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Free Publication Offers

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The News Tribune - Savvy Senior - October 4, 2004
Parade Magazine - Free Health Guides - September 26, 2004
Parade Magazine - How to Buy A Car From Uncle Sam - August 22, 2004
Parade Magazine - Power$mart - July 11, 2004
Parade Magazine - Tips You Can Bank On - March 21, 2004
Parade Magazine - Financial Literacy - February 1, 2004
Newspapers Nationwide - Coping With Arthritis - December 2003

Newspapers Nationwide - Buying A New Home - December 2003
Newspapers Nationwide - La Diabetes y las Mujeres - December 2003
Newspapers Nationwide - Diabetes and Women - November 2003
Department of Labor - Employment Law Guide - June 4, 2003

Parade Magazine - Cellular Service Guide - June 1, 2003
Parade Magazine - Your Credit Report - May 11, 2003
Dear Abby - Citizen's Survival Kit - April 30, 2003
Parade Magazine - Build Your Wealth - April 20, 2003
Parade Magazine - Stop Identity Theft - March 23, 2003
U.S. Pharmacopeia - Free Guide on Medicines - February 26, 2003

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Go to the Savvy Senior website

            October 4, 2004

Government services will send you lots of free things

Dear Savvy Senior: I'm an 80-year-old current events buff who still enjoys learning new things. I also love to get free stuff. I recently read that the U.S. government offers many free publications on different consumer topics and practical information for older Americans, but I lost the article. Do you know about this free material and how I can get it? — Looking for Help

Dear Looking: The government service you're asking about is the Federal Citizen Information Center. It's a great resource for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services. Each year, FCIC helps keep Americans informed by distributing nearly 6 million user-friendly publications. The FCIC is also set up to provide help and information either by phone, e-mail and through its Web site. Here's how they can assist you: If you have questions about federal programs, benefits and services, FCIC manages a toll-free National Contact Center to answer questions in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-333-4636 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday. You can also e-mail questions through its Web site at www.info.gov.

The Web site www.FirstGov.gov is the best all-around Web site for government information. It provides access to more than 42 million pages of Web-based federal, state and local government resources. You can find information on things like government benefits and grants, Social Security, Medicare, taxes, housing, jobs, insurance, travel, health, consumer protection and more.

FCIC offers hundreds of publication including the new "Savvy Senior Kit," which is a specially designed packet for older Americans and those nearing retirement age. The kit is free and provides easy-to-read publications that offer practical information. The publications are provided by government agencies, health organizations, AARP and MetLife, and cover topics including: Understanding your Social Security benefits, health information, including publications on diabetes, heart disease and stroke, home energy and money-savings tips, estate planning, annuities and establishing a trust, saving and investing facts, including publications on the top 10 ways to prepare for retirement, women and retirement savings, 401(k) plans and annuities, and a borrower's guide to home loans. Also included in the kit will be the Consumer Information Catalog, listing all available FCIC free and low-cost information.

The FCIC also offers a free "Consumer Action Handbook" that can help you find the best and most direct source for assistance with your consumer problems and questions.  The handbook offers tips on topics such as buying and leasing cars, protecting your privacy and yourself from fraud, and shopping from home. It also provides thousands of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for better business bureaus, corporate consumer contacts and consumer protection offices. You can access the Web edition of the handbook at www.consumeraction.gov.

To order the Savvy Senior Kit, just complete this special order form.  You may also call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for the "Savvy Senior."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

September 26, 2004

Free Health Guides

People often fail to follow directions when taking medications. Guides from the FDA Office of Women's Health and the Federal Citizen Information Center can help avoid such errors. They also offer health tips on diabetes and other advice. These publications are available together in a package in either English or Spanish.

The package of English publications consists of the following:
My Medicines, Diabetes , Diabetes – Recipe Card

The package of Spanish publications package consists of the following:
Mis Medicinas, La Diabetes, La Diabetes – Recetas ,

To get your free package of either English or Spanish publications, just complete this special order form.  You may also call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for the "Health Package."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

August 22 , 2004

How To Buy A Car From Uncle Sam

Did you know that the federal government is in the car business? It's set to sell off 40,000 cars, trucks, vans and SUVs this year. All were leased for routine transportation by government agencies. (They aren't military or repossessed vehicles.) When the lease terms are up, the vehicles are sold at public auctions as well as online. They sell at big savings, with no extra fees added on. To learn more about these sales, you can order a free brochure from the GSA Fleet and the Federal Citizen Information Center.

