PLUS Tons of freebies inside!
SPRING 2014 Please display until 06/09/14
A Consumer Reports publication
The
BARGAIN FINDER 12
32 Special report
Home & Yard
12 The new rules
26
of bargain hunting Our list of the smartest ways to save money on everything you need to buy. Plus how to get tons of great freebies.
27 28 30 32 34
Best bargain cleaners Low-cost products that work as well as big brands like Tide and Cascade. Cheap tricks Make your home sparkle with old socks, scissors, and other surprising stuff. DIY & save Home project do’s—and don’ts. Deals and more deals! Where to shop. Kitchen updates for $50 or less Really! Free design help Click here for expert advice.
Departments 3
Editor’s letter
4
Best & worst bargain products Sometimes it really doesn’t pay to cheap out. Here are six examples and what to buy instead.
6
Purse smart Check our calendar of savings for when to buy TVs, furniture, sheets, grills, and more.
8
Ask our experts
84
Back in the day
4
It’s cheap. But is it a good deal?
36
70
Food & Drink
Beauty & Fashion
38
62
40
Saving strategies for every aisle How to pay less for produce, dairy, meat, bread, cereal, and more on your next trip to the supermarket. Coupons made easy New tricks you’ll love. We know—we tried them all!
42
Get the most nutrition for your money
46
20 foods make healthy eating cheap and easy. Store-brand smackdown Get ready to make some tasty swaps on your shopping list!
66 68 70 72 74
56 58
Easy ways to cut the cost of drugs Tips that can save you hundreds, whether you’re buying prescription or over-the-counter meds. Free health helpers Secret weapons for losing weight, getting fit, and staying safe. Low-cost home health essentials Baking soda, vinegar, and other things that medical pros say they always keep on hand.
the experts. Plus the best cosmetics to scrimp on. Make it last Stretch out salon services. Cheap chic Fashion pros share their best tips. Discount store secrets Insider tricks to use at T.J.Maxx and other money-saving havens. The best deals online Where stylists shop. 10 tools to keep clothes looking new These prevent and fix wardrobe malfunctions fast!
Avoid gas guzzlers like this one and save hundreds per year.
Health & Safety 52
How to get gorgeous for less 9 tips from
Cars & Tech 78 81 82
Outsmart the car salesman Use our five-step checklist to get a rock-bottom price. Save on gas! The top cars for fuel economy. How to save on electronics Where to find amazing deals on TVs, computers, and more.
ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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Every issue at your fingertips
President James A. Guest Chief Operating Officer Rich Gannon Vice President and General Manager, Magazine and Newsletter Products Brent Diamond Editor in Chief Lisa Lee Freeman Contributing Editor Grace Garguilo Contributing Art Director Ben Margherita Design Director Timothy LaPalme Creative Director Melissa Paterno Plonchak Deputy Editor Susan Millar Perry Senior Editor Jody L. Rohlena Managing Editor/Online Editor Scott Nyerges Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Julie Schrader Photo Editor Karen Shinbaum Project Editor Laura Goldstein
Vice President and Technical Director Liam McCormack Senior Director, Content Strategy and Development Diane Salvatore Autos Rik Paul, Editor; Jonathan Linkov, Managing Editor Electronics Glenn Derene, Editor; Eileen McCooey, Deputy Editor; Jeff Fox, Technology Editor Health & Food Ellen Kunes, Health and Food Content Development Team Leader; Chris Hendel, Associate Director, Health; Jamie Kopf, Senior Associate Editor; Marvin Lipman, M.D., Medical Editor; Orly Avitzur, M.D., Associate Medical Editor Home Robert Markovich, Editor; Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Deputy Editor Money Margot Gilman, Editor; Amanda Walker, Senior Project Editor
digital editions now available on:
Amazon, Kindle, and the Amazon Kindle logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK is a registered trademark of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Zinio is a registered trademark of Zinio Systems, Inc. Google Play is a registered trademark of Google. SSREP11
Contributing Photographers Rebekah Nemethy, Pete Pezzella, John Powers, John Walsh Imaging Specialist Frank Collado, Mark Linder Production Aileen McCluskey, Production Associate; Eric W. Norlander, Editorial Production Manager Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio, Content Production Manager Copy Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield, Sarah Pike, Copy Editors Research Jane Healey, Associate Director; Sarah Goralski, David Schipper, Senior Researchers; Kathleen Adams, Desiree Ferenczi, Sharon Riley, Researchers Administration Decarris Bryant Contributing Writers Catherine A. Broihier, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Teresa Carr, Dan DiClerico, Lisa Gill, Jill Godsey, Joyce Hendley, Wendy Heppt, Kimberly Janeway, Amanda Lecky, Carol Mangis, Janene Mascarella, Steve Mitchell, Kenrya Rankin Naasel, Ed Perratore, Maria Ricapito, Amy Roberts, Nicole Sarrubbo, Davida Sidrane, Hilary Sterne, Donna Tapellini, Jessica Tolliver, Laura Wallace, Carolyn Weber, Leslie Ware, Joanne Van Zuidam
ShopSmart (ISSN 1932-3557) is published by Consumer Reports, an independent, nonprofit research and testing organization. We have more than 50 testing labs, a 327-acre Auto Test Center, more than 135 highly trained researchers and technicians, and more than 60 experienced reporters and editors. All independent. All dedicated only to you. A note about prices: Generally we list the amount that we paid for the featured product.
Violations of CR’s No Commercial Use policy Our ratings and reports may not be used in advertising. No other commercial use, including any use on the Internet, is permitted without our express written permission. Report any apparent violation at ConsumerReports.org/NoCommercialUse or by mail to Consumer Reports, External Relations, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703-1057. CR’s staff operates under contract between CR and The Newspaper Guild of New York, Local 3, The Newspaper Guild, AFL-CIO. © 2014 Consumer Reports
CUSTOMER SERVICE You can contact us about subscriptions by phone at 866-428-5812.
EDITOR’Snote
Bargain therapy
T
o me, bargain hunting is maximum-strength retail therapy. A trip to my favorite discount store takes me straight to the chill zone. And spotting the perfect jacket or sweater marked down to practically zero on the clearance rack is total bliss. Forget yoga class—get me to the dressing room! Even if there isn’t a sale in sight, there are always websites and apps that can deliver great bargain therapy. At ShopSmart, we’re obsessed with the latest ways to save, and keep you up to date on all of the worthwhile discount-seeking tools we can find. “The New Rules of Bargain Hunting,” on page 12, is loaded with them. This special issue is a compilation of some of our best advice ever. So if you don’t already know and love us, you picked a great time to discover ShopSmart. This issue will get you caught up on smart ways to get great deals on almost anything you need to buy. The Food and Drink section, starting on page 36, reveals the secrets to cutting your grocery bill, with or without coupons. On page 78, you’ll learn how to outsmart car salesmen and get a rock-bottom price on a new or used vehicle. And don’t miss our Fashion and Beauty section, starting on page 60. You’ll discover where professional stylists shop for amazing markdowns on shoes, clothes, and a lot more. We really should have called this the bargain therapy issue. Because if getting great deals is like therapy to you, too, you can consider this your guide to getting in the zone. So put down that yoga DVD, and hang out with us for a while. Happy shopping!
At ShopSmart, we’re obsessed with the latest ways to save, and keep you up to date on all of the worthwhile bargain-finding tools we can find.
Lisa Lee Freeman Editor in Chief
The ShopSmart promise WE WILL ALWAYS TELL YOU THE TRUTH. If we think
Tell us what you think! e-mail us at shopsmart.org/letters
Join us on facebook
a product is great, we’ll tell you so. If it’s not, we’ll tell you that, too. We can tell it like it is because we are nonprofit and we don’t take ads or free samples. As part of the Consumer Reports family, we spend millions of dollars a year to buy products so that we can test them in our 50 labs and at our auto test track. We also fight for laws to protect you from dangerous products and unfair sales practices. Our mission
is simple: to help you make the best choice every time.
To us, go to: facebook.com/shopsmartmag ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
3
BARGAINbuys
Deal or no deal? Sometimes cheaping out pays off big-time—but other times it can really cost you
REAL BARGAIN
NO BARGAIN
Pod coffeemakers GOOD AND CHEAP Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG5, $80 CHEAP FOR A REASON Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49995, $50 The lowdown Top pod coffeemakers are $100 or more. If you want to spend less, try the Mr. Coffee. The main plus of pod machines is that they’re convenient. The Hamilton Beach was so slow and clunky to use that it was anything but!
REAL BARGAIN REAL BARGAIN
NO BARGAIN
Paint Bagless vacuums GOOD AND CHEAP Eureka AirSpeed AS1000A, $120 CHEAP FOR A REASON Eureka Endeavor NLS 5400A (Walmart), $80 The lowdown Yes, they’re both the same brand! But super-cheap models like the Endeavor don’t have the power to suck up deep-down dirt in carpets. Also, the Endeavor lacks suction control, which helps protect drapes when using tools, and it doesn’t have a brush on/off switch. And you’ll have to bend down every time you want to adjust the vacuum’s pile height.
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
GOOD AND CHEAP Behr Premium Plus Satin Enamel (Home Depot), $27 CHEAP FOR A REASON Economy paints priced at $10 and $15 a gallon The lowdown You can buy economy grades (aka contractor grade), but don’t! A decentquality paint can cover the darkest wall colors in two coats, but lower-quality paint might require three or four. The best brands now cover old paint well with just one coat. Most even come with claims that you don’t need a primer coat. Also, cheap paints might not hold up well to wear and tear, mildew, and fading.
Big-screen TVs GOOD AND CHEAP Samsung PN51F5300 (51 inches), $650 CHEAP FOR A REASON RCA LED52B45RQ (52 inches), $600 The lowdown The price of the RCA is super-low for a 52-inch LCD with LED backlighting, but its overall performance score in our lab tests was rock-bottom. The high-def TV’s picture quality was among the worst we’ve seen, and sound quality was also a bummer. The Samsung, on the other hand, was a great deal, with excellent HD picture quality. Many of the top-scoring TVs in our tests are from Samsung.
REAL BARGAIN
NO BARGAIN
Tablets
REAL BARGAIN
GOOD AND CHEAP Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (Wi-Fi, 8GB), $200 CHEAP FOR A REASON Coby MID7065-8 (Wi-Fi, 8GB), $120 The lowdown The price range for tablets is wide, and there are plenty of good buys at the low end. But watch out if you go too low. The screen on the Coby is dimmer than those on most others, and it was very difficult to see in sunlight. Also, battery life was measly for a tablet, at less than 5 hours.
REAL BARGAIN
Gas grills GOOD AND CHEAP Grill King 810-2545-C (Walmart.com), $260 CHEAP FOR A REASON Char-Broil 463440109, $200 The lowdown The Char-Broil’s price is nice for a midsized grill, but it got the lowest score in our tests for temperature evenness. That means burgers on one side of the grill could be overcooked while those on the other side could turn out underdone. In general, our experts say that it pays to shell out a bit more for features such as premium-quality burners, stainless-steel grates, and heavy-duty construction.
NO BARGAIN
ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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PURSEsmart
When to shop for everything
January
February
O Bedding
O Humidifiers
O Linens
O Indoor
O Swimwear
O Treadmills
furniture
and ellipticals
O Toys O Treadmills
and ellipticals O TVs O Winter
clothing
12 months, 67 ways to save
E
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July
August
O Camcorders
O Air
O Indoor
O Backpacks
furniture O Outdoor furniture O Swimwear
conditioners
O Dehumidifiers O Outdoor O Snow
furniture blowers
TOWELS: DARRIN KLIME K / T HE I MAGE BAN K / G ETTY I MAGES; S WIMSUIT: C S QUARE D STU D IOS/PHOTO D IS C /GETTY IMAGES; C HAIR: STO CKB YTE/GETTY IMAGES
very day you probably get e-mails, texts, tweets, and catalogs announcing great sales. The days of watching the calendar and buying products when they tend to go on sale (January for sheets and towels, for example) seem to be over. But they’re not! ShopSmart’s product-research experts, who monitor prices, have found that deep discounts for some things still go by the calendar. Some are tied to the introduction of new models, which might happen several times a year. Small electronics, such as DVD and Blu-ray players, for example, tend to be heavily discounted as new models launch in March, May, June, and December. Other blowouts remain long-standing traditions—yes, including those January white sales, a retail tactic devised back in 1878 by John Wanamaker, the department-store pioneer. He picked specific months for different sales to keep turnover high. Use our month-by-month lists to see when you can usually find the best prices on different products. But continue to keep an eye on those e-mails, texts, tweets, and snail mail, of course, so that you won’t miss other discounts. And keep in mind that the best time to save money isn’t always when you’ll find the best selection. Sales on some items, like winter sports gear, grills, and air conditioners, occur when a season is coming to an end and inventory is thin.
TOP LEFT: IMAGE SOUR C E/GETTY IMAGES; TOP MI DD LE: B LUEMOONSTO CK /GETTY IMAGES; B OTTOM MI DD LE: N ATALLIA BO K A C H/ E +/ G ETTY I MAGES; H OWAR D KINGSNORTH/THE IMAGE B AN K /GETTY IMAGES
March
April
May
June
O Humidifiers
O Computers
O Athletic
consumer electronics O TVs O Winter sports gear
O Digital
apparel and shoes O Camping and other outdoor gear O Carpeting O Cordless phones O Lawn mowers O Small consumer electronics
O Camcorders
O Small
September
October
November
December
O Bikes
O Bikes
O Baby
O Bikes
O Digital
O Computers
O Bikes
O Camcorders
O Digital
O Camcorders
O GPS
O Gas
O Home
cameras O Gas grills O Lawn mowers O Shrubs, trees, and perennials O Snow blowers
cameras O Laptop computers O Lawn mowers O Spring clothing
cameras O Gas grills O Lawn mowers O Winter coats
products
grills O GPS devices O Toys O TVs
O Carpeting O Computers O Indoor
furniture consumer electronics O Summer sports gear O Swimwear O Small
devices appliances (large and small) O Small consumer electronics O Toys O TVs
ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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ASKourEXPERTS When it comes to eggs, it pays to shell out for organic labels.
Urvashi Rangan environmental expert
Eileen McCooey electronics editor
Jennifer Stockburger automotive test director
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Yes, says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., our environmental expert, because the way they are produced is much healthier for the hens. Unlike regular eggs, organic eggs must be produced by hens whose feed is made without synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, and antibiotics. Just keep in mind that organic eggs aren’t more nutritious than regular eggs. Look for the “USDA Organic” label, which is the real deal, meaning that the product was approved by the Department of Agriculture. Farms that produce organic foods are inspected by USDA-accredited certifiers. One bummer: The USDA does not adequately define or enforce the outdoor access requirement for birds—something Consumer Reports, the publisher of ShopSmart, is urging the USDA
THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
to change. Other labels, such as Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved, mean the eggs were produced in the most humane way. Organic or not, cook your eggs until the yolk and white are firm to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Also, pick eggs that are clean and unbroken, and aren’t stuck to the bottom of the carton.
SALES ON TVs When is the best time of the year to buy an LCD TV?
Q
—A.K., Palm Bay, Fla.
Believe it or not, there’s really no bad time. But you’ll see particularly good deals in March, says electronics editor Eileen McCooey. That’s when retailers usually reduce prices on older sets to make room for new TV models.
UNNECESSARY EXPENSE I rotate my tires when I have my oil changed. My mechanic suggests that I also rebalance them. Is this necessary?
Q
—A.W., Bethel, Conn.
Probably not, says auto expert Jennifer Stockburger. Tires are balanced when they’re initially mounted by applying weights to the wheels. So unless you’re feeling vibrations as your tires wear, there’s no reason to spend the $40 to $60 that rebalancing usually costs. But we do recommend having your tires rotated periodically to even out wear for optimal performance. It usually costs about $30.
SAVING ON INSURANCE Ads for insurance companies claim that you can save hundreds by switching. I called a
Q
TOP: K AREN B EARD/BLEND IMA G ES/ G ETTY IMA G ES
OUR PANEL
Q
Are organic eggs really worth the price? —J.M., Sandwich, Mass.
few companies about my car insurance, and there was a $5 difference. What gives? —H.R., Arlington, Va.
Your experience matches what we found in a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Only 11 percent of 29,762 ConsumerReports.org subscribers who compared premiums said they would save money by switching insurers, says Amanda Walker, senior financial editor. That’s probably because many respondents had been with their insurer for many years, which makes them eligible for special discounts. But that doesn’t mean comparing prices is a waste of time. Check whether your state insurance department provides rate comparisons (go to naic.org/state_web_map to find your state’s agency). You can also compare insurers online at Answer Financial, Insure.com, InsWeb, and NetQuote. To keep your rates low, regularly check and correct credit-reporting errors because a dip in your score can increase your premiums.
surveys of millions of owners. Those surveys show that refrigerators usually don’t break during the period covered by the warranty. And on average, repairs cost the same as what you’d pay for the warranty.
CUTTING YOUR MONTHLY BILLS How can I determine whether or not to drop my collision and comprehensive coverage from my insurance?
Q
—B.N., via e-mail
We usually recommend that you drop collision and comprehensive insurance coverage on your car when the annual premium equals or exceeds 10 percent of your car’s cash value, says personal finance editor Jeff Blyskal. Otherwise, you could end up paying more over time in premiums and a deductible than you would recoup for repairs or replacement of your automobile. That’s because the
insurer will never pay out more than the vehicle’s cash value less the deductible.
COLORS THAT SELL I’m looking to buy a new car. Are certain colors easier to resell?
Q
Amanda Walker senior financial editor
—E.B., Huntington Beach, Calif.
Choosing a popular color is a good strategy, especially if you plan to someday sell your car, according to autos editor Liza Barth. Harold Bendell, a used-car dealer in New York City, says that black and silver are popular sellers year-round, and white sells better in summer. Are there any colors that you should skip? Bendell says red is a real stinker, possibly because people mistakenly believe that you have to pay more to insure a red car. Of course, price matters more than color when it comes to buying a car. If the price is right, it’s probably worth settling for a color that wasn’t your first choice—yes, even red!
Donato Vaccaro survey research associate director
Jeff Blyskal finance editor
Liza Barth autos editor
Buying a car in silver or white might make it easier to resell.
APPLIANCE RACKET My fridge is five years old, and the extended warranty is almost up. A new warranty would cost about $200. Is it worth it?
Q BOTTOM: HENRIK JONSSON/ E +/GETTY I MA G ES
—B.M., Mashpee, Mass.
Save your money, says Donato Vaccaro, associate director of the Consumer Reports National Research Center. We can say that with confidence because we’ve been tracking the reliability of appliances (as well as electronics and lawn equipment) for decades through annual ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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ASKourEXPERTS FLOOR-MODEL FLAWS Is it a bad idea to buy a TV that was a floor model?
Q Claudio Ciacci TV tester
Mike Rosato product specialist
Rico de Paz paint expert
—D.G., Milwaukee
It’s not a bad idea, but you need to be careful, says TV tester Claudio Ciacci. There are a few things to consider. If you see a floor-model television for sale, compare its price with those at retailers such as Amazon.com and Crutchfield to make sure you’re really getting a good deal. The price should reflect a significant discount compared with the current “street” price—not the MSRP that you might see listed on the shelf. Keep in mind that the TV was probably running all day in the showroom for weeks on end, so it has already experienced some wear and tear. As a result, it might have scratches or broken connectors, so inspect the
framing and make sure all of the features work. And make sure all of the accessories are included. If the dealer lost the remote, you’ll have to buy one.
