Start Simple

H2ouse.org – water saving tips [ View Description ]Click on any room in the house diagram for links to water-saving tips. Also includes a water budget calculator, a garden guide to water- conserving planting, and the top 5 actions you can take to save water.

Home Improvement Reference Center (EPL subscribes to this)

Home Maintenance and Repair Monthly Checklists

Household Products Database – Health and Safety Information on Household Products [ View Description ]Whats under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room?Learn more about whats in these products, about potential health effects, and about safety and handling.

Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest

Locate A Furniture Bank – receive furniture through Furniture Banks Across America

Lowe’s Creative Ideas: Home Improvement Buying Guides, How To Videos, Installation Articles, Interactive Guides

Math in Daily Life

National Do Not Call List

National Pesticide Information Center

Plumbing 101

RepairClinic.com – Household Appliances

State Do Not Call Lists

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure – HUD

Top 10 Tips for Renters! – Energy Efficiency [ View Description ]Even if you rent an apartment, townhouse, or a home, you can make a big difference, too! These tips will show you how to be more energy efficient and save energy, money, and reduce the risks of global warming. If there are things you cant change on your own, share these tips and encourage your landlord to help you make a change for the better.

WhiteFence.com – Find Local Utilities and Home Services [ View Description ]Compare and Shop for Home Services. Save money by comparing rates and switching service to help lower your monthly bills. Shop and compare packages from more than 40 home service categories, including home phone, Internet, TV, electricity, natural gas and more.

In the News

Are you eligible for mortgage help?

Bailout Scorecard | Eye on the Bailout | ProPublica

Charity Navigator – Disaster Aid [ View Description ]Link to organizations providing relief efforts in disaster areas. Each has their Charity Navigator rating listed.

Economy [ View Description ]info from the White House

How Much Stimulus Funding is Going to Your County? – ProPublica Recovery Tracker

Made in America Resource Guide: Where to Find American Companies? – ABC News

Recovery.Gov – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Oversight [ View Description ]

Stimulus Watch: Keeping an Eye on Economic Recovery Spending [ View Description ]StimulusWatch.org was built to help the new administration keep its pledge to invest stimulus money smartly, and to hold public officials to account for the taxpayer money they spend. We do this by allowing you, citizens around the country with local knowledge about the proposed shovel-ready projects in your city, to find, discuss and rate those projects. These projects are not part of the stimulus bill. They are candidates for funding by federal grant programs once the bill passes.

The New Financial Regulation Law and Your Money

Tips from America’s thriftiest families [ View Description ]from CNN.com

World Food Situation

Insurance

Best’s Ratings Online

Car Insurance: Dealing With an Accident

Consumers Guide To Health Reform – Kaiser Health News

Family Wize: Free Prescripton Discount Card (United Way partner)

Health Insurance Consumer Guides

Health Reform Explained Video: “Health Reform Hits Main Street” – Kaiser Health Reform

Healthcare.gov – Find Insurance Options [ View Description ]This tool will help you find the health insurance best suited to your needs, whether its private insurance for individuals, families, and small businesses, or public programs that may work for you. It was created to help consumers under the health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act.See which public, private and community programs meet your needs.

Implications Of A Federal Block Grant Program For Medicaid – Kaiser Family Foundation

Insure.com

Kaiser Family Foundation: Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Health Care Reform

Key changes to health insurance take effect on Sept. 23, 2010

Standard & Poor’s Insurance Ratings

Miscellaneous

Amazon to Zappos: Shipping Rates and Free Shipping for Over 50 Top Online Retailers

AntennaWeb [ View Description ]The AntennaWeb.org mapping program, provided by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), locates the proper outdoor* antenna to receive your local television broadcast channels.

Ask A…Series on WNIT Public Television

BRINGO : Stop Talking to Machines and Talk to a Real Human

Buying Medical Products Online – Protect Yourself

Caller Complaints.com – Stop Telemarketers And Annoying Unknown Callers

Catalog Choice – reduce unwanted mail [ View Description ]Choose which catalogs to receive and reduce mailbox clutter, help companies reduce distribution costs, and help the environment. Registration is required for this site.

Catalogs.com – Order Catalogs from around the world for Free!