To get a free copy, fill out the order form below

To get your free copy , just complete this order form.  You may also call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "How to Buy A Car From Uncle Sam."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

July 7 , 2004

Power$mart

Energy conservation no longer means turning off the air-conditioning and sweating it out in your underwear. Instead, the focus is on using technology to maximize each bit of energy we use. And you might be surprised to know that the place to start is at home. The average home produces twice as much greenhouse gas pollution as the average car.

Want to learn how to cut that pollution - and how to cut your energy bill? A new booklet from the Alliance to Save Energy and the Federal Citizen Information Center can help. It's got advice on everything from how a few lightbulbs can cut your costs to why idle TVs and VCRs cost you $30 a year.

To get your free copy, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 60."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

March 21, 2004

Tips You Can Bank On

Want tips on how to lower your banking fees? Or would you like to get more services from your bank? How long do you have to keep bank records? And what questions should you ask before you sign a contract on a home loan (such as is there a prepayment penalty or what would cause the monthly payment to change)?

A free publication from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation can help you with all these questions and more. It's available through the Federal Citizen Information Center. To get your free publication, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 50."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

February 1, 2004

National Consumer Protection Week Package

Do you realize that every time you do a financial transaction, such as making a savings account withdrawal, buying a U.S. Savings Bond, or contributing to your IRA, you’re potentially affecting your future economic well-being? A group of federal, state and local agencies and national advocacy organizations join forces every February for National Consumer Protection Week.

This year's theme, "Financial Literacy: Earning a Lifetime of Dividends," focuses on practical steps all of us can take to better manage our personal finances. A free package of publications from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor, and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards can help. For additional resources, visit the National Consumer Protection Week web site at www.consumer.gov/ncpw.

To get your free financial literacy package, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 37."

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Newspapers Nationwide

December 2003

Coping With Arthritis

Does pain in your knees ever leave you in so much discomfort that you have trouble sleeping? Do you have trouble getting out of bed because of pain in your joints? If so, you could be one of the more than 40 million Americans who suffer from some form of arthritis.

A free package of two publications from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, can guide you in your efforts to understand the disease and help relieve the pain that comes with it.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints causing redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. However, there are medical treatments that can minimize your pain and improve the function of your joints:

  • The more you weigh, the more strain is put on sore joints in your body. So, don't be surprised if your doctor puts you on a weight loss plan;
  • Exercise can decrease your pain, increase flexibility, improve your heart and blood flow, and help you maintain your weight;
  • Taking medicines, including Acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) and NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) relieve the symptoms of arthritis by blocking your pain. The medication that's right for you will depend upon the type of arthritis you have.

Learn more with the free Coping With Arthritis package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Coping With Arthritis package.
  • Send your name and address to Coping with Arthritis, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to order a Catalog, or to print out these and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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Newspapers Nationwide

December 2003

Buying A New Home

Buying your own home is the American dream. It's where your family will live and grow, and it's a good investment. But embarking on this dream, and finding the right home for your family's needs can be stressful as well as exciting.

Here's some help. Learn the step by step process of finding and buying your own home with a new free package of publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center. Use the HUD Home Buying Guide to find out how HUD can help you purchase a home. Get the facts on HUD Homes—where to find one, the steps to follow when buying a HUD Home and how to finance your HUD Home. Use the chart to estimate your monthly mortgage payments. Even if you don't have a lot of money to put down on a home, learn how you can still buy the home you want with How to Buy a Home With a Low Down Payment from the Mortgage Insurance Companies of America and the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Use the handy worksheet to evaluate your financial resources and determine what kind of house fits your budget. Once you set your budget and are ready to shop for a loan, learn what to expect from your lender with Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud: Protect Yourself from Predatory Lenders from HUD. If your lender charges higher interest rates or encourages you to overstate your income, you may be a victim of predatory lending. A HUD-sponsored homeownership education course can help decrease your chances of becoming a victim.

