Funerals, Flus and New Rides: A Consumer Guide

The news from Pueblo, Colorado:

Buying a New Ride
Antibiotic Resistance
Funerals: A Consumer Guide

BUYING A NEW RIDE
In the market for a new car but don't know where to start? Don't worry, your friends from the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Citizen Information Center can help. They've put together a handy package of publications with all the ins and outs of getting a good deal on your new ride.

First, calculate how much car you can afford. If you're financing or leasing your new vehicle, use the Monthly Spending Plan to figure out an affordable payment. Next, think about what type of car you would like. Do you want a coupe, sedan, truck, or SUV? Or what about a hybrid? Should it be manual or automatic? As you're researching the different makes and models, also consider any options that you might want such as trim, alloy wheels, or a moonroof.

After you've decided on your dream ride, shop around for new car prices and features using auto buying guides, the Internet, and other sources. Negotiate with the dealer about lowering their profit margin, which is usually 10 to 20 percent of the MSRP. Once you're at the dealership, it's important that you stay within the price range you can afford and that you understand the value and cost of optional products such as an extended service contract.

If you plan on financing your new car, you'll want to check your credit report first. Errors or inaccurate information may affect the finance rate you're able to obtain. Next, compare annual percentage rates (APRs) and financing terms from multiple finance sources such as a bank, finance company, credit union, or car dealer. Be aware that if you choose to finance your car, the lender keeps the vehicle's title until you've paid the contract in full. And remember to read the contract carefully. Once you sign, you're obligated to the terms.

Make buying your new car a breeze by sending for the New Ride package. There are three easy ways to get your package of publications:

* Send your name, address, and a check or money order for $2.00 to New Ride, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

* Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/media-promo.htm to place your order online or to read or print these and hundreds of other Federal publications for free.

* 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 New Ride package. Have your credit card handy.

Get even more information and take advantage of online government services resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov - your official English and Spanish web portals to the Federal government.

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ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
With the arrival of cold and flu season, you're probably getting your medicine cabinet ready. But before you stock it with antibiotics, take a second to read Antibiotic Resistance, a fact sheet from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Women's Health. It features useful information on how antibiotics work, when you should take them, and common mistakes patients make when taking them. For your free copy, send your name andaddress to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept.534R, Pueblo, CO 81009. Or call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO,that's 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 534R. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The idea of making funeral arrangements in advance is most likely something you don't want to think about. But with the costs of a traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, running more than $6,000, you may want to consider pre-need planning. It allows you not only to designate your funeral preferences but also to compare the prices offered by several funeral providers. Find out more with Funerals: A Consumer Guide from the Federal Trade Commission. This informative publication costs $1.00. For your copy, send your name, address, and a check or money order for $1.00 to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 321R, Pueblo, CO 81009. Or call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 321R. Have your credit card handy. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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