MORE ON CHEAP TVs We’re shopping for a TV and want to get a good deal, but salespeople at a big chain and some independent stores told us that some manufacturers sell TVs with components missing at warehouse stores, which is where we’ll get the best price. Is that true?
Q
—L.G., via e-mail
That’s mostly a sales gimmick, says product specialist Mike Rosato. Some manufacturers make retailer-specific product models for certain stores so that they can sell an exclusive model or a model that can sell
for less than similar ones sold by other retailers. There are lots of things manufacturers can do to lower the cost that may or may not detract from performance, such as make changes to the speakers, the number of inputs, and audio power. Many of those changes are not a big deal for most users. But some discounter-sold TVs might have a different type or quality of backlight, video processing, or video refresh rate, any of which can affect performance. That said, we can’t say for sure whether the specific model you’re looking at in one store is inferior to another someplace else. Our advice: See whether the TVs you’re looking at are listed on the manufacturer’s website, and compare features and specs. If a model isn’t listed, call or e-mail the manufacturer and ask whether any differences between the models might affect the TV’s performance.
ENERGY-SAVING PAINTS I want to paint my house a color that will cost the least amount in energy. What color should I choose?
Q
Paint color probably won’t affect your energy bills.
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
BOTTOM: M ARK WEISS/ D I G ITAL VISION/GETTY I MA G ES
—M.M., Deer Park, Ill.
There’s probably little environmental or economic benefit to choosing a particular color, paint tester Rico de Paz says. Dark colors absorb solar radiation, and light colors will reflect it. But there are other factors, such as construction materials, insulation, and local environment, that could overwhelm any potential benefits of color choice. The best thing you can do to save money
Carol Mangis electronics editor
Q
Are there other tablets that are as good as the iPad Air but cheaper? —R.M., St. Joseph, Mo.
You do have other options, but there’s a reason the $500 iPad Air is so popular, says electronics editor Carol Mangis. Apple’s tablet has consistently topped our ratings since it came out, setting the bar high for the competition. That said, some Android tablets, such as the $400 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (10.1) (16 GB), above left, come close to the iPad Air in our tests and cost less. Smaller tablets have gotten a lot better, too. You can find 7- or 8-inch tablets (the iPad has a 9.7-inch screen)
and help the environment is to use a durable paint that suits your areas. For example, choose fade-resistant paint for sunny areas and mildew-resistant paint for damp, shady areas.
LOAN VS. LEASE Is leasing a car a good idea?
Q
—Name withheld
Not really. It’s fun to lease a shiny new car every few years, but it will cost you big-time, says associate finance editor Anthony Giorgianni. Whether you lease a new car or buy it with a loan, you are borrowing the entire value of the car (minus your down payment). A lease gives you a much
Tony Giorgianni personalfinance editor
that have received high scores in our tests, such as the Google Nexus 7 (16 GB) tablet, $230, above middle. Another thing to think about is content. Apple has an advantage because new apps tend to come out for Apple first, then for Android. But when it comes to magazines and books, Amazon holds its own with Apple. So does Barnes & Noble (maker of Nook models). The Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablets, above right, give you access to all Amazon content, starting at $170, for example.
lower monthly payment, but that’s because you’re only paying back your vehicle’s loss in value during your lease, after which you have to give the car back. With a loan you’re paying back the car’s entire value, so your payments are higher, but you’re building equity and you get to keep the car. Either way, the net cost is about the same. But here’s the catch. Both loans and leases charge monthly interest on the entire amount you’re borrowing, minus whatever you pay back along the way. Because you’re paying back less with a lease, you have a higher balance that’s subject to a finance charge
month after month. So leases usually cost more than an equivalent loan, and they often come with up-front and termination fees. Leasing also puts you in a cycle of getting a new car every few years. And those first few years are when cars lose value the fastest, which makes it much pricier than buying a car and keeping it for a long time. FREE ADVICE! E GET Got a question about electronics, appliances, or anything else you need to buy or already own? E-mail our experts at ShopSmart.org/ questions. Letters might be edited for space and clarity. Sorry, but we can’t answer every letter.
ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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COVER STORY
The new rules of
BARGAIN HUNTING T
here are so many new and amazing strategies for saving on practically everything. Let us count the ways! In this story, you’ll find 26 of our best new money-saving tips. ShopSmart is the authority on keeping up with every new shopping development. So you don’t have to worry that you might have missed out on a discount because you weren’t in the
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
know. Bargain hunting used to be pretty straightforward—you clipped a coupon, combed through circulars, waited for sales, and maybe even haggled a bit. In 2014, you can “like” your way to big savings on Facebook, use coupons and texts on your smart phone, and so much more. Here are the new rules that every shopper should know. Happy bargain hunting!
ILLUSTRAT I ONS: K I RSTEN U LVE
26 ways to save big now!
1 Get instant savings! Many retailers, including those listed below, will text you sale alerts and coupon codes that can be used at checkout. Go to their websites to sign up and get more info:
Bath & Body Works Dollar Tree JCPenney Kohl’s Lord & Taylor Macy’s Old Navy Target Victoria’s Secret Walgreens TIP Does your favorite store text deals? Search the retailer name and “mobile text alerts.”
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COVER STORY
2
3. Book bargain airline tickets. The secret: Buy at the right time. Go to online booking sites such as Bing, Kayak, and Orbitz at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays for the best airfares.
Never pay for shipping (if you can help it). Try these smart fee-erasing tricks. O Head to FreeShipping.org to find codes for more than 4,000 online stores. O If you’re an American Express cardholder, you can sign up for a complimentary ShopRunner membership and get free two-day shipping at 80-plus retailers. Not an AmEx customer? You can try the service free for 30 days, no strings attached. After the promo period it costs $79 per year. O If you love shopping at Amazon.com, sign up for Amazon Prime. After a 30-day free trial, you pay $79 per year for free two-day shipping on everything you buy—plus you get a free monthly Kindle book and a movie and TV streaming service. What a deal! O Wherever you shop, look for a ship-to-store option that lets you pick up your stuff up at the store. Walmart’s Site to Store and Barnes & Noble’s Pick Me Up programs, for example, can have stuff ready for same-day pickup—no standing in lines or paying shipping fees. Nice!
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
4. NEVER MAKE A PURCHASE WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING RETAILMENOT. You can use the website or the app. You’ll find printable coupons and online codes. And when you walk by a store that has an offer, the app will send you an alert so that you can run in and redeem it.
5. Be sweet. Be charming. Be polite. But be sure to ask for a lower price. Negotiating can save you big bucks. And it’s easier than you might think. When we surveyed 2,000 people about negotiating, the most successful tactic was simply telling the salesperson that they plan to shop around for a better price. That worked about as well as actually doing the legwork of comparing prices!
6. Don’t check out until you price match. PriceGrabber
RedLaser
ShopSavvy
It’s one of the best price-comparison apps; use it to see whether you can get an item for less online.
Use this app to scan a product’s bar code and check for cheaper prices elsewhere.
Check here to compare prices and check user reviews and product videos.
Price Check by Amazon Can you get it for less at Amazon? This app will tell you the deal.
Smoopa
PriceBlink
See whether you’re getting a good deal. You can also earn bonuses for submitting price info.
This browser add-on checks prices while you shop online and searches for coupons, too.
7. GET IN ON PRESALES. The best time to shop a sale is before it starts. Insiders can get early access and other extras. Sign up for the Nordstrom Fashion Rewards loyalty club to shop sales before the crowds arrive. Best Buy’s new loyalty program is another great way to get presale deals. You can also get alerts at Facebook, Racked, and Twitter, or ask a salesperson about presales.
W Think
8. Walmart and warehouse stores, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, have the best prices on almost everything, according to our secret shoppers. In their price scans of hundreds of products over the years, those stores have been the low-price leaders. (Target often comes in a close second to Walmart.)
9. LOOK FOR A SALE—BACKWARD. After you buy something, you might want to check the prices for a few days after. Many stores will refund the difference if they lower the price within a specified number of days.
10. Watch out for return gotchas. Read the fine print online. Some retailers won’t take back items purchased on their websites, so you could get stuck with return shipping fees, especially if the return is not due to damage. For example, Macy’s walk-in stores don’t take back area rugs or lighting purchased at Macys.com. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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COVER STORY
11 Never assume prices are cheaper online. Prices online can jump around, and they don’t always match in-store prices at the same retailer. When we compared prices at retailers’ websites and stores, we discovered some big differences. A pair of Levi’s jeans at Macy’s, for example, was $24 cheaper in the store than it was on Macys.com. So it pays to compare prices online and in stores, even if you’re shopping at the same retailer. Another finding: Prices at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls are tough to beat. In our price scan, those stores were as much as 92 percent cheaper than the lowest prices we could find online.
12. Like your favorite brands on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for deal alerts. (TIP: Also use socialmedia sites for fast customer service.)
13. SIGN UP FOR RETAILER LOYALTY PROGRAMS. Target’s RedCard gives you 5 percent off all purchases. Gap, Macy’s, T.J.Maxx, and many other stores let you rack up points for gift certificates.
14. Spend less. It’s simple: Keep all of your money in one bank account. A recent study showed that people who do that spent about 10 percent less than people with multiple accounts. The reason: It’s easy to track how much you have because all of your money is in one account, so you will probably spend less.
15. BUY A NEW CAR AT THE RIGHT TIME. The best deals are in the last week of the year, according to a TrueCar study. (For more tips on getting a great deal on a car, see page 78.) 16 |
THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
16.Get organized!
A smart shopper is an organized shopper. Here’s how to get your bucks in order:
O MAKE A LIST. This rule works
O CLEAN OUT YOUR MAILBOX.
like magic to help you keep spending in check and prevent buying on impulse.
Have mail coming in from sites you’re totally over? Go to Unroll. me to unsubscribe in seconds. It works with AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo e-mail.
O BREAK RULE NO. 1. Feel free to make an impulse purchase if you substitute it for something on your list or if something else costs less than originally budgeted.
O PLAN A TIME-OPTIMIZING SHOPPING ROUTE. Check
the ShopTrotter site and never waste time backtracking again.
ShopTrotter can help you map out the most efficient shopping trip.
O GET AUTOMATIC SALE
ALERTS. Go to your favorite retailers’ websites and sign up for e-mail newsletters. This works for you two ways. One, you’ll know when the best sales start. And two, as a subscriber, you might be invited to special sales. TIP FatWallet does an excellent job of putting all of the sales you might want to know about in one spot online: Just click the Sales tab. O SORT IT OUT. Try the
PeeqPeeq app. It sorts all of your promo e-mail messages into a folder, then organizes that into a catalog and alerts you when deals are set to expire. O KEEP YOUR SALES
INFORMATION IN ONE SPOT.
When you sign up for e-mail newsletters and loyalty programs, use an e-mail address created just for shopping info. So next time DSW sends you a coupon online, it’s super-easy to find, and you won’t forget about it.
O TRACK YOUR PURCHASES.
Try Slice. The website keeps a record of your online transaction, stores your receipts, and alerts you if you’re eligible for a price reduction or refund. Want to know when that package of goodies will arrive? It tells you that, too. O PIN STUFF FROM ANYWHERE ON THE WEB.
Just add the Pin It button from Pinterest to your browser. The virtual pinboard is perfect for organizing things you love online, from hot outfits to dream room décor. Two new features help you save money, too: Product Pins show you the availability and price of items, and the new price-alert feature e-mails you when those prices drop.
Let PeeqPeeq organize your promotional store e-mails for you!
MAKE LIST-MAKING EASY. Yes, there’s an app for that. Smart Shopping List A La Carte is great for organizing shopping lists. And the Amazon Wish List browser button is perfect for online shopping, even if you don’t buy at Amazon. It lets you add items from any site.
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17. Shop discount sites. Never pay full price again! Here are great places to shop online for big markdowns.
GLASSES AND SUNGLASSES At EyeFly you can buy glasses for $94 (free shipping), including frames, lenses, and coatings. Also check out For Eyes Optical.
SHOES Go to 6pm.com and LastCall.com for designer footwear at huge discounts.
POTS, KNIVES, AND OTHER KITCHEN STUFF
ELECTRONICS It’s tough to beat the prices at Costco and Costco.com. Also try BestBuy.com’s outlet: Click Clearance & More under Shops for discontinued and refurbished products. (See page 82 for more ways to save on electronics.)
Don’t miss CookwareNMore.com.
FURNITURE
CLOTHING
Check out crateandbarrel.com/ outlet for discontinued, pastseason, and outlet furniture, and home décor. Also try Gothic Cabinet Craft. (See page 30 for more great sites.)
PET TOYS, FOOD, AND GEAR Bark on over to Wag.com.
RUGS
C21stores.com is the website of New York City discount department store Century 21; you’ll find loads of great buys at more than 50 percent off. (See page 72 for more great sites for fashion savings.)
Rugs Direct (rugs-direct.com) has thousands of rugs you can sort by style, color, and theme. And don’t miss Ikea for amazingly low prices.
EVERYTHING!
TOOLS SearsOutlet.com is loaded with items that are scratched or dented.
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WINE Find deals at Wine-Searcher.com.
Walmart.com’s clearance section. Click on See All Departments, then Clearance. The section is huge, with discounted items in every category you can think of. More than 30,000 products were available the last time we checked.
18. Use old electronics to pay for new stuff. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and other stores have trade-in programs that give you gift cards for your used and unwanted phones, computers, and other electronics. The amount you get can vary widely depending on the retailer and the condition of your items. So shop around!
19. BUY A GIFT CARD ONLINE—AND USE IT YOURSELF. Sites such as Cardpool, GiftCardRescue, and MonsterGiftCard.com sell traded-in gift cards at discounts up to 35 percent. When we last checked, we spotted a $100 Payless ShoeSource gift card for $80 as well as discounted cards from Gap, Macy’s, Sephora, Target, and Walmart. The sites guarantee the card values, but be sure to read the fine print.
20. MAX OUT YOUR CREDIT-CARD REWARDS. If you have a credit card that offers extra-juicy rewards or cash back when you shop at certain types of retailers, such as gas stations, stick masking tape on the back of your card with that info so that you don’t forget and miss out on extra points!
21. Cut your restaurant bills. Use these sites and apps!
Groupon.com A new service at Groupon Reserve (groupon.com/reserve) can save you as much as 40 percent on your bill. You don’t pay up front; the discount is applied to your check at the restaurant.
Entertainment.com It’s that thick Entertainment Book gone mobile. The app uses your location, or any address, to find nearby spots offering deals. It works on Android, Apple, and BlackBerry, and it’s free to download but requires a $20-per-year membership to redeem deals.
Roximity app It alerts you to coupons in your area, including those for restaurants.
Valpak.com Like the paper offers that come to your house, the site is loaded with restaurant deals and lots of other stuff. Also check out the app.
Belly app Forget punch cards and stamps: Scan your phone at the register to earn rewards for return visits. It works on Android and Apple devices, and it’s free.
22.Clean up at flash sales. Flash-sale sites can score you really big discounts, but you have to act fast! Just be sure to do a Web search and check prices at sites such as PriceGrabber and Shopping.com to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Also check shipping fees and fine print. Some sales are final. Sign up for e-mail alerts to get advance notice of upcoming sales.
Gilt.com B EST FOR Furniture, fashion, and more.
MyHabit.com B EST FOR Fashion.
Sellout.woot.com B EST FOR Electronics and more.
Zulily.com B EST FOR Mommy gear.
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23.Get your freebies! brightening facial treatments.
K KID FOOD
G GOODIES Cinnabon hands out Tax Day Bites sticky buns on that day every year. P.F. Chang’s and Chili’s have also offered giveaways on Tax Day.
H HANDBAG REPAIRS
A
D
A PPS
DECORATIONS
Download AppZapp. It tracks and rates temporarily free and on-sale apps for Apple and Android.
Never pay for party decorations, gift tags, cards, or calendars again. Download and print at sarahhearts.com/category/ freebies, skiptomylou.org/ free-printables, or thetomkatstudio.com/ free-printable-designs.
B BEAUTY ADVICE Sephora offers no-cost classes on creating a skin-care routine and more. Register at sephora.com/ beautystudio.
E LensCrafters and Visionworks adjust and clean specs at no charge.
CRAFT HELP
F
Michaels has free Show in Tell workshops in craft skills such as knitting, making jewelry, and more.
Book a mini-facial at any Origins store. Services include hydrating and
THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
I ICE CREAM Ben & Jerry’s gives away ice cream on Free Cone Day. Check benjerry.com/ scoop-shops/free-coneday for the details.
EYEGLASS ADJUSTMENTS
C
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Coach will fix most of its bags free, forever. No need to hunt down your receipt. Just print the form at Coach.com (search for “repairs”) and put it in the box when you ship your bag. (You do have to pay $20 for shipping.)
FACIALS
J
Search the KidsMealDeals app daily to find no-cost bites near you. The app is free for Android and Apple.
L LANGUAGE LESSONS Go to openculture.com/ freelanguagelessons. You’ll find links to dozens of sites with free podcasts, videos, and language courses.
M MUSIC Crate & Barrel offers free mood music at crateandbarrel.com/ getthedownload. We found playlists such as “Love Songs.”
N NETFLIX You can sample Netflix’s streaming service for a month.
O
JOB-SEARCH COACHING
OUTDOOR SKILLS
The Department of Labor can assist in writing your resume, practicing interview skills, and getting an apprenticeship. See CareerOneStop.org for more info.
REI stores have clinics and no-charge instruction on bike maintenance, mountain-climbing prep, and a lot more. Check REI.com or your local store.
P
U
PRESCRIPTIONS
UNDIES
Some supermarkets will fill common prescriptions free. For example, Price Chopper and Publix give out antibiotics, and diabetes drugs and supplies.
A chain called Intimacy will alter your bra to ensure a perfect fit. Macy’s, Nordstrom, any other stores offer free bra fittings.
Q QUALITY CONTROL OK, we couldn’t really find anything that starts with Q. But if you’re thinking about buying a closet, here’s an idea: Use the Container Store’s free design service to make sure you get one that will really work for you.
R RENOVATIONS Home Depot offers DIY workshops. Learn how to install a backsplash or crown molding, update your bathroom, and more. Register at workshops. homedepot.com.
V VITAMINS Giant Eagle, Meijer, Schnucks, and ShopRite provide prenatal vitamins.
SALON SERVICES
T TALK Facebook Chat, Google Talk, iMessage, ooVoo, Skype, and Yahoo Messenger let you make calls, have video chats, and send messages free.
It’s easy. Just sign up for a Godiva Rewards card. Then once a month, go in for a free piece. And why stop there? Check out these other sites for more giveaways: FreeFlys.com Freebies4Mom.com HeyItsFree.net MoneySavingMom.com WomanFreebies.com FreeSampleMonkey.com ILoveGiveaways.com Poshly.com
W WEEKEND FUN More than half of the country’s national parks charge no admission fees; all are free on Veterans Day weekend.
X X-TRA YUMMY Take advantage of free cooking clinics at WilliamsSonoma stores. Brush up on your pan roasting skills and get 10 percent off select same-day purchases.
S Visit the Style Xpress Bar at JCPenney Salons for a complimentary touch-up and a free mini product.
24. Click here for more giveaways!
Y YOGA Lululemon Athletica stores offer free yoga classes. So drop in, zen out, and shop.
Z ZUMBA Try Zumba using Kinect at Microsoft stores, which also sponsor free events, including concerts.
