Here is a list of books, recommended by Reader Advisor Paul Mathews, with practical suggestions on how to be a smart consumer.
The ABC's of Getting out of Debt: Turn Bad Debt into Good Debt and Bad Credit into Good Credit by Garrett Sutton.
Advice on using debt wisely. Author describes the difference between good debt and bad debt, explains credit scores and reports, and suggests ways to repair one’s finances and avoid scams. Includes case studies, sample letters and credit reports, and resources. RC 60539.
Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow-Walkers by Candy Harrington.
This edition of Barrier-Free Travel (RC 56626), revised after September 11, 2001, contains updates on access-related rules and regulations and airport security procedures that apply to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Covers travel with wheeler kids, tips and tools for planning a trip, and expanded sections on cruises and resources. RC 61293.
The Big Fix: How the Pharmaceutical Industry Rips Off American Consumers by Katharine Greider.
Reporter analyzes the aggressive marketing and pricing practices of pharmaceutical companies while also recognizing the enormous benefits of their products in reducing pain and controlling illness. Discusses secret drug price policies, efforts to extend patent protection for high-priced blockbusters, research schemes, and advertising gimmicks that promote prescription drugs and increase health care costs. RC 56649, BR 14994.
The Consumer Bible: 1001 Ways to Shop Smart by Mark Green.
Former New York City consumer affairs commissioner believes being a smart consumer in today's economy can be a "daunting challenge." He provides tips on shopping intelligently for food, clothing, housing, child care, insurance, financial advice, health products, diet aids, cars, telephones, travel, and much more. RC 42036.
A Consumer's Guide to Aging by David H. Solomon.
Five experts give advice on aspects of aging to those over the age of fifty. Subjects discussed include getting optimal nutrition and exercise; maintaining emotional health; dealing with medical care and insurance; managing personal finances; having an active sex life; exploring housing options; relating to family members; and joining, staying in, or leaving the work force. RC 39078.
Credit Card Nation: The Consequences of America's Addiction to Credit by Robert D. Manning.
Robert Manning, an economist and sociologist, examines the damaging social, economic, and political consequences of America's increasing dependence on credit cards and its culture of debt. Using personal interviews, he focuses on the nation's attitude towards investments. He argues that reliance on loans will lead to financial ruin, hardship, and moral decadence. RC 52827.
The Credit Repair Kit by John Ventura.
According to Ventura, the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TRW, and Trans Union, have more than 400 million credit records on 160 million Americans, and more than half contain errors. Ventura offers advice on understanding your credit reports, protecting your legal rights, correcting mistakes, and rebuilding your credit. He also tells how to take a claim to court and offers information for women with special credit problems. RC 38031.
The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do by Samantha Ettus.
Tips and pointers from specialists in their fields covering personal and professional situations. Provides advice on the best way to apply lipstick, tie a Windsor knot, handle job interviews, make conversation, give and receive compliments, do laundry, be a good houseguest, kiss, and plan and pack for a trip. RC 59279, BR 15648.
From Mind to Market: Reinventing the Retail Supply Chain by Roger D. Blackwell.
Details 1990s trends in retail industry and advises merchants to initiate consumer driven policies in the twenty-first century. Explores customers' knowledge and improved access to information about merchandise availability and competitive prices. Avers that the author's strategies have helped maximize profits for such companies as Wal-Mart, Kinko's, and The Gap. RC 50479.
The Green Consumer by John Elkington, with Julia Hailes, and Joel Makower.
A guide to products manufactured by companies that try to preserve the environment. Covers such commodities as cars, clothing, personal care items, and home furnishings. Includes a bibliography and directory of environmental organizations. RC 43149.
Help! I Can't Pay My Bills: Surviving a Financial Crisis by Sally Herigstad.
CPA offers financial advice on managing money and getting out of debt. Includes tips on cutting expenses, prioritizing debts, reaching financial goals, and staying on a budget. Suggests ways to handle rent, utilities, and medical bills. Covers dealing with the IRS, creditors, and collection agencies. Lists resources. RC 64597.
