Information and exercises are provided in this learning module to increase students' awareness of and effectiveness in their role as consumers. The module, which is written at an elementary level, covers eight topics related to consumer affairs: (1) finding an apartment through newspaper classified advertisements and other sources and signing a lease agreement; (2) buying a house and transferring the title from seller to buyer; (3) choosing and financing a mobile home; (4) buying a car, financing it, securing automobile insurance, and performing preventative auto maintenance; (5) planning for grocery, clothing, furniture, and appliance purchases; (6) using sales catalogs as an alternative means of shopping; (7) judiciously utilizing telephone and door-to-door sales; and (8) avoiding consumer rip-offs, such as false advertising, fraudulent home and personal improvement schemes, automobile repairs that are not completed, sympathy appeals, free offers, and debt consolidation programs. For each topic, the module provides informational texts and suggestions, as well as exercises and activities designed to reinforce student learning. A glossary and an exercise answer key are provided. (JP)