25. And don’t forget your birthday freebies The next time you celebrate your special day, be sure to nab gifts from retailers. Birthday giveaways are easy to find: O Head to heyitsfree.net/birthdayfreebies for a frequently updated list of offers. O FreeBirthdayMeals.org has exactly what you would expect. O Register at BirthdayFreebies.com to find national, local, online, and birthday-club freebies. O For maximum swag, don’t wait until your birthday to sign up; some giveaways require a mailed coupon. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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26. Click or tap to save. A bargain-lover’s guide to coupon- and deal-finding sites and apps.
Websites AMAZON.COM/COUPONS It’s a cool new feature at the site that we know you’ll love.
BEFRUGAL.COM This tool gives you cash-back deals at more than 3,000 stores. And its Couponomatic feature adds coupon codes to the box at checkout.
from participating retailers, plus it features daily deals.
SPOOFEE.COM Another great resource for sales circulars.
SUNDAYSAVER.COM Check here for sales circulars and Sunday newspaper ads for grocery stores, Best Buy, Staples, and more.
BLUEPROMOCODE.COM Try it for coupons in many categories.
Apps
COUPONS.COM This all-star site now combines grocery coupons we love with meal-planning tools, recipes, and shopping lists organized by aisle. The best part: Recipes show which ingredients are on sale and link to coupons. (See page 40 for more info.)
CHECKPOINTS Scan groceryproduct bar codes, play games, and watch videos to earn points. Redeem them for gift cards, frequent-flyer miles, Facebook game credits, gadgets, or charitable donations. Works on Android, Apple.
COUPONCACTUS.COM Head here to find a promo code before you complete your next online order.
COUPONSFORCHANGE.ORG Use three coupons, and a hungry child gets a free meal.
COUPONPAL.COM Get money-saving online codes that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
SHOPATHOME.COM This site offers coupons and cash back on purchases
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COUPONSHERPA Set your favorite stores, so you can track their latest offers. Works on Android, Apple.
POUNCE See a must-have product advertised in a circular or catalog? Just snap a photo and this new tool lets you “pounce” on the item—that is, use the app to buy it directly from the retailer. Works on Android, Apple.
THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
SHOPPING BY THEFIND Scan for codes to find the hottest deals locally and online. The app even lets you know whether its retail partners, Best Buy and Target, can match the lowest-priced result your search turns up. Works on Android, Apple.
SHOPULAR This great app serves up special coupons when you’re close to one of your favorite stores. Works on Android, Apple.
SNIPSNAP Scan, save, and redeem your printed coupons on your phone, so you’ll never accidentally leave them at home. Works on Android, Apple.
SWIRL Follow your favorite retailers, see in-store and online product offers before you shop, and get style recommendations and exclusive offers. Works on Android, Apple.
Save thousands on your new kitchen!
On Sale NOW!
Essential Guide Tells You: t *OFYQFOTJWF XBZT UP HFU B OFX LJUDIFO MPPL t ,JUDIFO EFTJHO UJQT GSPN B DFMFCSJUZ DIFG t 4BWF UJNF JO UIF LJUDIFO t 'JY JU PS GPSHFU JU t (FU ZPVS ESFBN LJUDIFO PLUS: &YDMVTJWF 3BUJOHT UP IFMQ ZPV mOE UIF
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Available at bookstores or at ConsumerReports.org/books SSBPD1
HOME &YARD
Low-cost and no-cost cleaners that really work.
Save hundreds on home repairs and other projects.
Shop here for huge discounts on furniture and more.
Gorgeous kitchen updates for $50 or less.
Where to get free decorating advice.
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PHOTO: LISA S HIN
inside
Make your own nontoxic cleaners for pennies! SEE PAGE 27
HOME & YARD
Best bargain cleaners
Low-cost choices that work as well as the pricey stuff
Our labs test dozens of cleaners every year. The cheapest brands are often among the best. And some of the priciest ones are among the worst. Martha Stewart laundry detergent, for example, is bottom-rated and twice the price of top-rated Kirkland.
Laundry for less
dishwasher dishwashing powder detergent liquid COMET WITH
Single-use pods are handy but can be expensive. The good news: You don’t have to pay more for convenience plus super-clean clothes. In our tests of more than six dozen laundry detergents, the top pod was a store brand from Costco, beating out Tide, the former category leader. If you prefer powder or liquid, see our other two picks.
GREAT VALUE POWDER PACS (WALMART)
AJAX LEMON DISHWASHING LIQUID
Price $4.47; 14 cents per load Why cheap out It cleaned dishes as well as those pricey Cascade packs. Tip Face the dirty side of dishes toward the water-blasting center of the machine.
Price $2.10; 2.9 cents per wash Why cheap out All 14 we tested worked great, so buy dishwashing liquids by price. Tip It makes a good general cleaner, too. Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of warm water.
BLEACH Price $1.25 Why cheap out You can use it to tackle many jobs around the house; the disinfectant even did great in our tough toilet bowl cleaner tests. Tip Sprinkle in a wet toilet bowl, and brush and swish. Give it time to work, then flush.
allpurpose PINE-SOL ORIGINAL Price $2.48 Why cheap out An oldie but a goodie, Pine-Sol beat out 18 pricier cleaners and left no streaks. Tip Dilute it. Combine ¼ cup in 1 gallon of water. Keep the solution in a spray bottle to spritz as needed.
detergents KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ULTRA CLEAN PACS*
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ULTRA Price 9 cents per load Type Powder Machines Front-loaders or HE top-loaders Where to get it Costco
UP & UP HE Price 13 cents per load Type Liquid Machines Front-loaders or HE top-loaders Where to get it Target
*In the past two years, more than 15,000 calls were made to poison control centers regarding exposure to pod contents in children 5 and under. They can pose serious risks if ingested. Keep all pods out of reach of children.
BOTTOM: LISA SHIN; TOP: DANIEL LOISELLE/E+/GETTY IMAGES
Price 14 cents per load Type Pod Machines Front-loaders or HE top-loaders Where to get it Costco
CHEAP TRICKS
Not overpaying for cleaners is one way to make your house sparkle for less. Here are 11 other money-saving cleaning tips.
TAKE A SHINE TO COPPER POTS Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt, and rub it on copper and brass pots to remove tarnish and restore sheen.
Go halfsies When you buy a box of sponges or scouring pads, cut them all in half. Presto! You’ve automatically slashed your costs by 50 percent. The same trick also works for dryer sheets. BANISH DUST WITH DIAPERS Old diapers make great dust cloths that won’t scratch surfaces. Our experts prefer diapers with an 8-ply thickness in the center and 4-ply on the sides. Fold the diaper in thirds so that it fits nicely in your hand. When one side gets dirty, refold to expose a clean surface. Diapers are soft and lint-free, and they can be reused again and again.
RAID YOUR TOOLBOX If your shower tiles look grungy because of hard-toremove soap scum, skip the pricey bathroom cleaners. Instead, try scraping off the film with a plastic putty knife. It’s gentler than abrasives, too.
INSTANTLY BRIGHTEN INTERIORS Living room looking a little dingy? Dirty lightbulbs could be the culprit. Make dusting fixtures part of your regular cleaning routine. (Just wait until they’re cool first!)
MAKE YOUR OWN This DIY glass cleaner did as well as any commercial product we tested. (Warning: Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other acids; the combination can produce dangerous gases. Work in a well-ventilated area.)
PHOTOS: LISA SHIN
INGREDIENTS 7 pints cold water ½ cup household ammonia 1 pint rubbing alcohol 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent 1. Fill a 1- or 2-gallon bucket with the water. Carefully add the ammonia, detergent, and rubbing alcohol. 2. Mix well, then pour into spray bottles. Add labels and tint with drops of food coloring to tell them apart.
KEEP FLOORS LOOKING NEW A doormat at every entrance can reduce incoming dirt and dust by up to 80 percent. That means less frequent dusting, vacuuming, and carpet shampooing. For added protection, place one inside the door in addition to the one outside to capture the grit that can damage hardwood floors.
BOIL AWAY CLOGS Pour a gallon of boiling water down your tub and sink drains weekly. That will clear grease and soap buildup without the need for caustic chemical cleaners.
SPONGE OFF PET HAIR Instead of going through reams of lint rollers, try a damp sponge to remove pet hair from upholstery. Sponges are also great for getting into corners and crevices.
Sock it to plants Ditch the disposable dusting cloths. Instead, dampen a cotton sock with water, and wear it like a glove to gently dust leaves. TOWEL OFF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS For sticky gunk, wet a rag with hot water, then put it over the spot for a few minutes. The heat will loosen the stuff so that you can wipe it up.
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HOME & YARD
DIY & save!
The secret is knowing when to take on a project yourself—and when to call in a pro
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
PAPER CAPER Lining up stripes and patterns isn’t for newbies.
hanging wallpaper
cleaning carpets
DIY IT If you’re using inexpensive, prepasted rolls of wallpaper, you can probably take a crack at installing it yourself. Just buy a few extra rolls to account for mistakes. You can also hide goofs behind furniture. DON’T TRY IT For really expensive stuff, hire a professional paper hanger. Lining up patterns is difficult, and handprinted papers may have untrimmed edges; trimming them requires a good cutting surface, a sharp blade, and the steady hand that comes with experience.
DIY IT Rug Doctor’s Mighty Pro can be rented at stores nationwide for $20 to $30 per 24 hours and cleans as well as the best consumer models. But it is heavy and bulky and can leave carpet pretty wet. Use a dehumidifier or fan to speed up drying. DON’T TRY IT If you’re cleaning a whole house or don’t have much physical stamina, hiring a professional may be the better bet. Stanley Steemer, a nationwide chain, outperformed all of the carpet-cleaning machines we tested.
demolition DIY IT A lot of demolition work can be done safely, and it can be pretty satisfying to rip out old carpeting or paneling that you can’t stand to look at anymore. Note, though, that you won’t save as much as you might think: Pros are efficient at dismantling, so demo may account for very little of the job cost. DON’T TRY IT Removing tile and flooring is one thing, but once you get to the walls, you run the risk of major damage. If there’s any question of encountering plumbing or electrical lines, or if you’re removing wall framing, always call a professional.
electrical work DIY IT Replacing a switch is OK to attempt on your own. Just be sure to turn off the circuit and check that electricity is off before working. DON’T TRY IT Anything more complicated is risky for amateurs who don’t have the skills and aren’t familiar with current codes. Electrical shock can hurt or even kill you, and faulty wiring is a serious fire hazard.
refinishing floors JUST DON’T Refinishing floors yourself might sound like a good idea. Much of the cost of sanding and refinishing a floor is labor. But floor sanders are heavy, powerful
PHOTO: TIM PLATT/ICONICA/GETTY IMAGES
D
oing home projects yourself can be a smart way to save— not to mention score you major bragging rights. (Who fixed the toilet? That would be me!) But screwing up a DIY project can cost you a lot more than you initially saved if you have to pay a pro to fix your “handiwork.” “Some of the worst mistakes I’ve seen come when people start a project without thinking all the way to the end,” says Patrick Hurst of Hurst DesignBuild-Remodeling in Ohio. “If you don’t do the preparation, or buy the wrong parts, mistakes can add up really quickly.” We talked with homeimprovement experts, including our own, to find out when it’s OK to roll up your sleeves and give it a go—and when it pays to go with a pro!
machines, and if you haven’t had proper training, the machine can get away from you, chew into the wood, and do a lot of damage. Also, many flooring experts agree that the rental machines at home stores, as heavy as they are, generally don’t have the heft to do the job well. Even if it looks like the sanding is going along OK, the machine can leave little imperfections that might not be visible until you’ve applied the finish.
plumbing DIY IT Minor jobs, such as replacing a showerhead, are relatively easy. But if you spot a leak, call in a professional: It might signal bigger problems in your home’s plumbing system. DON’T TRY IT Large plumbing jobs require an expert; mess with pipes and you’re asking for trouble. Call a pro if you’re adding or replacing fixtures, such as a new toilet or sink. Ditto for anything involving gas lines.
THE HOLE TRUTH Patching small wall punctures is an easy project.
HOW TO DO IT RIGHT Home-repair videos that can save you hundreds O PATCH A SMALL
TOP: TETRA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES; BOTTOM: P HILIP J. B RITTAN/PHOTONICA/GETTY IMAGES
HOLE IN DRYWALL howdini.com/howdinivideo-7073212.html Pro Ed Del Grande shows how to use an $8 wall-repair kit. YOU SAVE $30 to $60, the average for this repair.
O UNCLOG A JAMMED GARBAGE DISPOSAL thisoldhouse.com/toh/ video/0,,20210077,00.html Pros from “This Old House” show you how to troubleshoot and fix your disposal. YOU SAVE $125, the average cost of a plumber’s visit.
O CHANGE A DOOR LOCK
PIPE DREAM Fixing a leaky pipe is best left to the pros.
youtube.com watch?v= mnTngmvZDqE Experts show how to remove an old lock and install a new one. YOU SAVE $40 to $100 for a locksmith’s visit, plus labor ($20 to $30 per lock).
O STOP A RUNNING TOILET diyplumbingadvice.com/ toilets/jiggler.shtml A plumbing pro identifies the usual culprit and explains how to correct it. YOU SAVE $125 on average. O REPLACE A WINDOW SCREEN youtube.com/watch?v= 95Hsy-tCOkw Using about $10 worth of materials, a repair professional completes the job in minutes. YOU SAVE The cost of a handyman’s visit, up to $60. O INSTALL A NEW SHOWERHEAD planitdiy.com/how-to/ plumbing/how-to-replacea-shower-head It’s almost as simple as unscrewing the old shower head and screwing on a new one. YOU SAVE $125.
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HOME & YARD
Deals and more deals! Even posh home pros love bargains. Here are some of their go-to sources for furniture, lighting, rugs, and more.
N
o matter where you live, you can shop for home-decorating bargains until you drop. The 20 websites listed here are where many pros go to find great deals. But before you buy, be sure to troll sale sections, check shipping charges and return policies, and measure items for your space.
WALL ART O Minted.com O FramedandMatted.com The goods Minted is a stationery site that’s also a great source for affordable artwork; click on Art Prints for a wide selection of limited editions. When you find something you like (or if you already have a piece you want to hang), Framed & Matted lets you upload an image, then “try” frames and mats to find your favorite.
O NeenasLighting.com O LampsPlus.com The goods These two sites cover the high and low ends. At Lamps Plus, the country’s largest lighting retailer, you’ll find thousands of table, floor, ceiling, and wall lights, for indoors and out. The more specialized Neenas, which is based in Boston, gives you access to brands that otherwise only a decorator could purchase for you.
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WALLPAPER O BurkeDecor.com O SecondhandRose.com The goods Shop here for a wide selection of prints and patterns, but choose carefully: Neither site accepts returns on wallpaper. Secondhand Rose specializes in antique and vintage papers—everything from florals, geometrics, and metallics to rare prints and funky themes. Tip: Request samples before you buy.
B O TTO M R IGH T : DO RL I N G KI ND E RSL EY/VE TTA /GE TT Y I MA GE S
LIGHTING
RUGS O Wayfair.com O Overstock.com O RugsUSA.com The goods You’ll find every color, style, material, type, size, and shape you can imagine—at a variety of prices. All three sites have frequent sales, but if you see something you like, you’d better click fast—low-priced products sell out quickly.
OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS O AllModern.com O BallardDesigns.com O DashandAlbert.com O GrandinRoad.com O WorldMarket.com The goods You’ll find low prices at Ballard Designs, traditional styles at Dash & Albert, and fashion-forward rugs in materials including durable, stain-resistant polypropylene at AllModern. World Market has a colorful selection of outdoor cushions and pillows. At Grandin Road check out the Grand Finale Outlet.
Great for everything home FABRICS AND WINDOW TREATMENTS O LSFabrics.com O SmithandNoble.com The goods Lewis & Sheron has a nice selection of textiles and trims. Search by “new arrivals” and “best sellers” to get started. At Smith + Noble, you can order window treatments in a large variety of styles, including shades, shutters, curtains, and drapes.
HOMEDECORATORS.COM The low prices and wide selection of sofas and armchairs are irresistible. BELLACOR.COM We love the lamp selection and the free shipping on orders of more than $75. And don’t forget ONEKINGSLANE.COM and JOSSANDMAIN.COM for great flash-sale finds.
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HOME &YARD
Kitchen updates for $50 or less A trendy new look doesn’t have to cost a bundle
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reaming of a kitchen like the ones you see on HGTV? You might be shocked to find out that even a minor kitchen remodel can run more than $18,000, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report. But here’s the good news: Many of the hottest kitchen-design trends— bright colors, sleek shelving, and chic finishes—are easy to copy even on tiny budgets. If you have just $50 to spare, you can have the look you want (well, almost!). Here’s how to pull it off.
Paint a small area, such as the ceiling, a sunny yellow, and it will brighten the whole room.
TREND
Sleek euro style You’ve seen those kitchens with the minimalist cabinets, laboratorystyle faucets, and acres of countertops that look as if no one has ever dropped a crumb anywhere. Yes, they’re gorgeous. And no, they’re not budget- or family-friendly. Yet the calm simplicity of that look is more accessible than you might think.
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TREND
Bold color schemes Designers are loving intense, sunny yellows, bright emerald green, moody gray-blues, and the richness of charcoal for kitchens. But repainting your entire kitchen requires an investment of time and money—not to mention the confidence to commit to a strong shade you could tire of next year. GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Add small updates to your existing scheme with a trendy new color, says Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer in New York. Here’s how. O Buy some colorful accessories. For example, a teakettle or an enameled Dutch oven. O Add a pop of color. If you have see-through cabinet doors (or even if you don’t), paint just the back wall of the cabinets. O Paint a chalkboard wall. Don’t go crazy; one is enough for an accent. “It’s great for making lists,” says Sabrina Soto, designer and host of “The High Low Project” on HGTV. O Hang a bright valance. Frame windows with some color, suggests Kelly Morisseau, a San Francisco designer.
TO P : D ESIGN : TA R A S EAWR IGHT D ESIGN ; P H OT O G R APHY : G E OR GE R O SS ; LEFT : ARC HITE C T : W. DAVID S EIDEL ; P H OT O G R APHY : CH R IS G AEDE
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Start by decluttering surfaces. (Find room in a cabinet for that toaster.) Then rethink storage areas. You might not be able to replace your cabinets, but you can change the way they look with these tricks. O Use a wall to clear clutter. European kitchens often feature rail-style storage systems mounted on a backsplash, and they’re available for a song at stores like Ikea. Two other sleek design staples are floating shelves (like those shown) and wallmounted knife racks. O Paint cabinet doors. A high-gloss finish in a neutral color can change the whole look of a kitchen. O Make things match. If you already have simple white or pale wood cabinets, paint the surrounding wall or the backsplash in a similar shade for a modern, monochromatic look.
Hanging pot racks are great space savers.
TREND
Industrial chic A bold, restaurant-style range will run you a hefty $3,500 or more; a commercial-style faucet can cost several hundred. But according to our testers, most pro-style appliances don’t bake, broil, or boil any better than regular ranges. GET THE LOOK FOR LESS You can capture the feeling of industrial chic with the strategic placement of a few gleaming metal accessories. O Make the small stuff count. Create a commercial look with a stainless-steel toaster on a countertop or a metal canister full of utensils set beside the range, Morisseau says. To find high-end accents at a big discount, Serra suggests trolling stores like HomeGoods and Marshalls. O Try hanging a pot rack. Placing it above a range or an island not only adds storage in a small space but also puts cookware on display, as it often is in commercial kitchens. O Hang a stainless-steel shelf. It’s another way to display cookware, restaurant-style. Ikea sells them for around $30.