Cell phone bills quick guide – CNET reviews

Consumer’s Guide to Legal Help

Consumers Union Guide to Environmental eco-labels / ecolabels

CouponLooker – search online coupon codes

Daylight Saving Time

DIGITAL TELEVISION (DTV) Tomorrow’s TV Today!

eBay: Learning Center (online tutorials) [ View Description ]-New to eBay-How to Buy-How to Sell-Increase Your Sales

ed2go, Education To Go – (EPL subscribes to this) [ View Description ]Education to Go (ed2go) offers a wide range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet. All courses are led by expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. These online courses are convenient, fun, fast, and free. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin monthly. Course topics include areas of professional development and personal enrichment. A certificate of completion is issued with a passing score. Some courses may meet continuing education requirements.

eHow.com – Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything

Elkhart Freecycle Network [ View Description ]The Elkhart Freecycle(TM) Network (Elkhart, Indiana, USA) is open to all individuals who want to recycle that special something rather than throw it away or sell it. Or maybe you’re looking to acquire something yourself!Everything posted must be free.

Emergencies – Disaster plans – Prepare You and Your Family for an Emergency

Farmers Markets Directory

Find Estate Sales (Tag Sale) – estatesales.net

FindHow: The How-To Search Engine [ View Description ]…simplifying and speeding access to trusted, reliable How-To content on the Internet.

Freedom of Information Law Primer – Student Press Law Center [ View Description ]Includes a Fully Automated, Fill-in-the-Blanks State Open Records Law Request Letter Generator

Get Human – advocacy for high quality customer service for consumers [ View Description ]The gethuman Web site provides tips and specific instructions for getting around a company s automated answering system and getting to a human. (Includes a subject list of companies and their toll-free phone numbers.)

Gift Cards: Consumer Tips

Guide: Three-Day Emergency Supply of Shelf-Stable Food for One Person

Hate junk mail? Follow these steps

How To Use eBay (and not get ripped off)

How-To Help and Videos – From the “For Dummies” books

Howcast [ View Description ]Howcast is a great place to watch fun, informative how-to videos.

ID Theft Center

Identity Theft

Identity Theft Resource Center

Indiana License Verification [ View Description ]Check your doctors medical license.

Instructables: step-by-step videos

Internet Crime Complaint Center

Learnthat.com [ View Description ]Learnthat.com offers a wide range of courses, from computer to business to just plain fun topics. Free Tutorials, Training and Courses in Software, Computers, Finance, Business, Certifications

Lifeline Link-Up discount telephone service programs for income-eligible individuals

Local Harvest – sustainably grown food [ View Description ]find farmers markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area

Mosquitoe and Ticks Repellents: Search Product Effectiveness and Ingredients

My Mobile Witness – Transform your mobile phone into a personal safety device. [ View Description ]My Mobile Witnesssm is a free mobile phone service that allows you to take a picture of a person, place or situation as a precaution or deterrent. After taking the picture, send it to us and we will store it in our digital vault. Once you send the pictures and messages to us, they cannot be retrieved or viewed by anyone but Law Enforcement.

Non-GMO Project (genetically modified foods) [ View Description ]Welcome to the Non-GMO ProjectThe Non-GMO Project is a non-profit multi-stakeholder collaboration committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.Our shared belief is that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms. We offer North America’s only third party verification and labeling for non-GMO food and products.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation – Workers and Retirees

PrivatizationWatch.Org (monitors news on privatization efforts and citizen resistance) [ View Description ]Privatization Watch is a joint project of the Center for Study of Responsive Law and Essential Information. Founded in 1982 by Ralph Nader, Essential Information is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. We are involved in a variety of projects to encourage citizens to become active and engaged in their communities. We provide provocative information to the public on important topics neglected by the mass media and policy makers.

Purdue Extension – Knowledge to Go!

Recall Warnings and Alerts

Refund Please – Helping you get a Price Drop Refund

Replacing Your Vital Documents – USA.gov [ View Description ]Fortunately, most important personal records can be replaced. Depending on the document you need, use these links as a starting point.

Ripoff Report: By Consumers, For Consumers [ View Description ]Victim of a consumer Rip-off? Want justice?Ripoff Report® is a worldwide consumer reporting Web site and publication, by consumers, for consumers, to file and document complaints about companies or individuals. While we encourage and even require authors to only file truthful reports, Ripoff Report does not guarantee that all reports are authenic or accurate. Be an educated consumer. Read what you can and make your decision based upon an examination of all available information.

