There’s no such thing as a free lunch, the financial experts say. But as they speak, they are handing out plenty of free advice. The federal government puts out about 50 free personal finance brochures. These are free books and pamphlets to help you learn how to handle your money problems.
Here are some of the best of the free publications grouped under various aspects of personal finance:
Banking and credit
Consumer Credit Handbook (Consumer information center, Pueblo, Colo. 81002, Item No. 441Y; 50 cents). How to fix errors on you credit report and what you can do if you are turned down for a credit card.
How to get Safety Information from your Financial Institution (Weiss Research, 2200 N. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33409: $2). Questions to ask your bank broker or insurer to determine how much risk they are taking with your money.
Managing Family Debt and Getting Out of Debt ( Bankcard Holders of America, 560 Herndon Parkway, suite 120, Herndon, Va. 22070;703-481-1110;$1 each). Budgeting strategies and credit card advice.
Financial Planning
Money matters (AARP-Fulfillment, 60 E St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20049). Choosing a tax preparer, lawyer, financial planner and real estate broker.
Estate Planning: A guide for the days after a loved one dies (Aetna Public Service Library-RWAK, 151 Farmington Ave., Hartford, Conn. 06156; 203-273-2843)
Fraud
Avoiding Travel Problems (The American Society of travel Agents, The Fulfillment Center, 1101 King St., Alexandria, Va. 22314).
Investment Swindless: How they work and how to Avoid them (National Futures Association, 200 W. Madison St., Suite 1600. Chicago, IL 60606; 1-800-621-3570).
Insurance
The consumer’s Guide to health Insurance (Health Insurance Association of America, P.O. Box 41455, Washington, D.C.20018). The basics of private health coverage.
A personal Property Inventory (Aetna Public Service Library RWAK, 151 farmington Ave., Hartford, Conn. 16156; 203-273-2843). Form that help you list and describe your valuables to make filling insurance claims easier.
Investing
Investor’s Bill Of Rights (National Future Association, 200 W. Madison St., Suite 1600, Chicago, Ill. 60606; 1-800-621-3570). What a broker must disclose to you before selling you an investment.
A common sense guide to Taking Charge of your money(Fidelity Investments; 1-800-544-4774). How to handle a lump-sum pension distribution.
Mortgages
Home Buyer’s Vocabulary (Consumer Information Center, Pueble Colo. 81002, Item No.121Y; $1). Information on mortgage jargon such as escrow, earnest money and points.