WHERE THE PROS SHOP FOR KITCHEN GEAR
TOP RIGHT: LAUREN RUBENSTEIN
FOR INDUSTRIAL CHIC O Walmart.com Search “stainless steel” to find canisters, cookware, and more for less than $50. Shipping Free on many items. O Amazon.com Find great prices on everything, especially small
appliances with stainless-steel finishes. Shipping Varies by vendor. FOR HARDWARE O NiftyNob.com It’s a great source for bright ceramic and sleek metal knobs. Shipping Free. O Overstock.com The selection varies, but prices are always low. Shipping Free for orders over $50. FOR CABINET ORGANIZERS O ContainerStore.com This store is great for all kinds of organizers, including drawer dividers and kitchen cabinet-expanding turntables. Shipping Starts at $8.95. O StacksAndStacks.com This site has pantry organizers, shelf liners, and more. Shipping Free. O ShelvesThatSlide.com As the
name says, this site is a great source for sliding cabinet shelves and bins, starting around $35. Also check out the in-cabinet lazy Susans. Shipping Starts at $15. FOR COLORFUL ACCESSORIES O BedBathAndBeyond.com This website has it all. Look for bright tea towels and colorful small kitchen appliances. Shipping Starts at $5.99. O Art.com “People often overlook artwork in the kitchen,” says Sabrina Soto of HGTV. Art.com has a big selection of framed posters for $25 or less. Sign up for e-mail updates and save 25 percent on your first order. Shipping Starts at $4.
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HOME & YARD
Free design help With these blogs, decorating advice and inspiration are just a click away
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f you’ve been dying to redecorate a room but can’t figure out where to start, we found some websites that can help. They were recommended by a few top interior designers— Kevin Isbell, Eddie Ross, and Amy Statuto—as great places for inspiration, selection, incredible prices, and cool stuff that you won’t find at the mall. After you get your project going, also check out retailer websites. The blogs of home goods retailers, such as Design Within Reach and Pottery Barn, are loaded with decorating ideas. And home-improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe’s have plenty of how-to tips. Sure, they’re trying to sell you stuff. But if you like the merchandise, you’ll love the free advice. See “Top Retailer logs,” on the facing page, for some of our favorites.
BelleMaison23. com BEST FOR design lessons. Interior designer Julie Thigpen offers looks at her favorite rooms, with quirky comments about why they work and ways to incorporate the ideas in your own home.
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Lonny.com BEST FOR ideas, styling tricks, and great home shopping resources. Lonny is a free online magazine and website. You can flip through the magazine, and when you spy an item you love, click on it for an option to “shop this product.” Plus, you’ll find lots of professional advice.
ApartmentTherapy.com BEST FOR virtual house tours and shopping resources. New pictures are posted every day, showcasing interesting rooms in people’s homes. As the name suggests, small spaces are the site’s specialty.
Houzz.com BEST FOR eye-popping home and yard photos. Houzz claims to be the largest database of home photos and ideas in the world. Browse more than 2 million images, and save the ones you like to your own online idea book.
TOP RETAILER BLOGS DesignSponge.com BEST FOR trends, makeovers, and cheap, chic do-it-yourself projects. If you want a high-end look but have a low-end budget, Grace Bonney, a former magazine editor and writer, lets you in on some secrets with daily posts of awesome rooms and makeovers.
O IKEA Design by Ikea (theshare-space.com/blog) BEST FOR budget-friendly decorating ideas. Check out photos of how Ikea fans have used the company’s products. O JONATHAN ADLER (jonathanadler.com/blog) BEST FOR design inspiration and eye candy. Don’t miss: At jonathanadler.com/inspirationpoint, see Adler interview the artists who have inspired him.
T O P R I GH T : COUR T ES Y OF L E I F ( L E I FSHO P.COM)
O ONE KINGS LANE Daily Inspiration (onekingslane. com/live-love-home) BEST FOR stylish solutions for rooms, storage, tabletops, and a lot more. Plus, step-bystep videos.
O WEST ELM Front & Main (blog.westelm.com) BEST FOR room makeovers, how-to guides, and lots of pretty, instructional pictures. The blog also alerts you to free in-store workshops.
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inside Smart ways to save in every aisle of the supermarket.
Eight coupon apps that can slash your grocery bills.
What to buy to get the most nutrition for your dollar.
Store-brand foods that taste as good as big brands.
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PAGE 40
PAGE 42
PAGE 46
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PHOTO: JAMES WORRELL; SCREEN: S TEVE BROWN P HOTOGRAPHY/PHOTOLI B RARY/GETTY IMAGES
FOOD&DRINK
Free apps make it easy to save on everything you need to buy at the supermarket窶馬o clipping required! SEE PAGE 40
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FOOD& DRINK
Saving strategies for every aisle The secrets to shopping smarter at the supermarket
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sing coupons is one way to cut your food bill (see page 40 for tips on how to maximize those coupon savings). Another strategy is to spend smart in every aisle, as you’ll read at right. First, here’s how to save on just about anything:
Staples hit their lowest prices once every 12 weeks, says Jill Cataldo, founder of Super-Couponing.com. Browse often enough, and you’ll get to know when cereal is selling for $1.99 instead of $3.99 per box. That’s the time to snap up a threemonth supply, until the price plummets again. N GIVE STORE BRANDS A TRY.
They’re often as good as brandname products, and they cost almost 30 percent less, on average. (See page 46 for store brands that are as good as or better than name brands.) Another benefit: “Ninety-nine percent of the time, store brands come with a money-back guarantee,” says Phil Lempert, an industry analyst and founder of SupermarketGuru.com. So you can take back those crackers if you’re not happy. N USE YOUR REWARDS CARD.
You can save 15 to 20 percent, and many are tied to food-recall info, so you’ll be alerted if you buy a recalled item.
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produce Shop the season. Local fruits and veggies cost one-third to half as much as produce flown in from far away, says Michelle Jones, founder of BetterBudgeting.com. If the produce you want isn’t in season, shop the frozen aisle. Prices can be 30 to 40 percent cheaper than for fresh items in off-season months. And there might be less waste. With broccoli florets, for example, you’re not paying for the gigantic stump you get in the fresh section that you just toss. Drop the water weight. Shake off those droplets from leafy items before bagging them, says Teri Gault, founder of TheGroceryGame.com. She got rid of a quarter-pound of water weight from a bunch of collard greens that way. Extra water also contributes to spoilage. Buy in bags. Buying bagged apples, potatoes, or onions rather than loose ones will save you 25 to 50 percent.
dairy Buy cheese from the dairy case. A block of feta in the fancy-foods section can cost 45 percent more than a mainstream brand in the dairy case. Ditto for goat cheese and even cheddar. Fact: There’s a standard of identification for cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack cheeses. “By law, they’re processed the same way,” Lempert says.
Stock up on shredded cheese. When it’s on sale, fill your shopping cart. You can freeze it, and it’s easier to use for recipes than a frozen block. Buy yogurt in bulk. Buying large tubs saves 20 to 50 percent over purchasing single-serve cartons. Save on premium-priced milk. If you want milk that’s free of artificial growth hormones but don’t want to pay a premium for a carton of certified organic, look for “growth hormone-free,” “rbGH-free,” “rbST-free,” or “no artificial growth hormones” on the label.
frozen food Stock up on sale items. Loading up your cart with on-sale lasagna and pizzas is a good investment because it can keep you from eating out when you’re busy. Wait for 2-for-1 sales. “They have these on almost every category of frozen food at some point, from ice cream to vegetables,” Cataldo says.
meat, poultry & seafood Check the dates. Meat can be marked down 50 to 75 percent as it nears its use-by date. Ask the butcher what day markdowns usually happen. If you see a package stamped with the next day’s
ILL U ST R ATI ON: NO LA L O PE Z
N GET TO KNOW THE SALE CYCLE.
date, ask whether it can be marked down a day early; the answer is often yes. Just be sure to freeze the meat or cook it the day you buy it. Watch for added water. When it comes to poultry and ham, compare labels, Lempert says. Check to see what was added. The label might say, for example, “10 percent saline solution added for flavor.” Two products might seem to be the same, but you could be paying more for the water weight in one of them. Buy frozen fish. Just about all seafood has been previously frozen, so bypass the “fresh” counter and head to the freezer case. You can save 40 to 50 percent.
dry goods Watch the calendar. Back-to-school is a good time to look for half-off granola bars, pudding cups, fruit snacks, and other brown-bag stuffers. Flour, sugar, cake mixes, and other baking supplies usually go on sale from October through the end of the year. Snap up long-lived staples. Some staples, such as vanilla and vinegar, never expire because they’re fermented. After Christmas $7.99 bottles of vanilla could be going for 99 cents. Canned goods are often dated almost two years out, depending on the item, so it’s easy to stock up on those during a sale. Comparison shop in the aisles. Prices for some items, such as nuts, can
vary depending on whether they’re shelved in the baking aisle, produce section, or snack aisle. Salsa parked by the chips is probably not the lowest-priced salsa in the store, and there might be cheaper, store-brand organics stocked alongside conventional foods. The same goes for spices.
baked goods Don’t bypass day-old bread. Most loaves go for half off, Cataldo says. If you’re worried about winding up with a stale sandwich, use the slices in recipes where freshness isn’t a factor, such as French toast or bread pudding. Or haul out the toaster. Try store brands. You can save as much as 50 percent. Pounce on almost-outdated pies. If the sell-by date on pies, cakes, cookies, or muffins is that day or the next, ask the bakery clerk for a markdown. Tip: Fruit pies freeze well for about three months.
deli meats and cheeses Shop the specials. The deli counter is a prime place to shop by what’s on sale. “If it’s ham, then have ham sandwiches this week,” says Cataldo, whose price benchmark for lunch meat is around $1.99 per pound. You can freeze it, too. Check prices on hand-sliced cheese. It might be cheaper than the packaged
NOTE: Because package sizes varied, the prices paid were compared per serving.
kind. Our secret shoppers saw presliced American cheese for $10 per pound; the same cheese cost $4.99 per pound hand-sliced. Buy packaged deli meats. Deli-counter lunch meat that’s not on sale can cost 20 percent more than the packaged kind, Lempert says. For the biggest savings, buy a whole cooked ham or turkey breast for a fraction of the price, and ask the butcher whether he’d be willing to slice it free.
gourmet foods Watch for clearance items. Cataldo has noticed that a lot of supermarkets are discontinuing some packaged goods and putting what’s left, such as artisanal breads, fancy nuts, flavored olive oils, and imported vinegars, on clearance. “As they’re paring things down, those are opportunities to snap up gourmet ingredients at discount prices,” she says. Take advantage of hidden specials. Ask about unadvertised deals. Broccoli salad could be on sale, or the store might have roasted too many chickens that are not selling. So don’t bypass gourmet or convenience foods without checking with the meat and deli clerks. Look for store brands. Many supermarkets are rolling out gourmet store-brand foods. We found that many taste as good as brand-name foods, as you’ll see on page 46. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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COUPONS MADE EASY
N THE BEST APP FOR YOU MAY DEPEND ON WHERE YOU LIVE.
Different apps offer coupons at different stores, so your success using your smart phone to get coupons will depend on the supermarkets in your area and your shopping list.
Clip coupons by tapping; the little red circle shows your tallied deals.
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N PAPER COUPONS STILL RULE.
Coupon sites and apps aren’t all about digital deals. Sometimes they point you to online or newspaper coupons that you have to print or clip. N MOBILE COUPONS ARE SIMILAR TO PAPER ONES. Digital
coupons will help you save on the same items as paper ones will—cereal, paper products, and yogurt are pretty standard. N IT PAYS TO BE LOYAL. Digital offers work most seamlessly when they link with your store loyalty cards. You can link the coupon to your card and get the savings when you scan. Pretty cool, eh?
Coupons.com
Grocery iQ
Weekly Ads & Sales
BEST FOR tons of offers. This website is the coupon giant, especially when it comes to groceries and everyday items. Coupon savings arrive in three ways: e-mail that’s printed from your computer, printed from your mobile device (works only with Apple devices and certain HP printers), and added to your store loyalty card to scan at checkout. If you have an Apple device, you can also browse digital coupons from retailers such as Old Navy and Petco, add coupons to your Passbook app (Apple’s mobile wallet that stores rewards and gift cards), and show your phone at checkout to get the savings. WORKS ON Android, Apple.
BEST FOR list makers. This app, also from Coupons. com, is best if you tend to stick to the same list week after week. Start by making your list (which is automatically saved); the app will match items with applicable coupons. Add items to your list by typing them in, scrolling through the master list, scanning a bar code, or speaking them. The coupons come from the same giant inventory that’s used with the Coupons.com app, and you get them in the same ways: by printing them from your computer or mobile device or adding them to your store loyalty card. WORKS ON Android, Apple.
BEST FOR finding the best local grocery sales. This app is true to its name; it’s all about showing you the weekly store circulars without having to deal with the paper clutter. Download the app to see what’s on sale so that you can decide where to go shopping. You can use this app to help you “stack,” which is using coupons for sale items to really save big. Bonus: It tracks sales for the largest grocers, such as Kroger and Safeway, plus specialty retailers including Best Buy and Old Navy. WORKS ON Apple.
ILLU ST RAT I O N: N O LA L OPE Z
Those giant binders might be fine for extreme couponers, but for the rest of us, it’s no way to shop. So we love the idea of coupon apps that automate deals. There are loads of them, and we tried out many. Here are some of our favorites. (All are free, except for Grocery King.) First, here are some tips on using grocery coupon sites and apps:
Cellfire
ZipList
Grocery King
BEST FOR instant savings. Cellfire sends coupons directly to your loyalty cards. Browse through the deals and tap the ones you want, and—poof!— they’re saved to your card to scan at checkout. Our only gripe: The list of stores is limited. But if there’s a store near you, it’s definitely worth downloading the app. We found 21 coupons for ShopRite, for example. You can use the app without registering, but members get access to bigger, better deals. Enable store alerts, and you’ll be reminded about coupons when you walk into a store. WORKS ON Android, Apple, BlackBerry.
BEST FOR creating the ultimate shopping list. Scan the staples in your pantry, choose recipes (or let the app make suggestions), and the needed ingredients are loaded directly to your shopping list. It’s super-handy because you can create a master checklist for things you buy frequently. ZipList finds coupons and sorts participating stores by aisle. Lighten your load by sharing the list with others; you can see what has already been crossed off in real time. WORKS ON Android, Apple.
BEST FOR budgeting. This app takes your grocery list to another level, adding prices for participating stores (including Costco, Target, Walmart, and supermarkets) and alerting you when an item can be found cheaper nearby. It also tracks price histories, so you’ll know when you see a steal. It even lets you attach photos of items so that you’ll grab the right things. Other pluses: You can mark items for which you have coupons and scan items as you add them to your cart to check them off your list. WORKS ON Android, $5.
Pushpins
Rainbow Compare
BEST FOR digital coupons. Quickly find coupons and nutrition information for every item on your shopping list with this easy-to-use app. Push notifications warn you when coupons are about to expire. You can filter coupons by store, choosing your favorites or those in your area; the list includes health-food chains, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. WORKS ON Android, Apple.
BEST FOR comparing prices. Next time you’re struggling to compare apples to apples (How much more do those organics cost?) or ounces to milligrams (Which brand costs less?), you’ll thank this app for doing the math for you. Plug in the price and size info for up to four items, then the app makes a graphic that shows you which item is the better buy. WORKS ON Android.
This app will tell you when an item on your list is cheaper at a nearby store.
Save more at local stores If you’re heading to your local grocery store without first checking out the store’s website, you’re probably missing out on some great savings and other goodies. Most supermarket websites have coupons; many also have apps with nifty features. Stop & Shop, for example, offers a free app that lets you connect to the Scan It! Mobile Wi-Fi Network in the supermarket and use your phone to scan items as you add them to your shopping cart. You’ll get a running total, plus coupons as you shop. Stores are also jumping on the social media bandwagon. If you “like” Kroger on Facebook, you’ll get the scoop on Free Download Fridays, when you can snag a coupon for a free product every week. Also check out Safeway’s Twitter feed for deals.
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FOOD& DRINK
We crunched the numbers to find food and drinks that dollar for dollar pack the maximum nutrition. Here are 20 great grocery deals.
frozen blueberries Price 66 cents per serving (½ cup); $3.29 per 12-ounce package Nutrition lowdown Keep a stash of these powerhouses in your freezer, says Dee Sandquist, a dietitian. “They have been associated with the prevention of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease,” she notes. Prep tip Fold them frozen into muffin or pancake batter, and use them in place of ice for blended drinks. Store it right You can freeze fresh berries in season; just wash them first.
cabbage Price 16 cents per serving (½ cup, cooked); $2.50 for a medium head (about 4 pounds) Nutrition lowdown Usually the cheapest member of the supernutritious cruciferous family, which includes broccoli and brussels sprouts, cabbage is loaded with vitamins A and C plus cancerfighting sulforaphane. Prep tip Try an Asian-inspired slaw of shredded cabbage, cashews, and a lime-juice and sesame-oil vinaigrette, says holistic chef Carlin Greenstein. Or sauté chopped cabbage with caraway seeds for an easy side dish. Store it right Wrapped in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge, cabbage will keep for about two weeks. But once sliced, it starts losing its vitamins.
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LEF T : FR A N C IS H A MM O ND/ WO RK BOO K S TOC K/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; TO P: WES T END61 GM BH - RF - SF GM BH / STOC K FOO D
Get the most nutrition for your money
antioxidants
Cheap ways to get a super-nutrient fix
calcium
Feed your bones for less than $1 a serving
dried plums
C L OC K W ISE FR O M TO P LEF T : IM AG E SOU R C E/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; J A MES WO RRELL; G RE AT S TOC K/S TOC KF OO D; J A MES WO RRELL; SPEN C ER J O NES/S TOC KF OO D C RE AT IVE/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; M A S T ERFILE RF
canned unsweetened pumpkin
plain yogurt
Price 38 cents per serving (½ cup); $1.32 per 15-ounce can Nutrition lowdown The bright orange color is a tip-off that it has high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that might protect vision. But skip the sweetened purées, which can be full of calories. Prep tip Dietitian Ashley Koff subs it for sugar in muffins and blends it with Greek yogurt for a puddinglike treat. Store it right Cans will keep for about two years.
Price 70 cents per serving (6-ounce container); $8.39 per case of 12 Nutrition lowdown Yogurt is a quick and handy way to get calcium. It’s also brimming with protein and “good” bacteria that aids digestion. Prep tip For flavored yogurt with a fraction of the calories of ready-made versions, stir in vanilla extract or all-fruit spread. Yogurt can also stand in for cream in soups and desserts, and for sour cream on potatoes. Store it right Refrigerated, it’s good for two to three weeks.
canned tomatoes
kale
Price 28 cents per serving (½ cup); $1.99 per 28-ounce can Nutrition lowdown Heat-processed canned or boxed tomatoes contain more of the antioxidant lycopene than fresh ones. To keep sodium down, buy it with no salt added. Prep tip Make instant gazpacho by combining chilled whole or chopped tomatoes with cucumber, onion, and vinegar in a food processor. Store it right Unopened cans will keep for about two years.
Price 37 cents per serving (½ cup); $1.49 per bunch (about a pound) Nutrition lowdown Dark, leafy kale and other greens (collards, mustard greens, Swiss chard) are sometimes cheaper than lettuce mixes and are packed with vitamins A, C, and E. Prep tip Stir kale into soups, stews, and casseroles. To tenderize raw kale for salads, gently massage leaves (ribs removed) with a pinch of kosher salt. Store it right Refrigerate, but use it as soon as possible because the leaves become bitter as they age.
canned salmon with bones
Price 31 cents per serving (¼ cup); $3.99 per 18-ounce container Nutrition lowdown This concentrated version of a ripe plum packs antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. And they can be cheaper than their cousins (dried dates, figs, apricots). “Because it’s concentrated, portions should be smaller,” says Kim Kirchherr, a dietitian. Prep tip Soak them in orange juice, then spoon on low-fat ice cream. Store it right Once opened, refrigerate in an airtight container.