Learn more with the free Buying a New Home package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256 , weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the “ Buying a New Home” package.
  • Send your name and address to the Buying a New Home, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

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Newspapers Nationwide

December 2003

La Diabetes y las Mujeres

Un tercio de las nueve millones de mujeres que padecen de diabetes no lo saben, no están recibiendo tratamiento, y corren el riesgo de enfrentar problemas aún más serios. Por ser las principales responsables por el cuido de sus familias, las mujeres deben crear conciencia de esta condición - por su propia salud y por la de sus seres queridos.

Obtenga información acerca de la diabetes, sus síntomas y como manejarla con un paquete gratis que consiste de tres publicaciones del Centro Federal de Información para la Ciudadanía, y de la Oficina para la Salud de la Mujer de la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA por sus siglas en inglés). El paquete contiene información que la ayudará a determinar su riesgo de sufrir de diabetes, al igual que una lista que la ayudará a manejar de una mejor manera sus medicamentos – como por ejemplo, cuándo tomarlos y cómo lidiar con los efectos secundarios.

La diabetes afecta la habilidad del cuerpo de producir o responder a la insulina. Ésto puede resultar en problemas del corazón y de los riñones, ceguera, o derrame cerebral. Su riesgo de padecer de diabetes aumenta si usted está obeso, hace poco ejercicio, tiene presión alta, o algún miembro de su familia inmediata sufre de diabetes. Algunos de los síntomas asociados a la diabetes son el cansancio, sentir mucha sed y/o hambre extrema, orinar frecuentemente, la pérdida de peso, y visión borrosa.

Aprenda más sobre este tema con el paquete La Diabetes y las Mujeres. Usted puede obtener sus publicaciones de manera gratuita de tres maneras:

  • Llame libre de costo al 1 (888) PUEBLO ó 1(888) 878-3256 de lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. hora del este y ordene el paquete “La Diabetes y las Mujeres”. Será atendido por operadoras que hablan español.
  • Envíe su nombre y dirección a “La Diabetes y las Mujeres”, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Visite el sitio en la Web www.pueblo.gsa.gov para obtener acceso a éstas y a cientos de otras publicaciones federales libre de costo.

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Newspapers Nationwide

November 2003

Diabetes And Women

One third of the nine million women who have diabetes - don't know it, aren't getting treatment and are at risk of even more serious problems. As the primary caregivers for their families, women need to be aware of this condition—for their own health, and that of their loved ones.

Get the facts on diabetes, its symptoms, and how to manage it with a free package of three publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Office of Women's Health. The package contains information for you to assess your risk for diabetes, and a checklist to help you manage your medications — when to take them, and how to deal with side effects. Also included are tasty recipes for healthy meals.

Diabetes affects the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin. This can lead to heart and kidney problems, blindness, or stroke. Your risk of diabetes may be increased if you are overweight, get little exercise, have high blood pressure, or have an immediate family member with diabetes. Warning signs of diabetes are fatigue, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, weight loss and blurred vision.

Learn more with the “Diabetes and Women” package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256 , weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the “ Diabetes and Women ” package.
  • Send your name and address to Diabetes and Women, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

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DOL Seal - Link to DOL Home Page.  Department of Labor

June 4, 2003

Employment Law Guide

The Department of Labor has placed a significant emphasis on increasing its compliance assistance efforts to better protect the wages, health benefits, retirement security, safety and health of America’s workforce. The Employment Law Guide describes the Department’s main laws and regulations in plain language for employers needing introductory information to develop wage, benefit, safety and health and nondiscrimination policies for their businesses.

To get your free publication and a FREE Consumer Information Catalog, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 88."

If you prefer, you may order via regular mail. Send your request to Employment Law Guide, Pueblo, CO 81009.

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Go To Parade  Magazine

June 1, 2003

Cellular Service Guide

Trying to find the right cell phone service? A new free guide from the National Consumer's League and Sprint explains most basic plans and their charges and suggests questions to ask before signing a contract. (You'll want to track when and where you'll be making your calls.) It also offers tips for picking and using a phone.

To get your free copy of Going Wireless and a free Consumer Information Catalog listing more than 200 valuable federal publications, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 91."

If you prefer, you may order via regular mail. Send your request to Going Wireless, Pueblo, CO 81009.

