It's tricky to find fair trade online shops. There are a lot of them, but fair trade is one area where the UK is far ahead of North America, and if you don't want to pay British shipping charges, you're back at square one.

That said, there ARE American and Canadian fair trade online stores. In addition, many stores from the UK are more than willing to ship overseas, so if you don't mind paying a little bit in postage, you can still get your ethical products quickly and easily.

Continue reading "Find Fair Trade Online Shops" »

Posted by Max at 11:15 AM | Permalink

No one loves online shopping as much as I do. It's fun, easy, and you can often find amazing deals you'd never find anywhere else. But when all is said and done, online shopping can be a dangerous proposition. If you aren't familiar with the internet, you can easily wind up giving your personal information to a crook and losing a lot more than you bargained for.

Don't let that scare you off, though: online shopping safe and effective tips will keep your information safe and your pocketbook loaded.

Continue reading "Online Shopping Safely and Effectively" »

Posted by Max at 10:15 AM | Permalink

When you shop online, you can save big bucks -- if you do it the right way. Many people think of discount shopping as something you do at local stores only, but with a bit of know how, you can turn shopping online into big savings.

Of course, if you don't know what you're doing, you can also stand to lose a lot. So if you want to shop online wisely and frugally, keep reading!

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Posted by Max at 3:45 PM | Permalink

Ever wanted to know if dryer balls live up to the hype?

There's one question I wanted answered this year: do dryer balls work? You see them all the time in the supermarket -- pointy plastic looking balls, like a cross between a golf ball and some sort of medieval weapon. So what's all the fuss about, and why would you want these things in the first place?

Continue reading "Do Dryer Balls Work?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:49 PM | Permalink

Even if you're on a diet, ice cream doesn't have to fall from your meal plan! Check out these low cal favorites

I love ice cream, but the thought of diet ice cream makes me cringe. All too often, we're talking about grainy, sticky clumps of too sweet goo with a vaguely dairy feel to them. Fortunately, though, diet ice cream doesn't have to be awful. The key lies in compromise. If you try to go with nonfat, no sugar ice cream, it will probably taste like, well, it doesn't have any fat or sugar.

Instead, you want to opt for lowered fat and sugar. And by the way, don't think that going for something like rice milk or soy products makes the calorie count automatically improve -- some tofu based products boast more fat than Hagen Daaz!

But there are companies out there making fantastic diet ice cream, so before you get too despondent, give these brands a try.

Continue reading "Diet Ice Cream: Myth, Dream, or Fact?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Choose a digital camera that's best for your family

Choosing a digital camera can be a confusing process. Like everything else on the market, there are so many choices your head is spinning by the time you make a decision. To make sure you choose the camera that is best for you, follow these guidelines.

Continue reading "How to Choose a Digital Camera for Better Family Photos" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:25 AM | Permalink

7 tips for buying proper fitting shoes

Proper fitting shoes are comfortable, and don't hurt or cause permanent and painful damage to your feet. Learn how to buy the right shoes for your feet and still be a fashionista!

Continue reading "Don't Damage Your Feet! Buy Proper Fitting Shoes" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:00 AM | Permalink

Don't Throw Those Expired Coupons Away!

It can be incredibly frustrating to go to the grocery store with a book full of coupons only to find out that the little slips of paper you thought were going to save you money are actually expired coupons. Before you despair and toss those coupons in the trash, there are some things you need to know...

Continue reading "Are Expired Coupons Worthless?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:22 PM | Permalink

Some Designer Brands Deals Are Too Good To Be True

Many of us love designer brands, but we don't love the prices. Rolex, Cartier, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Fendi, D&G -- the list goes on. The brands are beautiful, no doubt about it. The prices, however, can get rather ugly for the budget-minded consumer. That's why many of us turn to the Internet for designer brand deals. The problem is, some deals are indeed too good to be true. Before you consider buying designer brands online, learn how to protect yourself (and your wallet).

