Web Links

March 2008

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Information on Stimulus Payments
Stimulus payments — also known as rebate checks — have been approved by Congress. This page provides more information about when the checks will be sent, who qualifies, and the amount of the checks.

Digital Television Transition
In February 2009, television stations will switch to broadcasting only in digital signals. This site from the Federal Communications Commission provides information about the switch including a countdown clock.

Student Loan Borrower Assistance
This site from the National Consumer Law Center and the Project on Student Debt provides information to help those who already have student loans and want more information. Topics include understanding student loans, repayment, loan cancellation, where to go for help, and much more.

Spring checklist for the home
The checklist from Consumer Reports lists several potential issues that consumers should look out for around their homes.

February 2008

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Recycle Your Cell Phone. It's an Easy Call.
This initiative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes how recycling old cell phones can help people in need and help protect the environment. The site also has links for places and ways to recycle your cell phone.

Recognizing Credit Card Fraud
This publication from Consumer Action describes how to recognize and avoid many forms of fraud that involve credit cards, including skimming, phishing, ID theft and counterfeit cards.

IRS Names Four New Frivolous Claims to Avoid
This notice from the IRS lists four new frivolous claims for avoiding the payment of taxes. The notice also provides a link to additional information on the truth about frivolous arguments.

Fruits & Veggies Matter
This site from the CDC and other federal government agencies describes the benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. The site includes the fruit and vegetable of the month, tips, recipes, and examples of what counts as a cup.

January 2008

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Gift returns: New rules require new tactics
from Consumer Reports provides tips for successfully returning items received during the holidays.

AIRNow
This cross-agency U.S. Government site provides the current Air Quality Index and forecasts for the nation as well as state and local. The site also provides news, historical information and other resources.

Water — Use It Wisely
This site provides tips for saving water. It includes a monthly planner, a home water audit, and other information.

1040 Central
This page on the IRS site provides information about what's new for this filing season including tax law changes, the alternative minimum tax, and tips for choosing a tax preparer.

December 2007

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Trouble in Toyland: The 22nd Annual Survey of Toy Safety
This 2007 report from the U.S. Public Interest research Group (U.S. PIRG) provides safety guidelines for purchasing toys and examples of toys that pose potential safety hazards.

Recycling Tips for a Tech Savvy Holiday from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
These tips provide tips for recycling or donating cell phones, computers, TVs, and other electronics.

Fun for the Kids during the Holidays

AnimalCams at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Visit the animals at the National Zoo through these numerous web cams.

NGA Kids from the National Gallery of Art
This site features Adventures with Art — activities and projects that your kids can create online.

November 2007

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The 2008 Fuel Economy Guide is now available. The 2008 guide uses revised methods for estimating MPG that better represent current real-world driving conditions. The fueleconomy.gov site has also revised the 1985-2007 gas mileage ratings to make them comparable to the 2008 MPG estimates.

Where Does My Gasoline Come From? from the Energy Information Administration offers a basic description of how gasoline is made and how it gets to a pump near you.

Paying for It: Checks, Cash, and Electronic Payments
This brochure from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta decribes how checks and electronic payments work, the Federal Reserve's role in the nation's payment system, and how currency is processed and distributed.

Looking for a college or university? Check out the College Navigator from the U.S. Department of Education. Search options include location, programs/majors, type, tuition & fees, test scores, and more.