Price 32 cents per serving (¼ cup); $2.24 per 14.75-ounce can Nutrition lowdown The soft, edible bones are loaded with calcium, plus the fish is a superstar in terms of its heart-healthy omega-3s. Prep tip Toss fish with warm lentils and steamed greens for a filling and healthful one-pot meal. To cut calories, look for salmon packed in water, says dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner. Store it right Unopened cans will keep for about two years. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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FOOD& DRINK
omega-3s Quick and
frozen turkey
eggs
Price $1.59 (per pound) Nutrition lowdown Don’t wait for the holidays; frozen birds are a good deal all year. The ratio of lean to fatty meat is a trim 2:1, and there’s less saturated fat than in beef or pork. Prep tip Skip the butter; Kirchherr bastes with a fat-free mix of pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, salt, and maple syrup. Store it right Keep frozen until ready to use. To thaw, allow 24 hours in the fridge for every 4 to 5 pounds.
Price 18 cents per egg; $2.19 per dozen Nutrition lowdown A large hard-boiled egg is packed with 6 grams of protein. Although eggs contain cholesterol, they aren’t high in saturated fat (which increases LDL levels), making them totally fine to eat regularly. Yes, even when you’re trying to reduce your LDL “bad” cholesterol. Prep tip Slip sliced hard-boiled eggs into sandwiches or toss in potato salad. Store it right Refrigerate eggs up to a month on a refrigerator shelf, not in the fridge door, which is warmer.
dried black beans
peanuts in the shell
frozen shrimp
Price 24 cents per serving (½ cup); $1.45 per 16-ounce bag Nutrition lowdown All beans (such as navy, cannellini, and pinto) are great sources of protein, fiber, and potassium, but darker beans pack more nutrients. Prep tip For a more healthful taco filling, use less lean ground beef and mix in mashed-up beans. Canned beans are fine; draining and rinsing reduce sodium. Store it right Keep dried beans airtight; they will last for years.
Price 12 cents per serving (1 ounce, or a small handful); $1.99 for 16 ounces Nutrition lowdown They’re a cheap protein fix, and they shell out more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients, including resveratrol, a phytochemical linked to a reduction in heart disease and cancer risk. Prep tip Coat fish fillets with finely chopped peanuts before baking, and toss nuts (without shells) into stir-fries. Store it right Refrigerate nuts in the
Price $1.36 per serving (3 ounces); $14.99 per 2-pound bag Nutrition lowdown Though not as high in omega-3s as sardines, frozen shrimp are a good low-calorie and relatively cheap source. Look for U.S.-farmed freshwater shrimp, one of the most sustainable seafood choices. Prep tip Sauté shrimp with garlic and finely diced sun-dried tomatoes and serve on salad greens. Store it right Stash in the freezer as soon as you get them home, and use within a year.
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shell for up to nine months.
canned sardines in water Price $1.59 per serving (3.75-ounce can) Nutrition lowdown On the eco-friendly list of fish and a health bargain not to be missed, sardines (with bones) are rich in heart-healthy omega-3s and bone-saving calcium. The healthful fats in fish are also linked to arthritis relief, Blatner says. Prep tip Greenstein livens up sardines on toast by adding a swipe of mustard or mashed avocado. Store it right Unopened, cans of sardines will keep for about two years on a pantry shelf. C L OC K W ISE FR O M TO P LEF T : FU SE/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; D AVID M U RR AY/ DO RLIN G K INDERSLEY/ G E TT Y I M AG ES; I M AG E SOU R C E/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; J O HN KELLY/S TOC KF OO D C RE AT IVE/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; D I G IF OTO ALPH A /AL A MY; J A MES WO RRELL
protein Fuel up for pennies a serving
C L OC K W ISE FR O M TO P LEF T : D . HU RS T/AL A MY; HAYLEY HA RRIS O N/IM AG E BA NK/ G E TT Y IM AG ES; N E W EDEL - STOC K FOO D MU NI C H/S TOC KF OO D; IS TOC KPH OTO / D E BB I S MIRN O FF; D E BO R A H ORY/ STOC KF OO D C RE AT IVE/GE TT Y I M AG ES; J O HN KELLY/S TOC KF OO D C RE AT IVE/ G E TT Y IM AG ES
easy heart-healthy bargains
fiber Stay regular for 50 cents or less a serving
tofu
rolled oats
Price about 48 cents per serving (3 ounces); $2.39 for 14 ounces Nutrition lowdown The American Heart Association recommends tofu as a good source of omega-3s. Tofu is also cholesterol-free and high in protein. Prep tip Marinate before baking or grilling. It soaks up flavors such as curry and ginger like a sponge, says Chad Sarno, a chef. Silky tofu is a great way to add protein to soups. Store it right Once open, cover with water and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Price 28 cents per serving (½ cup); $3.59 per 18-ounce container Nutrition lowdown Because this fiber heavyweight soaks up more water than instant, it fills you up more, so you eat less. It’s also gluten-free. Prep tip For “instant oats,” soak rolled oats in milk overnight in the fridge and pop them in a microwave the next day. You can also swap up to 50 percent of the flour in baked goods with ground oats. Store it right Keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two months.
flaxseed
edamame & green peas
Price 11 cents per serving (3 tablespoons); $1.79 per 16-ounce bag Nutrition lowdown This mighty seed has omega-3s and other fatty acids linked to immune-system strength, cardiovascular health, and cancer prevention. Prep tip Whole flaxseeds pass through the body undigested, so put them in a coffee grinder first, says Sarno, who mixes the seeds with spices to sprinkle on beans, grains, and salads. Store it right Store flaxseed in a dark, dry, cool place for two to three months.
Price 90 cents per serving of edamame (½ cup); $2.69 per 16-ounce bag (frozen); 25 cents per serving of peas (½ cup); $1.99 per 16-ounce bag (frozen) Nutrition lowdown These legumes have a good amount of fiber and protein; about ¾ cup of peas has more protein than an egg. Prep tip Sprinkle edamame with a spicy mix of turmeric, cayenne, and cinnamon; season peas with mint and lemon zest. Store it right Use within eight months.
whole-grain spaghetti Price 23 cents per serving (2 ounces); $1.59 per 13.25-ounce box Nutrition lowdown When it comes to fiber, not all whole-grain pastas are equal. Check the package: A serving should have 5 grams or more. Prep tip Swap whole-grain spaghetti in any dish that calls for white pasta. The subtle nutty flavor pairs especially well with roasted cauliflower and eggplant. Store it right Kept in a closed container in a dry place away from pests, dried pasta lasts indefinitely.
quinoa Price 50 cents per serving (¼ cup); $3.99 per 12-ounce package Nutrition lowdown Quick-cooking quinoa has almost 50 percent more fiber than brown rice, plus a dose of protein. One cup of cooked quinoa has more protein than an egg, Blatner says. Prep tip Simmer with milk and honey for a comforting hot breakfast, and use quinoa in place of rice in any of your favorite recipes. Store it right It will stay fresh in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for about a year. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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FOOD& DRINK
WINNER!
VS. WHOLE FOODS
CEDAR’S
Hummus Why the store brand wins The Whole Foods hummus has a nice balance of tahini and lemon flavors but just a hint of garlic and toasted notes. The Cedar’s has a harsh, bitter garlic taste—and it costs almost twice as much. But it has half the calories.
Store-brand smackdown! Savor—and save—with private labels
I
t’s one thing to save money by buying store-brand paper towels or trash bags, but do you dare replace a brand-name favorite— say, Heinz ketchup or Hellmann’s mayo—with a store brand? Absolutely, say our expert taste testers, who tried out 57 storebrand foods and found that 33 of them were as good as or better than the national brand. Store brands account for about one of every four supermarket products, and they’re branching into lots of new foods, such as hummus and even fried shrimp. They tend to cost 15 to 30 percent less than comparable name-brand items. So the next time you reach for that familiar label, consider trying one of these instead.
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Mayonnaise Why it’s a tie Hellmann’s is wellblended, creamy, slightly sweet and salty, and eggy, with a hint of vinegar. The better store brands (shown at right) are cheaper by at least 25 percent, and you’d be hard-pressed to taste the difference in a sandwich.
BIRDS EYE
VS.
HELLMANN’S
VS.
JUST AS GOOD
WHOLE FOODS, WALMART, COSTCO, AND TARGET
JUST AS GOOD WINNER!
GIANT EAGLE
VS. TRADER JOE’S
FAC ING PAGE A N D BOTTOM RIG HT: JAME S WORRE LL
GORTON’S
Shrimp TARGET
Mixed vegetables Why the store brand wins Birds Eye veggies are crisp, with fresh notes. Trader Joe’s are even fresher, as if they’ve been blanched in hot water. And they’re around 10 cents less per serving. Target’s Market Pantry brand is also a good choice.
Why it’s a tie Both are OK. Though Gorton’s coating is crispy on the outside, it’s mushy inside. And Giant Eagle’s salty breading overpowers the mild flavor of the shrimp.
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Waffles Why the store brand wins All three were very good, but Trader Joe’s waffles, with their nutty grain flavor, won our taste test. The 365 Organic waffles from Whole Foods were also a winner. The Eggo product had a store-bought taste.
VS.
WINNER!
EGGO WHOLE FOODS AND TRADER JOE’S
Vanilla ice cream
JUST AS GOOD
VS.
WALMART AND TRADER JOE’S
BREYERS
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TO P RI GHT: JA ME S WORREL L; BOT TOM LE FT: RADI US IMAG E S/G E TTY IMAGE S
Why it’s a tie Breyers melts cleanly in the mouth and is moderately sweet, with a strong vanilla-bean flavor. Walmart’s Great Value brand is closest in taste and costs almost 30 percent less. Store-brand vanilla ice cream from Trader Joe’s is also worth a try.
Ketchup Why it’s a tie Heinz has a full flavor that balances sweetness, saltiness, and sourness. It also has a hint of onion powder. But Target’s Market Pantry ketchup is remarkably similar. Sam’s Club’s Bakers & Chefs brand is also good but tastes a bit more cooked and less spicy.
WINNER!
VS.
SAM’S CLUB
VS. JUST AS GOOD
HEINZ TARGET WHOLE FOODS
BOGLE
VS.
Chardonnay Why the store brand wins These are close, but Whole Foods’ Trackers Crossing’s mix of clean, tart fruit flavors and buttery notes edges out Bogle, which is more intense and a bit sweeter.
Cookies Why it’s a tie These snacks look very similar but have slight flavor differences. The Aldi Café Bistro cookie is a bit more flavorful, but the chocolate is less intense. The Lu cookie has more dark-chocolate taste.
WHERE YOU SAVE THE MOST We compared the prices* of up to 10 storebrand and name-brand items and found that Sam’s Club and Costco save you the most. But not all store brands give you a break. Whole Foods’ private-label items can cost on average 7 percent more than name brands; half of the items we checked cost more, and half cost less. Here are the average store-brand savings.
BOT TO M RIGH T: JA ME S WO RRE LL
STORE
JUST AS GOOD ALDI
VS.
AVERAGE STOREBRAND SAVINGS
Sam’s Club
42%
Costco
40%
Target
30%
Walmart
30%
Trader Joe’s
10%
*Because package sizes varied, we compared the prices we paid per serving.
LU PETIT ÉCOLIER
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HEALTH & SAFETY
inside Simple ways to cut the cost of prescription medications.
How to stop overpaying at CVS and other drugstores.
Apps that can help you lose weight, get fit, and stay safe.
10 home remedies that medical pros swear by.
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
Buying meds at big-chain drugstores can cost you!
P H OTO: FOTOGR AF I A B AS I CA /E+/ GE TTY I M A G ES
SEE PAGE 54
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Easy ways to cut the cost of drugs Little tricks that can save you hundreds of dollars a year
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Psst! Sometimes it pays NOT to use your insurance to pay for drugs.
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
PHOTO: LAUREN N ICO L E/DIGITA L VISION/GETTY IMAGES
hen you go to the grocery store, you probably don’t leave home without your coupons. But odds are you pay full price at the pharmacy. Not anymore! Even if you have prescription drug coverage, regular trips to the local pharmacy can really add up. But we’ve got smart advice that can save you big-time. Here are 10 tips from our medical experts at Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, who analyze hundreds of studies a year to recommend drugs based on safety, effectiveness, and cost. Our team of secret shoppers went undercover at CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and supermarkets nationwide to find the lowest prices on name-brand and store-brand meds for allergies, heartburn, and pain and inflammation. Here’s what they learned. Plus, turn to page 55 for a list of drugstore loyalty-card perks that you won’t want to miss out on.
Rx savings 1. Go generic They’re required to have the same active ingredients, effectiveness, and safety as brand-name drugs, and they’re regulated the same way.
2. Fill 90-day prescriptions If you have drug insurance, filling prescriptions for three months instead of one might save you two co-payments.
3. Sign up for discount plans Many retailers, including Kroger, Target, and Walmart, offer a long list of discount generic drugs that cost as little as $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for 90 days. If your insurance co-pay is higher, it’s cheaper to use those programs and pay cash.
but prices at independent pharmacies sometimes come in even lower. For example, the generic version of the blood thinner clopidogrel (Plavix) was $15 for a month’s supply at Costco when we checked, but a neighborhood pharmacy near Raleigh, N.C., had it for $8. And our shoppers were told that the price could go even lower if they paid with cash, not with a credit card.
7. Ask for a better deal If you want the best price, you’ll have to speak up. Pharmacy staff members didn’t always offer our secret shoppers the lowest possible price. Mom and pop drugstores might have more discretion to match or beat what a competitor charges, but usually you have to ask.
8. Take a drive Our analysis found that if you head just a few miles outside a city,
SAFETY ALERT! To lower the risk of potentially dangerous drug interactions, fill all of your prescriptions at one store. Also be sure to tell the pharmacist about the vitamins, minerals, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you take, because they might interact with certain prescription drugs.
you can save big at independent and grocery-store pharmacies. Our shoppers found the generic version of the asthma drug Singulair (montelukast) at a Boston pharmacy for $185—but just a few miles away at another shop, the price was $30.
9. Don’t forget Rover Major chains such as Kmart, Rite Aid, and Walgreens offer pet meds as part of their generic-drug savings plans. They might be cheaper than your local vet.
4. Order online We shopped for four expensive brand-name drugs and found the best prices at Costco.com, Drugstore.com, FamilyMeds.com, and HealthWarehouse.com. If you’re shopping online and find lower prices elsewhere, watch out: Most online pharmacies aren’t legit. So stick with the sites we recommend or with websites that have walk-in stores. And order only from within the U.S.; you can’t be sure of what you’re getting from other countries (yes, including Canada).
5. Consider mail order Ask your insurer or humanresources department about whether it’s available through your plan.
6. Try independents Costco was the least expensive national retailer in our price scan,
10. Split it up Cutting meds in half can be like buying two doses for the price of one. Here are some do’s and don’ts for getting it right: O DO get the OK from your doctor or pharmacist. Not all drugs are safe for splitting. O DON’T split time-released or long-lasting pills, combo drugs, pills that require critical daily blood levels (such as birth-control pills and blood thinners), capsules, or coated pills. O DO use a pill splitter. You can find one for $3 to $10. Some insurance plans even give them away. O DON’T split pills in advance, because it increases their exposure to heat, moisture, and air. Cut one at a time and take the two halves one after the other so that any deviation in the size of one is compensated for with the next dose. (Note: Examples at right are brandname drugs; we recommend generic versions of Avapro and Lexapro.)
Drugs you can cut Escitalopram (Lexapro) for depression SPLIT 20-milligram pills SAVE $94/month Irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure SPLIT 300-milligram pills SAVE $51/month Rosuvastatin (Crestor) for high cholesterol SPLIT 20-milligram pills SAVE $92/month
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HEALTH& SAFETY
OTC savings
expensive stores, it really pays to take advantage of their loyalty programs. Sign up at their websites or in the store, and always scan your membership card at checkout. You can use loyalty-card discounts when you shop and earn more points to set yourself up for savings later. More details are on the next page.
Drugstores might be convenient, but they don’t always have the best prices. In our secret-shopper price scan, the discount stores Target and Walmart beat the drugstore chains every time. Walmart had the lowest prices on the greatest number of items, followed by Target; CVS and Walgreens had the highest. Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club can also save you big, but the discounts might not be worth it. If you have to buy large containers, you might end up losing money if you can’t use up the medication before it expires.
2. Buy store brands. If a retailer’s brand has the same active ingredient and dosage as the name-brand drug, go for it. Store
FREE APPS THAT SAVE TIME AND CASH, TOO! An easy way to make shopping for meds and other drugstore items faster and cheaper is to use store apps. They’re free and let you do things like check out weekly ads and create shopping lists. And most make it easy to fill or refill a prescription; you simply type in your prescription info or in some cases scan the bottle. Some also let you shop by phone, manage store rewards programs, and send pictures to in-store photo centers for printing. Here are some apps that are worth the download. (They work on both Apple and Android devices.)
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brands can save you money wherever you shop, but some save you more than others. At Target, for example, we found a 24-tab package of ibuprofen for just 97 cents—or 73 percent less than the equivalent store-brand item at Walgreens.
3. Maximize loyaltyprogram discounts. The national drugstore chains CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens offer perks to entice you to return, so if you’re going to shop at those more
4. Use coupons —or don’t. Even if you have a juicy coupon for a name-brand drug, such as Advil, you still might be better off with the store brand.
5. Keep your receipts. Check them for rewards. Also check for e-mail offers. Set up a separate e-mail account for retail programs so that your primary e-mail account doesn’t get overrun with ads and offers.
WALGREENS
CVS & RITE AID
BEST FOR managing your family’s health care. This app does it all. You can fill prescriptions, access coupons and frequent-shopper rewards, find local stores, and schedule reminders to take your pills.
BEST FOR easy
COSTCO
WALMART
BEST FOR checking drug information. Costco lists the price of prescriptions so that you can compare them. The drug section is also handy for looking up side effects and instructions. (Tip: You don’t need to be a Costco member to use its pharmacy.)
BEST FOR finding cheap drugs. It has a extensive menu of $4 prescriptions organized by condition. You can make purchases via the app and use it to access coupons.
navigation.
Like the Walgreens app, with these there’s no need to carry a rewards card—the cashier can just scan your phone. You can also send photos digitally for in-store pickup.
TOP: P E T ER DA ZE L E Y/P H OT OGR A P H ER’ S CH O IC E/GE TTY I M A GE S
1. Watch where you shop.
Get carded
If you’re not signed up for loyalty programs, you’re missing out Drugstores might have the highest everyday prices on many items, but their loyalty programs offer lots of ways to save. The trick is to sign up and read up. Among leading chains, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens all offer a loyalty program. If you’re not a member, you’re missing out! Here’s a look at some of the perks of membership at each chain; anyone can join.
CVS ExtraCare
Rite Aid Wellness+
Walgreens Balance Rewards
WHAT YOU EARN
O 2 percent back on most nonprescription purchases in stores and online. O Extra rewards for buying select items each week.
O 1 point for every dollar you spend on eligible nonprescription items in stores. O 25 extra points for prescriptions.
O Points for buying certain items in stores and online (250 points for toothpaste and 3,000 for laundry detergent, for example). O 500 points for prescriptions and immunizations.