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Go To Parade  Magazine

May 11, 2003

How To Get a Better Grade On Your Credit Report

Just like school, you're still getting graded -- but now it's on your financial management skills.  Credit reports reveal your history of paying off debts and bills, and they can give an overall credit score.  These scores and your credit history help determine if you'll get an insurance policy, a loan, an apartment rental or even a job.  Correcting even small errors or fixing problems in your report can mean a better interest rate on your mortgage or credit card.  What are some big strikes against you?  Paying bills late, not paying the minimum due, having too many credit cards and carrying a lot of debt.  But help is available:  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Consumer News tells how to understand and improve your credit

To get your free copy of Your Credit Record: A Report Card on Your Personal Finances and a free Consumer Information Catalog listing more than 200 valuable federal publications, just complete our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 87."

If you prefer, you may order via regular mail. Send your request to Your Credit Report, Pueblo,CO 81009.

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Image of Dear Abby
April 30, 2003

Citizen's Survival Kit

Dear Abby:

You have always encouraged readers to stay informed, be prepared, and adjust positively to whatever problems they are dealt from the deck of life.

With this in mind, we are offering your readers a " Citizen's Survival Kit." It’s a package of consumer information booklets, focused on protecting our families and ourselves. Whether someone is trying to assemble a disaster preparedness kit, do financial planning, make a will, or resolve a consumer complaint about a product, it can be accomplished quickly and simply by following the advice in this selection of booklets. The "Citizen's Survival Kit" will be provided FREE to Dear Abby readers.

Thank you, Abby, for continuing to promote the health and safety of all Americans.

Federal Citizen Information Center
Office of Citizen Services and Communications

U.S. General Services Administration


Dear Abby Replies:

When I saw the Citizen’s Survival Kit you assembled, I was impressed. They say there’s no free lunch, but your booklets provide a banquet of information. The Disaster Preparedness booklet is a gem, and the Consumer Action Handbook belongs in every household. Readers, supplies are limited, so don’t waste any time. The kit can be ordered at no cost to you. There are three ways to order one:

(1) Call toll-free, 1-888-878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time;

(2) send your name and address to: Citizen’s Survival Kit, Pueblo, CO 81009; or

(3) order it online.

P.S. While you’re visiting that site, you can also read, print out or save hundreds of other free publications. (What fun! I feel like Lady Bountiful!)

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Go To Parade  Magazine

April 20, 2003

Build Your Wealth

Building wealth doesn't mean winning the lottery. Most folks get there the old fashioned way: They save. It's not glamorous, but it is important. The Consumer Federation of America and Bank of America now are offering a free brochure with five key saving strategies. You also can fill out a form or go online to join the new American Savers program. You'll get a monthly newsletter and fact sheets on different ways to save.

But wait!   There's more!

By filling in the order form below, as long as supplies last, you will receive several free bonus publications to help you make the most of your money.

To get your free brochure,  the free bonus publications, and a free Consumer Information Catalog listing more than 200 valuable federal publications, just fill in your name and address on our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 81."

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Go To Parade  Magazine

March 23, 2003

Stop Identity Theft

About 700,000 Americans have their identities stolen each year, ruining their credit and often costing thousands of dollars to fix. Now American Express has joined the Federal Trade Commission to issue a free brochure with tips on how to avoid identity theft.

To get your free brochure, and a free Consumer Information Catalog listing more than 200 valuable federal publications, just fill in your name and address on our special order form or call toll free 1-888-8-PUEBLO, (that's 1-888-878-3256) weekdays 8am - 8pm ET and ask for "Dept. 80."

Meanwhile:

  • shred all credit card offers before tossing them
  • check credit card and bank statements monthly
  • check credit agency reports yearly
  • be wary of giving out your Social Security Number

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Hints from Heloise 

Think it Through



February 26,2003

No medicine is entirely risk-free, and this eight-page brochure educates consumers about the five critical steps in making informed decisions and safely using medications. Talk, Know, Read, Avoid, Monitor.  These critical steps allow consumers to lower the risks and obtain the full benefit from prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Get your free package by filling your name and address on our special order form or calling 1-888-878-3256 weekdays and asking for "Department 73".

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This service is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration. If you have a comment or question, e-mail us.

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