New for Consumers

Release Date: November 2003

MANAGING YOUR MONEY

Trying to save for a rainy day? Dreaming of buying your own home? No matter what your financial goals are, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the information out there about managing your money.

A new easy-to-understand package from the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) will help you take charge of your finances and meet your goals. Get started with There's a Lot to Learn About Money from the Federal Reserve System. Learn how to develop a budget and start saving, the advantages of compound interest and how to manage your credit, including loan terms and conditions. Use Credit Matters from American Express and FCIC to learn more about qualifying for a credit card and establishing a good credit history. This helpful guide gives you important features to be aware of when choosing a credit card, such as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), any grace period, and annual and transaction fees.

An important aspect of managing your money is ensuring that you don't become a victim of identity theft. ID Theft: What's It All About? from the Federal Trade Commission gives you the facts on how identity theft occurs, how to tell if you have been a victim, and what to do if your identity has been stolen. This guide offers useful tips on how to minimize your risk. Protect your personal information by placing passwords on credit card and bank accounts, limit use of your social security number, and safeguard information on your computer.

Learn more with the “Managing Your Money” package. This package costs $3.00. There are three easy ways to get your 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 “ Managing Your Money ” package. Have your credit card handy.
  • Send your name, address, and a check or money order for $3.00 to Managing Your Money, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

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DRUG INTERACTIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

When you take medication, you expect it to make you feel better. But some drugs taken with other medications or foods can cause potentially dangerous harmful side effects. Learn more with Drug Interactions: What You Should Know from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Find out how to protect yourself and your family from potentially dangerous interactions of prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, food, and medical conditions. This free publication features questions to ask your doctor about your medications, how to read the labels on OTC drugs, and a chart listing medications and possible drug interactions. For your free copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO , that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 527L . Or send your name and address to Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 527L, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY UNDER THE HOOD & AROUND THE CAR

You depend on your car. But can your car depend on you? Regular maintenance checks and simple service can prevent trouble down the road, and save you time and money. How to Find Your Way Under the Hood & Around the Car from the Motorist Assurance Program and the Car Care Council gives you instructions for 14 preventative maintenance services you can perform on your car for little or no cost. This publication costs $1.00. For your copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 308L. Have your credit card handy. Or send your name and address and a check or money order for $1.00 to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 308L, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson if you plan to use this release after January 15, 2004
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to samantha.donaldson@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2598

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