WHAT YOU GET
O Instant savings on featured items and ExtraBucks cash-back coupons for future purchases.
O Instant savings on featured items and +Up Rewards to redeem on future purchases.
O Instant savings on featured items. Earn 5,000 points and get $5 to spend on a future purchase; hit other point levels and get up to $50.
USE BY
O ExtraBucks coupons generally expire after 45 days.
O +Up Rewards are good for 14 days.
O Points expire after three years or sooner if an account has been inactive for six months.
BONUS
O Additional rewards if you enroll in special beauty, diabetes, and pharmacy programs.
O Earn 500 points and get rewards such as fitness memberships, magazine subscriptions, and health screenings. O Wellness+ for Diabetes (free, with separate enrollment) offers exclusive member benefits.
O Earn 20 points for every mile in the Steps with Balance fitness program. O Get bonus points if you link your AARP membership to your Balance Rewards account.
What the programs don’t cover Plans differ, but they generally exclude tobacco, alcohol, phone cards, gift cards, and certain other items. Exclusions vary by state and might include prescriptions, screenings, and programs funded by Medicare or Medicaid.
Bottom line All three retailers offer perks to entice you to return, so it’s crazy to shop there without taking advantage of them.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Go to a retailer’s website and fill out the form, sign up in a store, or download the retailer’s free app. You can flash your smart phone in stores and use the app as your membership card, or get a regular card or key-chain tag.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Free health helpers Whether you want to lose weight, get fit, or banish stress, there’s a no-cost app to help you reach your goal
WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS Not ready to join Weight Watchers? Download an app!
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THE SHOPSMART BARGAIN FINDER
Lose weight
OUR
MYFITNESSPAL FAVORITE BEST FOR making DIET good choices. PLAN MyFitnessPal is an easy way to keep a food diary and running total of calories, with a huge searchable food database. It’s also a good motivator. Input what you eat and when you exercise; the more you move, the greater your calorie allowance. Plus the Facebook-like news feed lets you share your progress with friends to help you stay on track. Works on Android, Apple, BlackBerry, Windows Phone.
Be well HEALTH HOTLINES BEST FOR peace of mind. Think of this as a cheat sheet for reliable medical and wellness advice that’s always at your fingertips. Compiled and maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, this database gives you instant access to toll-free phone numbers and website links for more than 14,000 helpful health resources covering almost any concern or condition. Works on Apple.
PHOTO: ESOLLA/E+/GETTY IMAGES
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hen it comes to getting in shape, we can all use an extra push. These free apps are just what the doctor ordered. They can help you make smarter food choices, track your progress, and connect with friends who are also trying to get in shape or lose weight. Best of all, they’re always there for encouragement.
Get encouragement MY HEALTHY HABITS BEST FOR creating and sticking to healthy, new daily routines. The app acts as your own personal lifestyle coach. You select the habits you want to start or stick to, and the app tracks your progress and offers encouragement. The list of habits includes “Be active,” “Eat a healthy breakfast,” and “Get 7-8 hours of sleep”; you can also add your own. Need a push? Experts share why it’s smart to get started and offer daily tips to help keep you on track. Works on Apple; coming soon to Android (sign up at iuhealth.org/ healthyhabits to be notified when it’s available).
Nike Training Club’s targeted workouts take just 15 minutes.
or dietary concern, such as lowfat or lactose-free. Every recipe inthe app comes with nutrition information (calories, fat, and more), and many have demo videos, so you can follow along. The Tools icon in the app has built-in timers and a measurement converter. Works on Android, Apple.
Check your health
Order better LOSE IT! BEST FOR tracking all of those calories. It gives you access to nutrition info for all kinds of restaurant chains and brand-name foods, from A.1. to Zedric’s. With its Nutrient Preferences tool, you can pick which ingredients you want to keep an eye on, such as fat, carbs, sodium, and sugars. Works on Android, Apple.
Push your limits NIKE TRAINING CLUB BEST FOR setting fitness goals. Just like a trainer, only free. Athletes, including Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and tennis star Maria Sharapova, are featured in the 100-plus workouts to help you meet your goals, whether you want to get lean, get toned, or get strong. Jump-start your day with targeted 15-minute workouts. Works on Android, Apple.
Cook better meals HEALTHY RECIPES BEST FOR creating meal plans. This app from SparkPeople will plan your meals for the week and keep your calorie intake in check. You can quickly find recipes by course, cuisine,
ITRIAGE BEST FOR looking up symptoms and conditions. The app works like an interactive medical dictionary, helping you to read up on conditions, uncover possible culprits behind your aches and pains, and check images (say, if you’re trying to figure out whether it’s a rash or bee sting that’s bugging you). If you need more info, you can click on links to trustworthy medical organizations, such as the Mayo Clinic and the Urgent Care Association of America. It’s handy if a problem crops up while you’re traveling: The app can find the emergency rooms, urgent-care clinics, pharmacies, and specialists near you. Works on Android, Apple.
Stay safe FIRST AID BEST FOR emergencies. If you have an emergency on your hands—a broken bone, an asthma attack, a burn—this app, from the American Red Cross, gives you on-the-spot info so that you’ll know what to do. It has quizzes and tutorials about topics such as fire safety to get you prepared. The Red Cross also has a Pet First Aid app, as well as apps that help you stay safe in particular situations—download Earthquake, Hurricane, Tornado, and others and you’ll be ready for anything. Works on Android, Apple. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Low-cost home health essentials Surprising picks from medical and safety experts
Chewable baby aspirin Price Around $3 for 36 tablets Why it’s good to have In most cases, chewing on baby aspirin can be a lifesaver if you think you’re having a heart attack, says Phillip Blanc, M.D., a senior resident emergency room physician at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. “Aspirin is a blood thinner,” he explains, so it slows blood-clot formation. He said that when the comedian Rosie O’Donnell had a heart attack in 2012, even though she delayed calling for help, she did take aspirin, which might have prevented the attack from getting worse. If you think you’re having a heart attack (or someone near you is having one), the best thing to do is call 911 right away and chew—don’t gulp them down!—four 81-milligram baby aspirin.
Baking soda
Coconut oil
Price About $3 for a 1-pound box Why it’s good to have You’ve just
Price About $10 to $25 Why it’s good to have The fat in
discovered that someone squeezed every last drop out of your toothpaste tube and now you have nothing left to brush your teeth. Check your cabinet for baking soda, which makes a good toothpaste because it’s a mild abrasive and will whiten like a mild bleach, says Matthew Messina, D.D.S., a dentist in Cleveland and a spokesman for the American Dental Association. He suggests putting some dry baking soda into your palm, moistening your toothbrush and pressing it into the baking soda, then brushing normally. Also, our medical researcher, Chris Hendel, uses baking soda mixed with a bit of vinegar as a nontoxic cleaner for his counters and bathrooms.
coconut oil makes it a great body lotion, according to Robynne Chutkan, M.D., founder of the Digestive Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Md. Apply it to damp skin to help seal in moisture. But if you cook with coconut oil, take it easy! Each tablespoon contains a hefty 12 grams of saturated fat.
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Distilled white vinegar Price About $6 per gallon Why it’s good to have Vinegar can
take the itch out of bug bites, says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., our chief medical adviser, who has been practicing medicine for more than
50 years. A few drops of rubbing alcohol mixed into vinegar might also help swimmer’s ear, according to Paradi Mirmirani, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, who says she uses it in her kids’ ears. And if you’re worried about the fumes that can come from chemical-filled cleaning products, consider using distilled vinegar instead. We have found in our tests that a home brew of equal parts water and vinegar beat out some big-name cleaners. (It may leave behind a vinegar smell, but that dissipates after a little while.)
Plain petroleum jelly Price About $4 for 13 ounces Why it’s good to have Grab the
PHOTOS: JAMES WORRELL
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hat kinds of supplies do doctors and other medical experts keep on hand at home to deal with everyday health issues? Turns out their health must-haves include pantry staples like baking soda and vinegar, as well as surprising stuff like petroleum jelly. In addition to the items listed here, be sure to keep on hand a first-aid kit, cold compresses, latex-free gloves, and an antihistamine such as Benadryl Allergy for medical emergencies.
classic home remedy for minor cuts and scrapes instead of triple antibiotic ointment, says Jessica Krant, M.D., one of our medical advisers and founder of Art of Dermatology in New York. She prefers a product like Vaseline because it protects against infection without the risk of allergic reaction you can get with over-thecounter ointments like bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin.
Neti pot Price Around $15 for a starter kit Why it’s good to have Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution is a great way to deal with allergies, says Cheryl Iglesia, M.D., an associate professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Some research shows that nasal irrigation can help relieve some allergy symptoms. Just be sure to use a saline rinse, distilled water, or tap water that has been boiled and cooled to avoid a dangerous infection. (The pots made headlines in 2012 after being linked to a deadly, rare brain infection caused by contaminated tap water.) Also, it’s important to wash the pot with the same type of water and dry it between uses.
100 percent pure shea butter Price $10 to $40 Why it’s good to have Shea butter
soothes rashes and dry skin (and even frizzy hair), says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., a toxicologist and director of consumer safety at Consumer Reports, the publisher of ShopSmart. Check the ingredient list to make sure it’s 100 percent shea butter. (It shouldn’t contain anything other than shea butter.)
Measuring tape Price About $4 Why it’s good to have Hate getting
on the scale? Measuring your waist circumference every few months is a great way to keep track of your weight, says Tracy Stevens, M.D.,
a cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo. Check the distance around your natural waist, which is just above your hip bones. People who are apple-shaped and carry weight in their belly are more likely to develop health problems than pear-shaped adults who carry extra pounds in their thighs and
Witch hazel Price Around $5 for a 16-ounce bottle Why it’s good to have Dabbing your sore backside with witch hazel can help ease the discomfort of hemorrhoids, says Amy Newburger, M.D., director of Dermatology Consultants of Westchester in Scarsdale, N.Y. Witch hazel is the active ingredient in products like Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads. Witch hazel also helps relieve stinging and swelling from insect bites.
hips. Women with a waist bigger than 35 inches and men with a waist bigger than 40 inches are at a higher risk for heart disease.
Meat thermometer Price $6 and up Why it’s good to have Using a meat
thermometer is one of the easiest ways to help protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness, says Linda Greene, one of our food scientists. The Department of Agriculture recommends cooking steaks and roasts to 145° F; ground meats (beef, lamb, pork, and veal) and egg dishes to 160° F; and all poultry to 165° F. For more information, you can check out isitdoneyet.gov; call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854; or send e-mail to mphotline.fsis@usda.gov.
BEAUTY& FASHION
inside How to find great beauty bargains—and freebies, too.
Make haircuts, hair color, and manicures last a lot longer.
Stylists share their secrets to looking great for less.
Save more at T.J.Maxx and other discount stores.
Where fashion pros shop online for great deals.
10 tools that can help keep your clothes looking new.
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When to save—and when to splurge—on cosmetics.
P H O TO: J A M E S W ORRELL
SEE PAGE 65
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BEAUTY BARGAINS
How to get gorgeous for less Buy the best cosmetics for you and nab the best deals with our expert tips
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PHOTOS: JA ME S WO RRE LL
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hen it comes to makeup and skin-care products, it’s easy to overspend. Let’s face it: All that gorgeousness doesn’t come cheap. According to our exclusive ShopSmart national beauty poll, more than half of us have spent at least $20 on a single item, and 14 percent have ponied up more than $50. Beauty products can also be addictive. (Tell the truth: How many lipsticks do you have in your purse?) But there are easy ways to spend less and still look great. Check out these nine money-saving tricks from beauty experts. Plus, turn to page 65 for advice on when it pays to splurge on beauty products and when it’s OK to go for the cheaper stuff.
1. Avoid shipping fees
3. Think inside the box
Scooping up beauty deals online is fun and convenient. The downside, of course, is that shipping fees for purchases and returns could easily wipe out any savings. So do your beauty browsing at one of the many online retailers that don’t charge for delivery, like Nordstrom.com and Skin1.com. Others, such as SallyBeauty.com, give you free shipping once you spend a certain amount. So check free-shipping minimums.
It’s a beauty junkie’s dream come true: getting a box of cosmetics delivered to your door every month. With programs such as those from BirchBox.com, CurlBox.com, and the Sample Society at BeautyBar.com, you pay a monthly fee (usually $10 to $20) and the boxes will be sent your way. The programs can save you money by helping you find products that you love— and avoid wasting time and money on those that you don’t.
2. Break the promo code When shopping online, don’t breeze over the promocode box or you could be missing out on huge savings. Kathryn Finney, founder of The Budget Fashionista website, says she signs up for RSS feeds and newsletters at such sites as FatWallet.com, RatherBeShopping.com, and DealNews.com to stay on top of those codes. But she uses a separate e-mail account. That way, she explains, “you get access to exclusive, membersonly codes without flooding your main mailbox.” Another place for promo codes is on beauty companies’ Facebook pages, says Andrea Pomerantz, author of “How to Look Expensive” (Gotham, 2012). “Just be careful not to buy just because you’re getting a great deal!”
4. Return with confidence One of the biggest beauty money savers is to get a refund if a product doesn’t work out for you. Most major department stores and drugstore chains accept opened products. Many websites do, too, although they usually won’t refund shipping charges and they might not pay for return shipping. But don’t be afraid to order online. “Not being able to see what you’re paying for has created very liberal return policies,” Pomerantz says. And sites such as HarmonDiscount.com have some of the best prices.
5. Score freebies If you buy department-store makeup, stocking up when a gift bag is offered is a no-brainer. It’s a great way to get travel sizes of your favorite products and try out new stuff, says New York City makeup artist Laura Nadeau. You can also get lots of freebies at sites such as BlueMercury.com and Ulta.com. To stay on top of gift-with-purchase deals, follow your favorite brands on Facebook and Twitter. Also check GWPAddict.wordpress.com and MyGiftWithPurchase.com. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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7. Stretch it out Get more for your beauty buck with cosmetics that have more than one use. Double-duty products such as BB creams with foundation plus sunscreen, and two-sided makeup brushes are smart buys. Tip: Extend product life by putting lids on tightly after each use.
8. Buy in bulk If you have favorite go-to brands that you trust and purchase regularly, buying in bulk makes a lot of sense—sometimes. “Things I would happily buy in bulk are shampoos, which have a three- to five-year shelf life, and powder-based face makeup, which should easily last for one or two years when stored appropriately,” Finney says. But some beauty goods are better bought in small doses, especially products with sunscreen, such as foundation and BB creams. “SPF can lose its potency over time,” Pomerantz says, “and you never want to risk the exposure from using expired, or less effective, sunscreen.” Other products that should not be bought in bulk because they have a shorter shelf life include perfume, mascara, foundation, and nail polish.
6. Join the club Some retailers offer discounts if you join rewards programs. “The deals and freebies are great, but I also love the programs because they allow you to learn about what’s new in the store and keep you updated about events in your area,” Pomerantz says. Sephora Beauty Insider, for example, awards a point for every dollar you spend. Hit 100 points and you get a deluxe sample; 500 points scores you a full-sized item. Also check out Beauty.com’s program and CVS’s ExtraCare Beauty Club.
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Free consultations are a great perk at departmentstore beauty counters and at retailers like MAC Cosmetics. “Rather than making trial-and-error choices, a makeover is a good way to get free advice from experts,” Finney says. “The people are often trained stylists or cosmetologists who can help you match makeup to your complexion and find products that won’t irritate your skin.” Just keep in mind that some free makeovers require minimum purchases, so ask a sales clerk. And be prepared for sales pitches at stores with associates working on commission.
PHO T OS: J A M E S WORR E LL
9. Schedule a makeover
Save or splurge? We asked five professional makeup artists when it pays to spend more or less
eye shadow
blush
mascara
Pros’ vote SAVE Drugstore-brand color choices have improved, says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor, so “if you want to experiment, go with a less expensive brand.” Once you know what colors work, you can invest in a higher-quality shadow. His splurge is Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra eye shadow, $58. Cheapie favorites L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Bright Eye Shadow Duo, $8; Milani Baked eye shadow, $7.
Pros’ vote SPLURGE Because you and your blush are bound to spend lots of time together (powders can last two years or more), most of our experts recommend paying extra for highly pigmented powders that blend easily. “A bright blush applied softly does more than a dull one applied heavily,” Sotomayor says. Pricey favorites Nars blush, $29; MAC powder blush, $21.
Pros’ vote SAVE Mascara should be replaced every six weeks to prevent clumping. (For eye-safety reasons, replace it at least every two to four months.) So cut corners with a cheaper lash lengthener and pocket the savings for something else in your beauty arsenal. Cheapie favorites Maybelline Volum’ Express One by One mascara, $9; CoverGirl LashBlast Length waterresistant mascara, $8.
foundation
lipstick
liners
Pros’ vote SPLURGE Most pros agree that paying up for a foundation is really worth it. At a higher-end store, trained specialists can help you choose the shade that looks “like real skin, except smoother and more even-toned,” Sotomayor says. The one pro who scrimps here, Erin Svalstad, swears by L’Oréal True Match, $11. Pricey favorites Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover, $42; Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion makeup, $62.
Pros’ vote SAVE Drugstores and mass retailers are packed with great, budget-friendly lipsticks. But at least one of our pros sees value in investing in a lipstick with a higher price. “Good pigments will stay better, look richer, and sometimes cost more,” says Sotomayor, who likes Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture, $34. Cheapie favorites Maybelline Color Sensational, $8; CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipstick, $7.
Pros’ vote SPLURGE Most of the pros told us they pay up for lip liners and eyeliners. “A great lip liner can make all the difference in achieving a flawless lip,” says Laura Martinez, a makeup artist in Austin, Texas. Also, if a pencil doesn’t sharpen easily to create a nice point for precise application, you’re wasting money. Pricey favorites Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel eyeliner, $27; Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On lip pencil, $19. ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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TO DYE FOR To keep hair color from fading fast, avoid hot water.
Make it last How to squeeze extra days (or weeks) from haircuts, blowouts, manicures, and more
T
here’s nothing better than a great new hair color, blowout, or fresh manicure to make you feel your beautiful best. But that feeling might not last long—hair color fades, blowouts go limp, and manicures chip. Getting extra days or weeks out of your beauty treatments doesn’t just help you look better between salon visits; it also saves you time and money. Here are insider tips from top hairdressers, colorists, and beauty experts on how to care for and preserve professional salon services at home.
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HOW TO MAKE IT LAST O Wait to wash it. Shampoo can be one of hair dye’s biggest enemies because certain cleansing ingredients prematurely strip strands of pigment. Debi Dumas, a celebrity hair colorist in Beverly Hills, Calif., tells clients to wait at least 48 hours before shampooing after having their color done, then use a cleanser designed for colortreated hair, such as Dove Color Care Shampoo, $5, or Redken Color Extend Shampoo, $16. “Waiting to shampoo allows the dye molecules to settle in the hair shaft, and it keeps the color richer,” she says. And if you can stand it, try to shampoo and condition with cool water. Hot water causes the cuticle of the hair to open, which allows dye particles to slip off of your hair and down the drain. O Blast brassiness. Hair color can turn brassy or get an orange tinge from product buildup, sun exposure, and other causes. Try this money-saving tip to prevent it: Rinse your hair weekly with vinegar. Put white vinegar in a spray bottle, and after shampooing, spray it liberally on your hair and massage it through. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly, Dumas advises. “Vinegar is an acid and helps to keep the hair cuticle shut,” she says. O Keep roots radiant. Facial scrubs and astringents are great for the face, but “they pull color out of the hair, especially on areas like the temples,” Dumas says. Squeeze a few extra days out of your hair color by keeping those products away from the hairline when you use them.
