Here's how to become an informed consumer

Dear Readers: Every day you hear or read about new scams and
frauds that plague all of us -- whether we're shopping at the mall, the grocery store or online. And even without worrying about shady offers, it's complicated getting the best deals and making smart choices. Once more, our friends at the Federal Citizen Information Center -- you know, the folks in Pueblo, Colo. -- have put together a special Heloise package just for my readers.
National Consumer Protection Week is Feb. 4-10, 2007, and the theme is "Read Up and Reach Out: Be an Informed Consumer." You can do just that by sending for the free package of publications the center has selected to help you stay safe, plan for retirement, learn about generic drugs and much more.
Check out the list below and order your complete free package today, because supplies are limited. You can send your request to: Heloise, Pueblo, CO 81009 (thank you to the U.S. Postal Service for this special mailing address); go online to pueblo.gsa.gov and click on "Heloise & quot;; or call (888) 8PUEBLO (that's (888) 878-3256) and ask for the free Heloise package:
2007 Consumer Action Handbook, from the Federal Citizen Information Center.
Insuring Your Deposits, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement, from the Department of Labor.
Get the Facts on Saving and Investing, from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws, from the Department of Justice.
Cell Phones, from the FDA Office of Women's Health.
Dietary Supplements, from the FDA Office of Women's Health.
Restaurant and Take-Out Safety, from the FDA Office of Women's Health.
Generic Drugs, from the FDA Office of Women's Health.
Sunscreens and Tanning, from the FDA Office of Women's Health.
Protect Your Move, from the Department of Transportation.
Indoor Air Hazards, from the Environmental Protection Agency.
How to Buy a Home With a Low Down Payment, from the Mortgage Insurance Companies of America.
ID Theft: What's It All About, from AARP.
Get Net Safe, from Microsoft and the National Consumers League.
These terrific publications from our friends in Pueblo are loaded with hints that will help you protect your family, save time, save your hard-earned dollars and learn about cell phones, indoor air hazards and much, much more. Make sure you order yours today! Heloise
P.S.: Last year, more than 200,000 people took advantage of the special Heloise package, so do this soon.
Dear Heloise: When I buy something that has a power-cord adapter, like a cell-phone charger, printer, etc., I label each adapter with a permanent marker. When I move things from one place to another, I don't get the cords mixed up. Wish I'd thought of this years ago -- I wouldn't have burned up my fax machine when I accidentally put the wrong adapter cord into it! Marlene, Sacramento, Calif.
Dear Heloise: When I have to get cream out of a jar and I don't want to get any under my nails, I use a frozen-treat stick. I get enough cream without the mess. Miriam Atkin, Silver Spring, Md.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate