You've read about it in the paper, now explore the website. GiveMN.org gives detailed information on 36,000+ state charities, religious congregations and nonprofits. Not sure where to give?  Click on "browse all good causes."

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index is the most widely accepted indicator among media and business leaders of consumer buying patterns. Consumer confidence took a nosedive in 2008, as the Consumer Confidence Average shows, and has been on a rollercoaster ever since.

Viewpoints.com has reviews from real people on just about everything. Electronics? Mattresses? Cars? Travel? Credit cards? Appliances? TV shows?  It's all here.  You can even write your own reviews.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s Consumer Action Handbook continues to provide top-notch tips and advice for common consumer issues like building good credit, how to file complaints, and protecting your privacy. Includes a directory of organizations and agencies to contact when you have a problem. You can view the contents online,  download a PDF copy, or request a print version.

Green groups have been pressuring electronics manufacturers to take responsibility for the afterlife of their products and you can help, too.  E-Stewards offers lists of accredited U.S. recyclers.

On the plus side President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act on May 22, making it harder for card issuers to raise interest rates without warning, among other reforms. On the down side most of the changes under the law won't go into effect for nine months, and certain small businesses are currently left out of the benefits.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Be careful about sharing your number, even when asked for it.  Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number has everything you need to know.

The ink on recently signed federal economic stimulus legislation was barely dry when "stim scam" artists began working on the gullibility of their fellow citizens. Both the Federal Trade Commission (includes webcast) and the Better Business Bureau have issued warnings on offers of  "free" advice on how to obtain government grants. Report this scam, among others, to the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, who offers the dire assessment: "During a bad economy, scams go up."

What's in nail polish, kitty litter, liquid bandages, self-tanners, hair coloring, margarine, tattoo ink, asphalt, sunscreen, MSG?  Check out "What's that Stuff?"  for the answers.

Whether it's Feb 17 or June 12, depending on a vote to delay in Congress, the Digital TV Transition is coming to a television set near you. Check out your options at Consumer Reports; join the government sponsored Coupon waiting list; and follow the latest on the DTV Transition in Google News.

The world of retirement is changing and here's what you need to know.  Can You Afford to Retire? evaluates the impact of the economic meltdown and gives answers to questions about pensions and 401(k)s and other savings.

With the Made In Minnesota Gift Guide, a list of nearly 400 local businesses and artisans. Also check out the Made in MN Report on why it makes economic sense to support homegrown manufacturers and retailers.

A recent Wall St. Journal article voices consumer dismay with the financial-services industry; The Center for Responsible Lending seconds that emotion; and author Jacob Hacker calls it "The Great Risk Shift" of the past 30 years.

Among price comparison search engines, it's hard to beat Pricegrabber.com with its detailed listings and results usually amount the cheapest and most accurate.

Cut your energy bill by unplugging "vampire" appliances that feed on electricity. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, standby energy loss drains consumers of $4 billion per year.

The Salvation Army Valuation Guide can help with pricing everything from clothing to appliances.

Cardratings.com can help you choose the right credit card.

License Minnesota lets you access licensing information on over 500 licenses administered by over 40 state agencies in Minnesota. Includes professional, business, vehicle and recreational licenses in one spot!

Relocation Essentials gives you everything from climate to crime statistics and lets you compare communities, too.

AnnualCreditReport.com gives you a free credit report from each of the three reporting bureaus.

Gasbuddy.com helps you search for the cheapest gasoline prices in your city or zip code area.

Pricegrabber.com helps you compare prices and get consumer reviews on many popular products.  Site includes merchant coupons and rebates.

TV Converter Box Coupon Program offers $40 vouchers for converter boxes, but first... do you actually need one?  Find answers to this and your other questions here.

If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, you'll want to read the FDA's concerns about the inks, infection, scarring and MRI complications. Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?

PriceGrabber.com makes it easier to compare items by quality and user reviews and to check prices across stores and Web retailers.

Check out BestPlaces.net for information about cost-of-living, housing, climate, crime statistics and more.