Consumer Savvy Tips

What Do All These Kinds of Tea Mean?

2009-11-17T09:00:00Z

In the past, the supermarket offered exactly two kinds of tea: black and herbal. Then different flavors of black tea to joined the fun. Then the herbal teas expanded, too, and before you knew it, your local supermarket tea selection looked like an Indian bazaar. So what's the deal with all these different kinds of teas -- and do they really do what they promise?

LED Christmas Lights: What's the Fuss?

2009-11-16T09:00:00Z

As a savvy consumer, you hear about the latest trends, and that means LED Christmas lights. Or at least, anytime after Thanksgiving the talk of the town will be about these Christmas lights. Although LED lights have been around for years, only in the recent past they've become a huge deal. So what's the difference between traditional outdoor lights and outdoor LED Christmas lights? And are they really worth the fuss?

Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Home

2009-11-13T09:00:00Z

Concerned about the quality of your families' drinking water? Consider purchasing a water filter. Before you buy, follow these tips to be sure you're buying the right filter for your family.

Follow these Tips and Get Sewing Machine Savvy

2009-11-12T09:00:00Z

If the sewing bug has bitten you, the first thing to do is buy the right sewing machine. The world of sewing machines has changed since the days of your grandma. Today, there are basic manual machines, computerized sewing machines, and embroidery sewing machines.

Before you jump in and buy the first machine you lay eyes on, learn the in's and out's of what is available to fit your budget, your skill level, and your sewing needs. Here's how.

6 Tips that will Make You an Expert Yard Sale Shopper

2009-11-10T09:00:00Z

Why shop at a yard sale? Let's face it. Prices aren't getting any cheaper. The cost of living is going up, up, up and salaries seem to be going down, down, down. If you're in this situation and have a growing family, you need to be shopping yard sales. Follow these yard sale tips to make them no pain and all gain.

3 Tips for Choosing a Great Family Dog

2009-11-09T21:56:45Z

You're in the market for a new family dog. Everybody is excited about the new addition to the family. But before you snatch up just any old dog, be sure you make the right choice by following these tips.

Cut Costs -- Save on Your Living Expenses with These Tips

2009-11-06T09:00:00Z

Cutting your living expenses is important -- not just during tough economic times but at all times. Whether you need to cut costs due to job loss or to save for that future retirement, you'll find these tips will help you save big.

The Truth About Hand Sanitizer

2009-11-03T20:30:56Z

Of course you know what hand sanitizer is in this day and age. A few years ago almost no one used the stuff, but now sanitizer hand gel is everywhere you look. And with good reason: with the outbreak of H1N1, people are more concerned than ever with protecting themselves from seasonal viruses.

Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

2009-11-02T09:00:00Z

Do you love your cell phone? Come on...admit it. Many people do and wonder how they ever functioned without it. While you may love your cell phone, I bet you don't love your monthly bill. If this is the case, follow these tips to help save money and cut your phone costs.

Don't Risk your Dog's Health... Feed Him the Very Best Dog Food

2009-10-30T08:00:00Z

It's tempting to try and save money when it comes to buying dog food. But resist that temptation. Feeding your dog poor quality food can make him sicker than ... well a dog. Show your dog how much you love him by feeding him the best dog food and avoid the ingredients listed below.

4 Tips for Choosing a Baby Crib that is Safe for Your New Baby

2009-10-29T08:00:00Z

Buying your new baby a baby crib can be fun and exciting. After all, it is where your precious little bundle will sleep. Gone are the pioneer days of bringing home the baby and letting it sleep in dresser drawers. Today babies get their own specially decorated rooms.

Preparing a special nursery? Be sure you choose the right crib, read these essential child safety tips.

Looking for the Perfect Diet Plan?

2009-10-27T08:00:00Z

You want to lose weight, but you don't have the heart to try yet another diet plan. Too often, they just don't work. There are so many diets to choose from that it's hard to know which one will work for you. If you've tried diet after diet and are ready to give up, check out these popular diets and see if these fits your needs.

How to Find the Best Credit Card

2009-10-26T14:38:43Z

Tip #1 -- Check for deals

One of the best ways to find the best credit card is to search the Internet. A couple of trustworthy sites are CardRatings and FatWallet. Both of these sites review cards, telling which ones are good and which ones you should avoid. These sites often have coupons that you use to get special rates.

Another great Internet site with up-to-date information on credit cards and sensible credit card advice is the Credit Card Whizkid.

Tip #2 -- Check for affinity cards

An affinity card is a branded credit card, company-issued by a bank and the organization whose logo appears on the card. If you have a VISA or MasterCard with a logo on it, you have an affinity card. Many employers offer their employees discounts with a company-sponsored affinity card.

Tip #3 -- Specialty rewards cards

Costco and Starwood Hotels are two examples of specialty rewards cards. If you are a Costco shopper and you pay off your balance in full each month, you get cash back. Many businesses have offers like these where you get credit card rewards for using their card.

Tip #4 -- Credit union cards

Members own their own credit union cards. This is why you can often get good cards and rates. Check the local credit unions in your area and see if you qualify for one of their credit cards.

Tip #5 -- Association cards

If you belong to any type of association, for example the NEA, get credit cards with lower rates. The NEA offers a 6.24 interest rate and 0% on balance transfers.

Tip #6 -- Use credit cards that fit your needs

The best credit card for you is one that meets your needs. If you need to switch credit cards for a lower interest rate, choose a card that has a low rate and 0% transfer rate. Some of these are the American Express Clear, PenFed Visa Platinum, and People's United Bank MasterCard.

If you carry a balance on your credit card every month, you need a low interest rate. Iberiabank VISA Classis starts with an interest rate of 8.75% and Simmons First VISA Platinmum has a 7.25%.

Finding the best credit card for you involves shopping around and finding a card that meets your needs. Follow these tips and start saving on your credit cards today.

The Lowdown on Video Games Consoles

2009-10-22T09:24:29Z

The main three video games consoles kids (and adults) drool over these days, compete for every little dollar. And then there are the portable game consoles, such as the PSP and Nintendo DS, not to mention the Gameboy. Add a few qualifiers like "advance" or "lite" and... well... huh?

With the holidays coming, a lot of people wonder what games and consoles their kids want the most. Fortunately, all of your questions get answered right now so you'll be primed and ready for the season.

There are three main game consoles: the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360, and the Playstation 3. Each has its own problems and merits, so let's consider them one at a time.

5 Tips to Choosing the Best Day Care for Your Child

2009-10-20T08:00:00Z

Choosing the best day care for your children can be difficult. Your children are your most precious possessions and you work hard to give them the best of everything. Day care shouldn't be any different. Confused about how to choose a day care center? Follow these tips.