Selling on eBay

Sheldon Brown-Bicycle Technical Information

Shopping – Discount Shopping, Bargains and Deals

SimplyChecklists.com – free printable checklists

Sittercity: Find Babysitters, Nannies, Pet Sitters, House Sitters, Senior Care, Tutors and More

Snapper Manuals, Set-Up Instructions, Illustrated Parts Lists

The Daily Green – Going Green, Fuel Efficiency, Organic Food, and Green Living [ View Description ]Consumer guide to the green revolution!

The DTV Transition and LPTV/Class A/Translator Stations

The Simple Dollar » Preparing Your Information for Disaster

The Ultimate Consumerist Guide To Fighting Back (Revised Edition) – The Consumerist

This to That (Glue Advice: Because people have a need to glue things to other things)

US Groove: Products Made in USA

Video Compatibility Matrix: video cables and adapters

Where are your wireless manners?

Where You Can Buy Made in America Building Products – ABC News

Organizations

American Institute of Philanthropy – Charity Watchdog Helping Donors Make Informed Giving Decisions

American Red Cross

Better Business Bureau – research a business

Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Reports – Research Charities & Donors

Charity Navigator – America s Largest Charity Evaluator

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS DATABASE: ELKHART PUBLIC LIBRARY (EPL maintains this) [ View Description ]This Database is comprised of local agencies and clubs, as well as local chapters of national organizations. Information is obtained primarily from the pages of the Elkhart Truth, with additional information coming directly from the organizations themselves.

Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights

GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses

IRS Charities tax exempt status, Online Version of Publication 78

National Foundation for Credit Counseling [ View Description ]“The NFCC promotes the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and builds capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. Call 1-800-388-2227 to speak to a counselor near you. Para ayuda en Español Ilama al 1-800-682-9832.”

Product Reviews

AllDataSheet [ View Description ]Search site for Electronic Components and Semiconductors and other semiconductors.

Appliance 411

Buzzillions.com – product reviews

Car Seat FAQ

Car Seat Safety Check Locations

CNET – Technology Product Reviews

Compare Best eBook Readers – TopTenREVIEWS [ View Description ]Best eBook Reader Comparisons and Reviews

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Consumer Reports News

Consumer Reports Online

Consumer Reports WebWatch: The leader in investigative reporting on credibility and trust online [ View Description ]Consumer Reports WebWatch will investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web. To achieve that mission, Consumer Reports WebWatch will: Provide unbiased and practical research on Web site publishing and business practices; help devise guidelines for credibility; expose practices that are a cause for consumer concern; and recognize good practices. Promote consumer awareness of important issues on the Web that relate to our mission.

Consumer Review

Consumer Search

Cosmetic Connection

CostHelper.com – Find out what price other people are paying.

Digital Television (DTV) Shoppers Guide

Does It Really Work? – Answers for Concerned Shoppers

E-book reader buying tips – Consumer Reports

E-Book readers – CNET Reviews

Energy Star Qualified Products – EPA & U.S. Department of Energy

Epinions – Product Prices and Reviews

eReader Reviews

Face-Off: Amazon Kindle Fire vs. Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet (LAPTOP Magazine)

FDA – Recalls and Safety Alerts

Find Energy-Saving Products & Services

HealthyStuff.org – toxic chemicals testing

Household Products Database: Health and Safety Information

How to Buy an Ebook Reader – PCMag.com

IndianaConsumer.net – consumer information and education

Information about Suntan Products, Sunscreens, and Tanning

Laptop, Netbook, Smart Phone, Tablet – Interactive Feature Comparison

Leaping Bunny: Cruelty Free Shopping Guide [ View Description ]The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The Leaping Bunny Program provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

ManualsOnline.com: Free User Manuals and Owners Instruction Guides

Recalls

Repair Clinic

Residential Air Cleaning Devices [ View Description ]From the EPA.

Retrevo – consumer electronics search engine

Review Finder – user reviews posted on leading internet forums

SecretPrices.com – Deals, Coupons, and Price Comparison Shopping

Selecting a New Water Heater

Smartphone News & Reviews

TopTenREVIEWS – Expert Product Reviews

ViewScore.com – products review digest

WIZE – product reviews

Consumer Information

Budget/Money

Car/Truck/RV/Motorcycle

General

House/Home

In the News

Insurance

Miscellaneous

Organizations

Product Reviews

Featured Links

OverDrive eBooks

Upcoming Events

Recent Blog Posts

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