Find the Best Deals and Boost Your Consumer Smarts

Welcome to ConsumerSavvyTips.org! Whether you just want to know where to find the best deals... or you're looking for information on how to avoid scams and keep your personal information safe... or you want to find the best credit card for you, you've come to the right place. We've got it all.

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Jessica Hunter and people say I'm a real "deal guru," so I'll be sharing all of my savings secrets with you. If you want to find a deal, I know where to find it. If you want to know if a savings coupon exists, I know where to look. I'm literally your one-stop, go-to person for all of your savings advice.

You'll also meet Max Anderson here. He's really into keeping you guys updated on safe shopping practices and wants to make sure you don't get taken advantage of -- on or off the web.

Lydia Johnson rounds out the team with her success and motivational tips. She wants to make sure all of our friends enjoy as much success as possible and she's determined to motivate you to get you there.

So take a look around and share your thoughts and ideas with us. We're glad you came.

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.

Continue reading "Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

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.

Continue reading "Don't Risk your Dog's Health... Feed Him the Very Best Dog Food" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

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.

Continue reading "4 Tips for Choosing a Baby Crib that is Safe for Your New Baby" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

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.

Continue reading "Looking for the Perfect Diet Plan?" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

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.

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:38 AM | Permalink

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.

Continue reading "The Lowdown on Video Games Consoles" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 4:24 AM | Permalink

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.

Continue reading "5 Tips to Choosing the Best Day Care for Your Child" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

With the Christmas season looming, it's time to discuss safety when buying kids toys! According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Children's toys are responsible for an alarming amount of injuries each year, sometimes, even death. No parent wants to go through this nightmare. Keep your children safe and follow a few simple tips

Continue reading "Buying Children's Toys -- 5 Safety Tips" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

During a disaster, a generator comes in handy. Whether winter worries about power outages, tornado season, or hurricane season, many people know the wisdom in having a generator as a backup source of power. But, do they really make sense and are they worth the money? Here's what you need to know.

Continue reading "Is a Generator in Your Future? Check These Tips Before you Buy" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Are you a hand sanitizer addict? Do you whip out the sanitizer every time you touch doors knobs, gas pumps, turnstiles, handrails, and light switches? If you are, you are not alone. Many people are concerned about the spreading of germs, especially during flu season and have chosen to use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. The question is, do they work?

Continue reading "Is Your Hand Sanitizer Effective in the War Against Germs?" »

Posted by Lydia Johnson at 3:00 AM | Permalink