TO P LEFT : F RA NK P. WARTE N BER G/ P I CT U RE PRESS /G ETT Y IM A G ES
hair color
blowout
manicure/pedicure
HOW TO MAKE IT LAST O Sleep right. A salon blow-dry can go limp overnight. Preserve the style while you sleep by gathering your hair into a loose top bun, which will prevent creasing and tangles. Or try sleeping on a silk pillowcase; hair is less likely to snag on it than on a cotton one. O Brush lightly. In the morning, use a flat boar-bristle brush to gently reshape the style and redistribute oils. If the volume has fizzled, spritz a small amount of texturizer, such as Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $26, or Sebastian Re-Shaper hair spray, about $17, into your roots from crown to front, then blow-dry on low for a few minutes to set. O Powder it. Use a hair powder or dry shampoo such as Klorane Dry Shampoo, $20, or Tresemmé Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo, $6, to sop up dirt and oil.
HOW TO MAKE IT LAST O Focus on color, not cost. “Just because a polish is expensive doesn’t mean it will last forever,” says Erica Marton, a celebrity manicurist in New York City. “Some of the best polishes are the drugstore brands.” Her secret when it comes to a long-wear mani or pedi is to pick a color that will hide, not highlight, inevitable chips. Neutral shades such as Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers (shown at right), $8, and Butter London lacquer in Crumpet, $15, that are similar in tone to your nail bed make chips harder to see than bright shades do. Another smart pick for extended wear: “Shimmer or glitter polishes always seem to last longer than others,” Marton says. O Baby your nails. Avoid doing dishes or showering for a few hours after your polish job; the hot water can loosen the polish and cause it to peel. And try not to use your nails as tools for, say, opening a can of soda or prying apart plastic
packaging. Wear gloves when doing chores and using household cleaning products. To prolong a pedicure, apply cuticle oil daily on and around each toenail to moisturize and soften rough nail edges and prevent hangnails, suggests Skyy Hadley, a celebrity manicurist and owner of As U Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, N.J. O Conceal chips. Even with the gentlest of care, a regular manicure will stay chip-free for only a week to 10 days. But there are ways to hide the fact that you’re in need of a repolishing. If you have a small chip, Marton suggests filling it in with a couple of dabs of the same color, followed by a top coat. For a more glaring chip, go over the whole nail with a glitter polish to camouflage it, or—if you’re really feeling daring—get in on the “accent nail” trend by painting over the entire nail with a contrasting color (think navy blue with baby pink).
R IG HT : NATHA N JON ES /E+/ GETT Y I M A G ESS
spray tan HOW TO MAKE IT LAST O Time it right. If you’re getting golden for a big event such as a wedding or a vacation, schedule your pro-tan session for one or two days before the big day to give the product time to dry and set in. Shave and exfoliate beforehand to remove dead skin cells. O Go easy with water. Wait at least 4 hours after a spray tan before showering or swimming. When you get out, lightly pat yourself dry with a towel; don’t rub, which can wipe away your tan. O Moisturize! That keeps a spray tan even and helps it last longer. LeAura Luciano, a celebrity makeup artist and style expert in New York City, recommends using a tan-extending moisturizer, such as Model Co. Tan Extender Self Tan Enhancer, $8, or Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, $9. “It has both glycerin to moisturize and a low dose of DHA, the main coloring ingredient in spray tan,” she says.
NAIL IT Use cuticle oil to get extra days from a pedicure.
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Cheap chic
Fashion pros share their secrets to looking great without spending a bundle
ROBERT VERDI celebrity stylist
SPRING FOR IT Spend less without looking cheap by avoiding heavy embellishments.
CLINTON KELLY co-host of ABC’s “The Chew”
KAREN KLEBER New York City fashion stylist
Skip the shiny stuff
Shop with your hands
Change the buttons
Steer clear of details that scream cheap, such as too-shiny hardware on handbags and fake plastic stones in sparkly jewelry. “Plastic stones just don’t sparkle,” he says. “Look for glass.” SPEND ON Solids. You don’t want to buy important pieces—coats, jackets, pants, and cashmere turtlenecks—that you’ll wear again and again in a pattern that people will remember. SKIMP ON Look-alikes that cost a fraction of the price of the real thing. Cashmere-blend sweaters and plastic sunglass frames in a tortoiseshell pattern only look expensive. FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE J.Crew for classics—cashmere-blend cardigans and ballet flats—when they’re on sale.
Even if you can’t afford to shop at pricey boutiques, you can browse them. See what quality fabric feels like, then try to duplicate the feel in your price range. “It’s all about the hand,” he says. “If it feels luxurious, chances are it’s going to look more luxurious.” Another great tip: Keep in mind that deep-saturated colors look more expensive than pastels. SPEND ON Beautiful, logo-free handbags. “Logos can backfire on you,” he says. “People with taste don’t cover themselves with logos.” SKIMP ON Great knockoffs. Look for polyesters that drape like silk or an artificial snake belt that’s a reasonable facsimile of actual animal skin. FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE Local consignment shops have great deals.
Swap cheap plastic ones for quality horn, shell, or mother-of-pearl for 50 to 60 cents apiece. It makes a big difference, especially on coats and jackets. Kleber is known to pick up a sweater with holes in it or a frayed blazer at Goodwill just for the pearlized buttons to use on cheaper garments. SPEND ON Shoes and handbags. “A good shoe dresses up cheap clothing,” she says. SKIMP ON Sunglasses, gloves, and other stuff that can easily be lost. Also white cotton shirts and tees. But be careful when buying colored shirts; cheap ones can look like they came from the dollar store. FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE eBay for great secondhand designer clothes.
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T O P : MON ICA BU CK
A
s any fashion pro knows, what matters isn’t how much an outfit costs, it’s how you pull it together. Here are six secrets to looking fabulous without spending a fortune. Plus, check out “10 Signs of Cheapness,” on the facing page, to avoid bargains that look cheap.
PAT SLAVEN Textile expert, Consumer Reports
Think about how it will wash Cheaper fabrics can shrink and are more prone to fuzzing up or pilling, Slaven says. Think twice about embellishments, such as sequins and appliqués, which might require special cleaning. Even if you save big on a garment, dry cleaning can really add up in the long run. So always read care labels. SPEND ON Natural fibers such as 100 percent cotton; they wash and wear better than blends. Also spring for a good wool suit. “Every woman should have a go-to outfit,” she says. SAVE ON Disposable one-season items. FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE Outlets might look like discount heaven, but watch out for cheaply made stuff. The stores might have better-made clothing from last season, but trendier in-season items are often made specially for outlets, and manufacturers might cut corners, as Slaven and her team have discovered when evaluating several outlet-clothing stores. Inspect clothes for tiny defects before you buy. That hanging thread could cause a seam to come apart.
PHILLIP BLOCH Hollywood fashion stylist
Get the right fit Don’t get seduced by a bargain— Spanx can’t fix everything! “You want something that fits you well. Great fit can make a $5 dress look like a $500 one,” he says. If you find a great deal but the fit is off, it might be worth the money to get it nipped and tucked. Some stores, such as Club Monaco, offer free alterations. Just know which fixes are easy—usually waists, shoulders, and hems—and which ones aren’t—thigh, crotch, and butt areas are especially tough. SPEND ON Nice leather shoes. “They’ll be better designed, and you’ll get more style mileage out of them,” he says. SKIMP ON Prints of the season. They’ll be everywhere, so go cheap! You can also cut corners on jeans, evening bags, and accessories. But tone down the cheese factor. “Too much glitz or too many features on a garment—beads, bows, gold buttons—cheapifies,” he says. “Too much is just too much.” FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE ShopItToMe.com for designer bargains. Also Macy’s and Nine West for shoes.
AMY BERLIN New York City celebrity stylist
Don’t spend on one-season wonders Colored denim, zebra or leopard prints, and chunky rhinestone jewelry—versions of those can be found on the cheap at stores such as H&M and Urban Outfitters. There’s no reason to spend a ton on things you’ll wear for only a season. SPEND ON The classics: a trench, a great leather jacket, and cashmere sweaters. Also splurge on boots and shoes. They’re the perfect complement to both trendy stuff and classics. SKIMP ON Military jackets, boho-chic dresses and skirts, and basic tanks and tees. Those garments all come in very affordable versions. FAVORITE PLACES TO SAVE Topshop for fun, trendy items; great shoes; and personal-shopping services for no charge. American Apparel for tank tops and tees. Berlin is also a big fan of the Asos website. It has a huge discounted selection of higher-end designer clothes and even cheaper Asos-brand knockoffs, plus trends at every price.
10 SIGNS OF CHEAPNESS Blouses and tops
Dresses and skirts
O MISMATCHED PRINTS. When you buy a blouse, make sure stripes, prints, and polka dots line up at the seams. That applies to skirts and dresses, too. O GAPING AT THE BUST. Button it up to make sure your bra doesn’t peek through. You want the bust to fit right.
O VISIBLE HEMS. Rolled hems look more polished. O ELASTIC WAISTBANDS. They look cheap on skirts.
Pants O VISIBLE POCKETS that show through the fabric. O WEIRD PUCKERING around the waist or zipper. Also look for a button or hook-and-eye closure at the top of the pant, which can help keep the zipper securely closed.
Handbags O CHEAP HARDWARE . Avoid zippers, nailheads, and closures that are too shiny. O TOO MANY DOODADS. Plainer is richer.
Shoes O LOW-QUALITY FAKE LEATHER. In general, faux styles look better on a handbag than on a shoe. O ANKLE STRAPS, BUCKLES, AND BOWS. Those details scream cheap on low-cost shoes.
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Why you should shop at Target on Tuesdays, and other insider saving strategies
E
veryone knows that the big discounters like H&M, Kohl’s, Target, and T.J.Maxx serve up great bargains. But insiders know how to save even more at those stores. Their tricks include shopping on the right day of the week and learning how to read codes on price tags. Here are the kinds of shopping tips that a friend working at one of those stores might tell you. Then again, she might not!
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PHOTO: MARTIN P OOLE/PHOTODISC/GETTY I M AGES
Discount store secrets
O Sign up for e-mail alerts. You’ll get notice of sales events, free-shipping offers, and exclusive online promo codes. Plus you’ll receive $5 off your next in-store purchase and 10 percent off your next online purchase for signing up. O Head for the Gold Star Clearance racks. Prices are slashed up to 80 percent. Those deals are online and in stores. O Watch for Kohl’s Cash deals. Periodically throughout the year you earn $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent. O Use coupons and Kohl’s Cash for the same item whenever possible so that you can maximize your savings. O Sign up for the Kohl’s credit card. It gives you up to 15 percent off your first purchase, plus special coupons. O Snap up senior discounts. Every Wednesday, shoppers 60 and older get an extra 15 percent off in stores. Not over 60? Invite Grandma on a shopping trip! O Take advantage of the store’s easy returns. You can return anything anytime at Kohl’s. So if you see a deal, snap it up. You can always take it back if you change your mind.
MORE GREAT BARGAIN HOT SPOTS O Shop on the right days to save. Women’s clothing is generally marked down on Tuesdays, men’s on Wednesdays, and kids’ on Mondays. Markdowns usually range from 15 percent to 70 percent, according to the All Things Target blog. O Look for red clearance stickers. According to Christy Palmer, creator of All Things Target, the number in the top right corner of the tag indicates how much the piece has been marked down. You’ll see another number, too. If it ends with a 4, that means you’re getting the very best price, because the item is about to be taken off the floor. O Pay with the Target Red Card and get 5 percent off everything, plus free shipping for online orders. O Go to Target.com for discount codes, exclusive sales, and weekly deals. O Sign up online. Register at cartwheel. target.com so that you can use your smart phone to access exclusive in-store discounts (generally 5 percent to 30 percent off).
And what to buy there to maximize your savings
Burlington Coat Factory WHAT TO BUY Coats are the big draw (of course!), but also look for a wide selection of jeans (Lucky Brand and Rich and Skinny, for instance), and cheap and cheerful kids’ stuff, including wear-them-onceand-hand-them-down suits, party dresses, and shirtand-tie sets.
Forever 21 WHAT TO BUY You might think that the clothing is for teenagers, but stylists head here for the costume jewelry. One warning: If you return something, you get store credit only.
JCPenney O Shop on Thursdays. Merchandise arrives every day, but the hottest-selling items from the latest ad campaigns tend to hit the floors then. O Act fast. If you see something you love, grab it. Once things are out of stock, they’re gone for good—though you can go back in a few days to scavenge for returns. O Download the H&M app for sale alerts. See the “News” section for instructions on how to use your phone to get a coupon code. O Get the newsletter. Sign up at HM.com and you’ll get 20 percent off. O Use social media. Become a fan on Facebook and sign up for the store’s Twitter feed for access to special savings.
O Shop midweek. Although markdowns can vary from store to store, they usually happen on Wednesdays. O Become a regular. Thousands of items hit the floor every week, so it pays to go often. And you’ll get to know the staff, who can alert you to new merchandise and clearance sales. O Know your color codes. Here’s a tip from Kathryn Finney, founder of the Budget Fashionista blog: Learn the store’s price-tag system. Purple is for higher-end goods, yellow for clearance, and red for the lowest markdown possible. O Get a T.J.Maxx credit card and receive $10 back for every $200 you spend there and at Marshalls and HomeGoods.
WHAT TO BUY Cute dresses and trendy separates are good buys. Check out the Joe Fresh collection and the youthful MNG by Mango label. The denim section is also filled with great deals.
Nordstrom Rack WHAT TO BUY It’s designershoe heaven. Plus you’ll find great designer clothes, bags, and other accessories.
Zara WHAT TO BUY Prowl here for trendy but still officeappropriate pieces as well as knockoffs of hot designer bags and shoes.
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Fashion bargains Where the pros go to score great deals
Halsbrook.com
LastCall.com
JCrew.com
BEST FOR Designer clothes and accessories geared toward women looking for classic styles. PRO’S PICKS New York fashion stylist Genevieve Yraola likes the website’s statement jewelry and work-to-evening investment dresses. HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O Check the sale section. If you want something very high-end, you can snap up some great deals. For example, when we looked we found a Max Mara linen shirtdress (staple alert!) for $203 (marked down from $675) and ankle-zip Piazza Sempione pants for $170 (were $570). O Get free fashion advice. Click on “Occasions” for great ideas on how to accessorize items for a complete look. SHIPPING Free. RETURNS 14 days from receipt.
BEST FOR Designer bargains from Neiman Marcus. PRO’S PICKS Beyond the weekly array of new offerings at half off the original price, Yraola loves Last Call for its wide selection of designer shoes. HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O If you see something you love, grab it. This is outlet-style shopping, and merchandise doesn’t stick around. O Sign up for flash sales. “Fashion Dash” is a flash-sale-style section of the site with drastically lowered prices for a limited time. It’s well worth signing up for sale announcements because the discounts can be as much as 40 percent off of already slashed prices. O Don’t miss the clearance section. You can take your time pondering the clearance deals, like 7 For All Mankind Jeans at $52 (were $189). And hit the “Extra Savings” button for items that are even more heavily discounted as they cycle out of season. We found a frilly, summery Laundry by Shelli Segal beaded dress for $99, marked down from $295. SHIPPING Starts at $5. RETURNS 30 days from receipt.
BEST FOR All of the basics and more at decent prices. PRO’S PICKS “Their cashmere sweaters are the best,” says Yraola, who also loves J.Crew’s “perfectly tailored” women’s shirts in great new prints each season. Baltimore fashion stylist Zoey Washington goes for the high-style (and higher-priced) designer collections such as Liberty of London and cult brands like Saint James (for T-shirts) and Minnetonka (moccasins). HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O Order multiples. Because economy shipping for orders of $150 and up is free, pros like Jenn Falik, a style expert in New York City, and Christine Bibbo Herr, a fashion editor at NYCPretty.com, order multiples of items such as shoes and pants and return what doesn’t fit. You won’t know which shoes fit until you try them on, Herr says. And Falik advises trying on pants with your shoes to make sure they work together. O Get in on surprise sales. The sale section is a must, but be sure to sign up for alerts to the site’s surprise sales. SHIPPING Starts at $5. RETURNS 60 days from purchase.
NOTE: Prices and products are as of press time. Deals come and go quickly on these sites, so some items listed may not be available.
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MassimoDutti.com
LLBean.com
TheOutnet.com
BEST FOR Chic, classic Euro-style clothes and accessories at affordable prices. (Zara, a stylist fave for its trendy merchandise, is its sister site.) PRO’S PICKS Randi Packard, a freelance fashion editor in New York, likes the bags and shoes for their classy styling and reasonable prices. Yraola can’t get enough of the clean-lined basics such as blouses, shirtdresses, shifts, and jeans. HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O Zoom in on details. The next-best things to a touchy-feely inspection of an item are this site’s images and videos of telltale details—including front and back views, close-ups of buttons on sleeves, and the position of pockets. O Check the sale section. The site’s regular prices are nice. (Black waxed pants we spotted were $90, and a reversible wool-blend coat was $368.) But the sale page has great bargains; we spotted gorgeous wool and cashmere sweaters for $50 and luxe leather belts for $25. SHIPPING Free. RETURNS 30 days from purchase.
BEST FOR Casual, comfortable classics. (Yes, stylists love this site!) PRO’S PICKS “It’s very good for basics,” says Karen Kleber, a fashion stylist based in New York City. She shops the site for simple cotton tees and tailored blazers in classic colors (black, navy, white). Yraola is a fan of its chunky cotton knit sweaters and the slimmer-fit modern collection, LL Bean Signature. Another pro favorite is the waterproof Hunter tote bag. HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O Downsize your size. “Clothes here are cut fuller. Go down a size, so your fit is better,” Kleber advises. Even if you need alterations, the prices will still seem reasonable. “If the sleeves are a bit too full on a shirt, have them taken in,” Kleber says. “This can make a less expensive garment more stylish.” O Stick to the basics. Even though you won’t find flashy styling here, it’s best to avoid frilly bows, shiny buttons, and other doodads that, at lower prices, tend to cheapen a garment, Kleber says. SHIPPING Free. RETURNS No time frame.
BEST FOR High-end designer labels, including Marni, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, and more. PRO’S PICKS Yraola goes here for designer shoes at reductions of 50 to 60 percent. Washington finds great prices on designer lingerie. “Once you know your size in a certain designer or brand, you can buy lingerie online and get the right fit,” she says. She also likes the site for sussing out “hot, new, amazing designers.” HOW TO SHOP THE SITE O Don’t be intimidated by the high-end names. Many items that sell on super-expensive designer site Net-a-Porter end up here, Washington says. So with reductions of 50 percent or more, you can get designer clothes for the same price as department store off-the-rack lines. We found a Helmut Lang wool-blend blazer marked down to $278 from $710! O Visit often. Pros scout the site weekly so that they don’t miss out on the best stuff. SHIPPING Starts at $5. RETURNS 28 days from ordering, plus a return fee of $8 per item.
SHOP LIKE A STYLIST
O KNOW WHERE TO GO ON A WEBSITE. Busy stylists can’t waste hours wandering online. To stay focused, they use a site’s filters, always checking the “what’s new” category, and narrowing down choices by type of garment, price, and color. O ASK FOR A PRICE MATCH. Yraola sometimes spots a designer item she loves cheaper on another site, but if it doesn’t have her size, she asks for a price match. “I call the customer service of the site that does have my size to see if they can match the lower price, or
at least offer free shipping; often, they do,” she says. O JOIN THE MAILING LIST OF SITES YOU LOVE. It’s the best way to stay on top of sales, arrivals of new merchandise, and new-to-the-site designers. O ALWAYS CHECK FOR COUPON CODES. Go to retailmenot.com and couponcabin.com, where you can often find discounts of 15 to 25 percent, or search the word “coupon” and the name of the retailer. O SHOP ON MONDAYS. Fashion pros say that’s the day to scout out the best new deals.