How To Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Lifeby Chris Balish.
Award-winning journalist offers a guide to a car-free lifestyle. Explains the financial, health, and ecological benefits of not owning an automobile and provides practical strategies for commuting, running errands, traveling, dating, and socializing using mass transit, bicycles, and ride-sharing. Includes testimonials from car-free consumers across America. RC 63420.
The Johns Hopkins Consumer Guide to Medical Tests: What You Can Expect, How You Should Prepare, What Your Results Mean edited by Simeon Margolis.
Explains more than 170 medical tests to educate patients, especially those over fifty, about their treatments. Gives the purpose, results, risks, and estimated cost of each procedure. Includes routine screenings, genetic tests, home testing, and diagnostic imaging. RC 54349.
Land of Desire: Merchants, Power, and the Rise of a New American Culture by William Leach.
History of American consumerism. The author charts the emergence and growth of department stores late in the nineteenth century. He explores the development of retail marketing and suggests that its techniques, widely adopted even by such institutions as museums and churches, offer to Americans a seamless fantasy of the good life that is the basis of consumer culture. RC 39511.
Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own by Tina Pestalozzi.
Advice for the transition to living single. Covers entering the work world, handling business and financial matters, setting up living space, organizing the basics, choosing between eating at home or dining out, being a "savvy consumer," and staying connected to people and the community. RC 53215, BR 13737.
Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever by Jean Chatzky.
Advice for women about short- and long-term investing. Offers four basic tips to improve one’s immediate monetary picture and to guide future spending. Explains financial terminology, stock selection, retirement plans, and hiring a financial planner. Includes practical guidelines based on experience. Commercial audiobook. RC 63112, BR 16920.
Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel--Why Everything You Know Is Wrong by John Stossel.
Consumer advocate and author of Give Me a Break (RC 57751) continues to debunk what he says are common media myths. Investigates business, education, government, and other areas, pointing out deception and bad laws. Includes "fast food makes you fat" and "antidiscrimination laws stop discrimination." RC 62576.
Never Throw out a Banana Again and 364 Other Ways to Save Money at Home without Knocking Yourself Out by Darcie Sanders and Martha M. Bullen.
Simple, sensible ways to trim dollars off your family budget by saving pennies. Suggestions cover the kitchen, family room, nursery, closets, backyard, garage, stores, and bank. Some hints: do not take the kids grocery shopping, keep a sponge in the fruit and vegetable drawer to absorb moisture, and use the library.RC 41143, BR 10313.
The New Lifetime Legal Guide by Steven Mitchell Sack.
Sack, a practicing attorney, author, and lecturer, addresses the legal needs of a typical family by offering "a lawyer's wisdom and experience . . . whatever your concern or problem." He presents hundreds of strategies for dealing with issues such as abuse, civil rights, consumer transactions, employment, cohabitation, and wills. RC 52091.
No Contest: Corporate Lawyers and the Perversion of Justice in America by Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith.
Decries the unethical practices of corporate lawyers who zealously defend their wealthy and powerful clients against consumer law suits. Denouncing such tactics as destroying key documents, delaying trials, and bringing reprisal suits, the authors call for legal reform that ensures justice for ordinary citizens. RC 43589.
The Safe Shopper's Bible: A Consumer's Guide to Nontoxic Household Products, Cosmetics, and Foodby David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein.
Evaluates a broad range of food and consumer products in terms of the acute and chronic health hazards that they present. Offers shopping guides for various product categories, recommending the safest choices. Provides tips on the prudent use of risky products and suggests safer alternatives. RC 44560.
Scambusters! More than Sixty Ways Seniors Get Swindled and How They Can Prevent It by Ron Smith.
Concise manual on recognizing fraudulent activity and avoiding becoming a victim. Describes dozens of scenarios involving banking and credit, nursing homes, health care, online pharmacies, insurance, investments, the Internet, car repairs, charitable donations, shopping, and telemarketing. Includes resources. RC 64860, BR 17363.