21 things you should never buy new

If you’re looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they’re usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here’s... 

Survey reveals top-rated places to shop for everything

Last year shoppers spent $405 billion at Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. But according to a new study by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, they might be better off if they switch stores. For all the talk about Walmart’s low prices, 30,666 subscribers we surveyed said the prices... 

20 items you should Never buy used

We all love scoring great deals on Craigslist and Ebay, but many second-hand purchases are actually terrible deals. Stay clear of these 20 used items that will end up costing you money — or even endanger your health. 1. Cribs and children’s furniture: If there’s any chance that you’ll... 

13 Things Your Grocery Store Won’t Tell You

Get smarter about grocery shopping. These tips could change your family eating habits. 1. If you hate crowds and lines, shop at dinnertime (5 to 9 p.m.) or even later. Only 4 percent of shoppers hit the aisles between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Least-crowded day of the week? Wednesday. 2. Go ahead and reach way... 

7 Things Every Apartment Renter Should Know

If you’re a renter, you’re in good company. More than 95 million Americans rent their homes, according to the American Tenants Association. Maybe you live in a part of the country where the costs of home ownership are out of reach. Perhaps you don’t have the time or desire to tend to a... 

More last-minute holiday shopping this year

Holiday shoppers are procrastinating this season more than they have in the past five years, and are looking for discounts as Christmas nears, according to a retail group’s survey released Wednesday. On average, people had checked off 46.7% of their holiday shopping lists by the second week of... 

Top 10 tech deals for Black Friday

Black Friday discounts bleed a little red as tough times in retailing call for sharp cuts on prices at a few big tech shops. These ten top deals show just how much pressure is riding on holiday sales. No. 10: Apple Apple is traditionally the stingiest of tech discounters in the gadget market, and this... 

Buy, don’t rent a home when you can afford the down payment

After looking at all the costs involved in buying house, you may have begun to have second thoughts: Perhaps, it is better to rent a home. Real estate in most areas today is not a top investment compared with investment securities. “You’re not going to get a 30 percent return on your house,”... 

Find $1,000 by the holidays

Ready or not, the holidays are coming. With American pocketbooks and investment accounts under pressure, the approaching holidays — particularly how to pay for them — are quickly becoming yet another thing to worry about. Don’t push this looming dilemma to the back of your minds. You... 

The five rules of money for children

Teaching young people these essential concepts now can help them make smarter financial choices as they grow up. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about money. Toddlers can be introduced to the value of money using toy piggy banks and cash registers, while older kids can learn to...