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BEAUTY& FASHION
1. Lint brush A good one will remove a lot more than just lint, including tiny food particles that can attract moths. You can use the type that has rolls of sticky tape or one that can be rinsed and cleaned, such as the Schticky ($19.95, plus $7.95 for shipping and handling).
2. The right hangers Padded hangers are ideal for delicate items such as silk tops and lingerie. Whichever style you choose, get the right size. Standard sizes might be too small—or too big—for a jacket or coat, causing shoulder bumps or other damage.
10 tools to keep clothes looking new Inexpensive essentials to save your wardrobe—and your wallet
6. Handheld steamer The Jiffy Steamer 0601 Esteam, $75, and similar devices let you DIY when all you need is a touch-up, not a full cleaning. That can save you fabric wear and tear—and money at the dry cleaner.
7. Underarm shields They’re an easy and cheap way to prevent armpit stains. Look for ones that can attach to your bra; they can be easily removed and washed after wearing. Most shields are synthetic or made of a blend, but look for cotton because it’s more absorbent.
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3. Horsehair brush or chemical sponge They help keep leather and suede clean.
5. Instant stain remover
4. Pencil eraser
The Tide-to-Go pen and similar products from CVS and Walgreens were top picks in our lab tests. They can remove stains such as tea and gravy, though not from all types of fabric. No stain remover got out lipstick in our tests.
It’s good for removing minor scuffs from leather shoes, handbags, and garments.
9. Hydrogen peroxide P HO TO: WE N DELL WE BB E R
8. Rubbing alcohol It gets out ink from ballpoint pens. Keep a bottle of Amodex Ink & Stain Remover ($7) on hand for really tough jobs.
It removes blood and red wine from fabric. Dab it on an inconspicuous spot for a test before blotting it on a stain.
10. White cotton cloth or napkins Good for picking up food stains. Blot but don’t rub—and always work from the outside of a stain in.
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CARS & TECH
inside The five steps to getting a great deal on a car you’ll love.
Do’s and don’ts at the car dealership. PAGE 80
PAGE 78
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Gas guzzlers to avoid—plus which models to buy instead.
Where and how to shop for great deals on electronics.
PAGE 81
PAGE 82
Avoid getting ripped off: Don’t drive your new car home until you do this!
PHO TO: JAMES W ORRELL
SEE PAGE 80
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CARS &TECH
Outsmart the car salesman
W
hen it comes to buying a car at a dealership, you’re an amateur playing against a pro on his or her home field. The salesperson knows all of the angles; you probably know very little about buying a car until you do the research. But you can get a great price on practically any car—new or used—by following our gamechanging strategy.
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P H O TO ILLUS T RAT ION: STE P HE N W E BS TE R
Avoid dealer tricks and get a great deal on your next vehicle
USE THIS FIVE-STEP CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU START NEGOTIATING STEP ONE Pick the right model. Whether you’re buying new or used, figure out what make, model, and options you want before you set foot in a dealership—or at least narrow down your list. You can do a lot of your research online. Start by checking Consumer Reports’ car Ratings (subscriptions start at $6.95 a month). Unlike other sites, Consumer Reports doesn’t accept manufacturers’ ads, so we can tell you the truth. If you’re buying new, go to automaker websites as well; most let you compare vehicles and “build” the car you want, giving you a price for your configuration. USED-CAR TIP Many dealers offer “certified” used cars, which have undergone an inspection and reconditioning, and come with a limited warranty. Those deals can cost several hundred dollars extra, but the added peace of mind might be worth it.
STEP TWO Take a test drive. When visiting dealers for test drives, explain that you are just shopping around, and don’t let them rush you. A model that seems like your dream car may turn out to be a dud. Don’t let the seller limit you to a 5-minute spin around the block. Spend at least a half-hour driving on different kinds of roads, and pay attention to overall ride comfort, acceleration, braking, steering, handling, and noise (engine, wind, and road). And make sure the seats are comfortable and that you can easily reach all of the controls. USED-CAR TIP Pay special attention to any unusual noises; squeaks, rattles, clunks, or moans, which could indicate expensive problems. Vary the driving conditions as much as possible to bring out any abnormal behavior. Before you buy any used car, get its Carfax report, which most dealers will provide. That can show its ownership and mileage history, often some maintenance history, and whether it has ever been in a serious accident. A clean Carfax report is no guarantee that you’ve found a cream puff, but one showing past problems is a good indication that you should move on. If the dealership won’t supply a report, you can order one at carfax.com for $40.
STEP THREE Calculate a target price. The Consumer Reports New-Car Buying Service and the TrueCar website can show you exactly what others are paying for the same new car in your area. Some other websites, such as Edmunds.com, also list a target price. And plenty of sites provide information on MSRP, dealer invoice, and incentives, but you have to calculate your own target price and allow for some additional profit called dealer “holdback.” USED-CAR TIP Price depends on the overall condition of the vehicle, its repair or damage history, and its mileage and options. It also can depend on the location. Set a target price by looking at sites such as ConsumerReports.org, Edmunds. com, and Kelley Blue Book, and check out ads at AutoTrader. com and Cars.com. Remember, the asking price will have $2,000 to $3,000 or more of profit built in.
STEP FOUR Set up a loan in advance. Compare interest rates at your local bank or credit union, along with websites such as Bankrate.com, E-Loan, or LendingTree, and get preapproved for a loan before you step into a dealership. If you’re borrowing about $25,000, a difference of only 2 percentage points can add up to more than $1,000 over the life of the loan. Pay attention to the annual percentage rate, not just the monthly payment. Take the shortest loan term you can afford—your monthly payments will be higher, but you’ll be shelling out less in total. If you decide to go with dealer financing, keep in mind that dealers often make extra profit by bumping up rates. That said, they also get bulk rates for leads and can sometimes beat bank rates. Either way, by nailing down a loan ahead of time, you’ll know whether the dealer is offering a good deal, and you’ll be ready to buy. LEASING TIP If your goal is to get the best deal possible, buy, don’t lease. Leases cost a lot more in interest, and you’ll save money over the long run by building equity in the car.
STEP FIVE Get competitive quotes. If you’re buying a new car, e-mail or call several dealers in your area. List the model, trim, and options you want, and ask for their lowest price. And tell them you’re soliciting several bids. To find dealers, go to automakers’ websites. You can get several quotes over the phone to compare. Use the competitive price bids if necessary to get a good dealer to match the price you want. You can also get multiple dealer quotes using Consumer Reports’ Build & Buy Service (ConsumerReports.org/buildandbuy) if you’re a subscriber, or directly through sites such as TrueCar. USED-CAR TIP Starting with your target price, make an offer that is at least 15 to 25 percent less than what the seller is asking and wait for a counteroffer. Be polite but firm. If the seller is acting in good faith, he should be willing to negotiate. If he won’t budge, increase your offer in small increments. Walk away if the seller won’t agree to a fair deal.
TRADE-IN TRICKS
A good price on your new car won’t be worth much if you take bottom dollar for your trade-in, so check kbb.com and nadaguides.org for used-car values. Also ask dealers what they would pay. Keep in mind that trading your car in at the dealership where you buy your new car can net tax advantages. In most states, you’ll pay sales tax only on the difference between your new car and your trade-in. But never negotiate the value of the trade-in before settling on a price for the new one. Mixing the two deals can give dealers a way to increase their profit at your expense.
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Do’s and don’ts at the dealership Before you agree on a deal
Before you sign the contract
Before you drive off
DO take the lowest competitive quotes you’ve collected with you. DON’T overtalk. After you make a dollar offer, say nothing more until you get a counteroffer from the seller. DO negotiate one thing at a time. Nail down the new-car price before you negotiate the trade-in or financing terms. (Be sure to research your trade-in value ahead of time.) DON’T negotiate around a monthly payment. Doing so gives salespeople too much room to manipulate figures to their advantage, especially if you have a trade-in or are financing through the dealer. (To lower the payment, for example, a salesperson could increase your loan term.)
DO pay the down payment with a credit card. If the dealer goes out of business before you pick up your car, you can challenge the payment with the card issuer. DO walk out if the salesperson tries to raise the price you negotiated. DON’T sign any forms with items left blank. A dealership could falsify info such as income on loan applications. DO cross out extras in the contract that you haven’t agreed to, and be wary of unneeded extras, such as VIN etching and undercoating, that jack up the price. DO ask your bank for the exact loan payoff amount the day you close, and make sure you’re not on the hook for extra interest if the dealer doesn’t pay it off immediately. DON’T buy an extended warranty.
DON’T leave before the financial paperwork is completed. Unfinished paperwork can open the door to so-called yo-yo or spot deliveries, when the dealer calls the buyer back to the showroom claiming the financing fell through and presenting new paperwork with lessfavorable terms. DON’T take delivery of the car if work still needs to be performed on it, such as a repair or accessory installation. If a dealer goes out of business, it can be difficult to get the work done. DO make sure everything the car should come with is there, such as floor mats, a jack, a spare tire, and the key to the wheel locks. If the audio system needs an activation code, make sure you receive it.
SALES-SPEAK DECODER
Here are five car features that salespeople might mention, and what you need to know.
CROSS-TRAFFIC ALERT If you’ve ever been backing out of a mall parking space and wished you could see through that gigantic SUV in the next spot, a cross-traffic alert can help. Using sensors built into the sides of the car’s rear bumper, the system can warn you if a vehicle is sneaking down the row you’re about to back into. Bottom line: It’s a nice extra that helps you prevent collisions. CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS (CVT) It can help a car get more miles per gallon. But some CVT cars that we’ve tested haven’t integrated the technology seamlessly, so the engine might make a noisy revving sound while you’re driving. Our advice: Take a test drive. See how noisy the engine is and whether it’s something you can live with. (PRE-)COLLISION AVOIDANCE/MITIGATION These systems, available mainly on high-end cars, go by many names, including collision warning and pre-collision mitigation. They use forward-looking radar and camera systems to detect objects in your path. The best systems automatically apply the
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brakes if you’re approaching too fast. Others set off a warning, alerting you to brake. Some even automatically stop and go in slow-moving traffic. Insurance studies have shown that the systems dramatically reduce accidents. START/STOP SYSTEM When you’re sitting at a red light with the engine running, you’re getting 0 mpg. A stop/start system automatically shuts off the engine whenever the car comes to a stop and restarts it as soon as you take your foot off of the brake or hit the gas.It has been used in hybrids for years and is now showing up in some conventional gas cars. We’ve found that the best systems work pretty well, with quick and smooth operation. But others can be overly noticeable as they shudder and rattle when they restart the engine. Our advice: Include stops in your test drive and see how smoothly the car restarts. ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS Rather than shining straight ahead, they turn with the front wheels. We’ve found that to be helpful, especially on twisty roads. But these headlights are expensive and drive up insurance rates.
ILLUS T RAT ION: LE O E SPINOSA
You may have to visit a dealership three times: to check out the car, to close the deal, and to take delivery. Here are some tips to help you steer clear of dirty dealer tactics that can cause you to overpay or get ripped off.
Save on gas!
To get a really great deal on a car, find one that saves at the pump. Here are the best and worst models when it comes to fuel economy.*
BEST IN GAS MILEAGE
WORST IN GAS MILEAGE
small cars TOYOTA PRIUS
44
MITSUBISHI LANCER
mpg
25
mpg
midsized cars FORD FUSION HYBRID
39
mpg
FORD FUSION 2.0T (shown), SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R
22
mpg
small SUVs SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i PREMIUM (shown), XV CROSSTREK PREMIUM
26
mpg
JEEP PATRIOT and CHEROKEE (V6) (shown), KIA SPORTAGE (2.0T), VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
21
mpg
upscale and luxury cars LEXUS ES 300H
36
BMW 750Li, CHRYSLER 300C (V8) (shown)
mpg
18
mpg
minivans HONDA ODYSSEY
21
mpg
CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY (shown), DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
17
mpg
large and luxury SUVs LEXUS RX 450H
26
mpg
FORD EXPEDITION, LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, NISSAN ARMADA (shown)
*Fuel economy is the overall mileage based on combined city and highway driving.
13
mpg
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CARS &TECH Shown: Dell XPS 12 Ultrabook, $1,200; Samsung Galaxy S4 and Google Nexus 5 (phone prices vary based on carrier and contract); Bose AE2w, $250; Vizio M601d-A3R, $1,400; Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with Special Offers, 2nd gen., $120; Nikon Coolpix S3500, $100.
How to save on electronics Shopping strategies our experts swear by
I
f you’re looking for a great deal on a TV, phone, computer, or other electronic gadget, read this! Our tips can save you hundreds of dollars on a single purchase.
Where to shop O START AT COSTCO. In our
national electronics-retailers survey of more than 21,000 consumers, Costco and Costco.com got the highest marks when it came to price. Although selection is limited and you have to be a member to shop at the store or on the site (annual memberships start at $55), Costco offers good deals on high-quality products. We also like its generous 90-day return policy on electronics.
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O CHECK OUT ADORAMA.COM, AMAZON.COM, AND BHPHOTOVIDEO.COM. Those
sites scored highest for selection in our survey, and they have decent customer service. The top-rated website for customer service was Crutchfield.com. Overall, websites outdid walk-in stores for quality, selection, and price. Also, online shoppers were more satisfied than in-store shoppers overall. O TRY INDEPENDENTS. They outperformed most big chains on everything except price. But as you’ll see on the facing page, you can still get an awesome deal.
How to shop O COMPARE PRICES ONLINE.
Do that even if you plan to buy at a store. Websites such as PriceGrabber, Nextag, and Shopping.com are a good place to start. You might find that some items have fixed prices, such as the latest Apple products and Sonos speakers. But prices can vary widely on other items. When we did a price check of the Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro, for example, prices ranged from $910 at Amazon.com to $1,430 at QVC. O HAGGLE! Simply print out prices
you find online or clip prices you find in advertisements, and take
SLASH PHONE, TV, AND INTERNET BILLS, TOO! 1. DROP YOUR LANDLINE. Yes, it’s radical, but if you have good cell-phone reception at home, why not? An estimated one in four U.S. households already rely solely on cell phones.
ON T V SCREEN : F OT OS I N T ERNAT IONA L/ MOVIEPIX / GE TTY IMAGES
2. CONSIDER OTHER LANDLINE ALTERNATIVES. Switching to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service such as Vonage can save you big. Also check out services such as MagicJack, Ooma, or Skype, which require just an Internet connection.
them to the store with you. Ask whether the store can beat the price, or match it at the very least. Best Buy’s policy is to match prices of major online rivals. And don’t be shy about haggling at other chains, such as Sears. But independents are more willing to haggle than the Apple Store, Best Buy, and Sears, according to our subscriber survey. Our survey also showed that shoppers who bargain with retailers succeed about three times out of five and save a median of about $80. If you’re shopping online, you can try negotiating by phone, e-mail, or online chat.
O SKIP EXTENDED WARRANTIES.
In our latest subscriber survey on electronics buying, 73 percent of in-store shoppers said that sales staff had pitched them a service plan. That might explain why in-store electronics shoppers were somewhat more likely than online shoppers to buy a plan (15 percent vs. 8 percent). Overall, the median price paid for a service plan was $75 in-store and $65 online. But the plans are rarely worth it. They may duplicate coverage you already have through the manufacturer’s warranty, and electronics rarely break within the service-plan window. So just say no to those extended warranties!
3. NEGOTIATE A BUNDLE. If you haven’t already bundled your phone, TV, and Internet service, check out so-called triple-play packages. If you already have a bundled plan, negotiate with your provider for a better price when your contract ends. If you can’t get anywhere with the customer-service rep, ask to speak to a manager. Still no luck? Check what kinds of deals you can get by switching, then call back and see whether your current provider will budge in price. 4. GO PREPAID. No-contract plans can save you $1,000 or more compared with a standard two-year contract. Yes, you read that right—you can save a grand! Check out Walmart’s Straight Talk plan. 5. TRADE IN YOUR PHONE. When your contract is up, use trade-in programs at Apple and other retailers for money toward your new phone.
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BACKintheDAY
MONEY-SAVING TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS THROUGH THE YEARS
DON’T LET YOUR SHEETS FLAP IN THE WIND!
JANUARY 1944 That little gem is one of the many helpful household tips we gave to help consumers keep their sheets from wearing out during World War II, when many household supplies were in short supply.
FEBRUARY 1963 In a test of women’s blouses, the editors of Consumer Reports recommended buying clothing on sale to save money, and chided female readers for being “apt to purchase a blouse … quite unexpectedly.”
\\
Good soap, like wine, improves with age ... let the soap dry out on a shelf before use. When dried out the soap dissolves away at a much slower rate.” MAY 1936
SAVE YOUR 8-TRACKS! AUGUST 1975 We reported that the glove box of the Dodge Dart could fit 10 8-track cartridges. But we advised not to store them in there because heat could do some serious damage. You wouldn’t want to be without Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman,” now, would you?
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LEFT: H . A RM S TRONG R OBERT S /RETROFILE/GETTY IMAGE S ; TOP RIGHT: D UFFY/ C ONTRIBUTOR/ G ETTY I MAGE S
CONTROL YOUR IMPULSES, LADIES!
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...to obtain greater wear from a pair of pantyhose, it might be a good idea to plan heavy housework early in the day, and then put on the pantyhose.”
NOVEMBER 1970
EAU DE SEARS FEBRUARY 1948 We declared that “masculine resistance” to aftershave was on the wane, thanks to “he-man” advertising in the 1940s. And after testing 73 brands of men’s aftershave lotions, we named Sears Approved Lilac a winner. A fragrance called Sears Approved clearly isn’t for sissies—but what he-man wants to smell like lilac?!
Stock it to me SEPTEMBER 1953 Our financial editors shared this advice with readers who were thinking about investing in the stock market: The best way to save “is to keep [your money] in an insured savings bank or invest it in U.S. Savings Bonds.” By the time the decade ended, the Dow Jones industrial average had more than doubled. Oops!
RAW DEAL
MAY 1963 We tested “quick-cook bacon,” which is partially cooked to cut prep time. But at nearly twice the price of regular bacon, we advised buying the uncooked kind. We stand by that advice: In 2013 we found pre-cooked is still pricey—plus it’s not nearly as tasty.
BEFORE
AFTER
After
SAD RAGS TO GLAD RAGS
JUNE 1945 That was the slogan created by women in the Office of Price Administration, an agency that regulated prices during WWII. They urged ladies to economize by giving old duds a makeover, like the one above. But the “after” dress looks sadder than the “before” one to us!
MIDDLE: C SQUARED STUDIO S /PHOTODI SC /GETTY IMAGE S
MAY 1958
“Hey neighbor, can I borrow a cup of sugar— and your lawn roller?” As people were flocking to the suburbs, we tested lawn rollers, large weighted cylinders for leveling bumpy yards, helping sod settle, and more. But they weren’t cheap. Our advice: Get “a group of neighbors [to] buy one on a cooperative basis.” ShopSmart.org SPRING 2014 |
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Your Best Source for Bargains & Shopping Tips Is it really a good deal? Or just a good-looking mistake?
Whether you’re shopping for your family or splurging for yourself–ShopSmart shows you how to always make the right choice. From great giveaways to insider tips on saving. From what a product promises to what it actually delivers– ShopSmart has you covered. With a little help from our experts, you’ll spend less and get the best every time!
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