For the People: 1,608 Ways to Get Your Share of the Little-Known Bargains the Government Offers - Hardcover

9781579540944: For the People: 1,608 Ways to Get Your Share of the Little-Known Bargains the Government Offers

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1579540945 ISBN 13: 9781579540944

Publisher: Rodale Pr, 2000

A resource to the discounts and bargains available from the government, universities, and nonprofit agencies offers insider tips on reducing the costs of dining out, getting medical care, and going on vacation.

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Review:

Chock full of big-time freebies like cars, vacations, sports equipment, and food, For the People covers plenty of options for those looking to save money--and all the options are brought to you by Uncle Sam, himself! This handy guide contains a mix of regional and national agencies that are divided into such categories as taxes, travel and leisure, and transportation. In every case, complete contact information is provided--you'll want to read this book with page markers and pen and paper handy to prevent misplacing the phone number for that perfect free campground for your summer vacation. While the index is reasonable and the chapter headings pretty clear, it can still be a frustrating search--with so much packed into the book, you've got to be methodical while using it. Also, because of the quantity of regional events and agencies, you may be frequently disappointed. There are lots of wonderful options out there, but not everyone lives in a large city that offers community gardens, free cultural passes, and food cooperatives. Mixed in with these local helpers are some terrific ideas for making use of national parks and forests, the Small Business Administration, job training, and tax assistance--national freebies that we can all use to good advantage. The chapter on college tuition can earn you thousands. The range of special scholarships available (Employed by the footwear industry? Want to become a bat conservationist?) is astonishing, and high school seniors will be surprised at the rewards available for those willing to write a few letters. Perhaps you're in the market for a new bicycle? Checking into police auctions could save you hundreds of dollars, and here you'll find how to get the best price and selection. With a little effort on your part, this book more than earns its keep. --Jill Lightner

From the Back Cover:

The result of 12 months of research, more than 2,000 phone calls, and interviews with more than 1,200 insider sources, For the People is a complete--and completely fun!--guide to reaping little-known benefits from the government, universities, and nonprofit agencies.

With more than 1,500 tips on every aspect of publicly funded opportunities, For the People is a valuable and entertaining resource for every American.

You'll learn how to: Get the government to do your taxes for you--for free Rent a private beach house that sleeps 10 for about $100 a night Stay in New York or San Francisco for less than $40 a night Restore an old building with Uncle Sam's help Pan for gold on public land Have a state or federal agency plant trees in your yard Buy camping gear at half-price or less Convince your government representatives to vote your way Get a free college education Start your own business with money and advice from the government Run for office

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