Consumer Information

Related Links:

American Savings Education Council
Offers information and tools to help users reach their savings goals, for retirement or for major purchases.

Bankrate.com
Consumer bank rates on mortgages, credit cards, home equity loans and lines, personal loans and CDs. Includes local and regional rates and payment calculators for home and auto loans.

Consumer Information Center
Titles, descriptions, and ordering information for the more than 200 free and low-cost publications distributed from Pueblo, Colorado

Consumer Price Index - What's a Dollar Worth?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a market basket of goods and services. At this site, visitors can check the CPI and the rate of inflation from 1913 through the current year.

Consumer Price Index Hotline - 612-725-3580
Information includes the all-items CPI-U and CPI-W for the U.S. City Average, the all-items CPI-U and CPI-W for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, percent changes from the prior period and from a year earlier, scheduled release date for the next CPI issuance.

Consumer Protection Division - State of Minnesota Office of Attorney General
Answers questions and takes complaints on a variety of consumer concerns. Consumers can use this web site to access or request publications and consumer information, check on a specific charity operating in Minnesota, or check on the latest consumer news coming from the Office. Topics covered include health care, tenant's rights, telemarketers, unwanted mail, and more.

Consumer Reports magazine and Buying Guide

Consumer Reports and the Consumer Reports Buying Guide are available at most SPPL locations. You can also access the magazine and Buying Guide online, via Academic Search Premier. Access it from:

FTC Consumer Protection
Consumer information on a variety of topics, and a link to file complaints online.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Profiles all Federal grant and assistance programs and lists specific contacts for obtaining additional information. Search, browse by type of assistance, program title, or sponsoring agency.

FCIC National Contact Center
Answers to frequently asked questions about Federal programs, benefits, or services.

Minnesota and North Dakota Better Business Bureau
This site features a database of companies, including how long companies have been in business and summaries of any complaints that have been filed against them. Links to educational materials, the national Better Business Bureau, and an online complaint form are included.

PhoneDog
Compares long distance and mobile phone rates and lists least expensive plans available in one's area.

Rating Zone
Receive personalized recommendations on movies, music, books, restaurants, wine, travel, and video games based on your own ratings. Requires simple registration.