Continue reading "Beware When Buying Designer Brands Online" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:23 PM | Permalink

Big Drop in GPS Prices

If you've yet to get a TomTom, Magellan, Garmin or other GPS unit, you should have hit the stores on Black Friday. Some stores were selling GPS devices for as little as $99. However, if you didn't get in on the Black Friday madness (due to lack of time or a bit of sanity on your part) it's still not too late. There are deals to be had if you know where to look.

Continue reading "Now's the Time to Get a GPS Unit For Your Car" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:08 PM | Permalink

Are Grocery Store Club Cards a Wise Choice?

By now you’ve heard the reports about grocery and discount stores selling the their members’ personal purchasing history to telemarketing firms and even insurance companies. I know many people who live in fear that they’ll be denied life insurance based on the 10 dozen eggs and 10 pounds of sugar they bought to make a mountain of baked goods for their son’s bake sale at school. Are they right to be concerned that grocery store club cards can affect access to health care and affordable life insurance?

Continue reading "The Lowdown on Grocery Store Club Cards" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 12:42 PM | Permalink

Watch Those Store Restocking Fees!

Why is it important to keep your eyes on restocking fees? Let's say you buy a camera and realize it's just not what you wanted. You paid $300 for it and that's exactly what you expect to get back when you return it. However, when refund time comes you only get back $255. Why are you getting back $45 less than what you paid? You've just been hit by increasingly-common restocking fees.

Continue reading "What You Need to Know About Restocking Fees" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:49 PM | Permalink

Looking For Cheap Shoes That Aren't "Cheap"?

My wife has a love/hate relationship with the word "cheap". She likes getting stuff for cheap, but she hates things that look cheap. Hence, the reason why she loves cheap shoes that have designer labels attached to them. She assumes that everyone else has the same problem and came to me the other day with ways to get cheap shoes that look great. She did this in hopes that I'd share the information with the readers here. Hence, this "cheap shoes" article is geared a bit towards women (although us guys can use the tips too.)

Continue reading "Designer Shoes Can Be Cheap Shoes" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Using Online Coupons Can Save You Money

If you haven't used online coupons yet, you don't know what you're missing. I have to be honest... I used to laugh to myself when my grandmother would go digging through her "coupon pile" when we were going out to eat or heading to the local grocer. However, I myself have started using coupons on a regular basis. But not just any coupons -- I've discovered the substantial savings to be had when using online coupons. Wondering just how much you can save? You might be surprised.

Continue reading "Online Coupons Mean More Cash In Your Wallet" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:35 PM | Permalink

Helpful Tips For Buying the Right Vacuum Cleaner

If you have carpet in your home or office, you have to invest into some type of vacuum cleaner. If you take a look at retail selection of vacuum cleaners, you will notice huge price differences in the available models. So is the most expensive vacuum cleaner the best? You might be surprised.

Continue reading "Is the More Expensive Vacuum Cleaner Always a Better Option?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:40 PM | Permalink

Tips for Getting More Clothes with Your Family Budget

Clothing is an essential part of any annual family budget. However, the cost of designer clothes tends to be very high when the items are not on sale. This article will give you a few pointers on how to buy clothes and save a few bucks in the process.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 8:30 PM | Permalink

Tips for Buying a Lawnmower

The green grass will soon be growing wild, which means buying a lawnmower is on the top of many a consumers list. Unfortunately, buying one isn’t always as easy as running to the store and grabbing what looks best. Everyone’s lawn is different in size and slope and the best lawnmower for one is the worst for another. Worry not. We have some tips that every lawnmower shopper can use.

Continue reading "What You Should Know Before Buying a Lawnmower" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

What You Need to Know When Shoe Shopping

Shoe shopping is something we all need to do at one time or another, and it can be a very costly process depending on how many you buy, what styles you wear and what brands you prefer. There are many things to consider when buying shoes, and the name brand shouldn't necessarily be at the top of the list. Here are some shoe shopping tips that will serve you well.

Continue reading "Shoe Shopping: If the Shoe Fits..." »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:44 PM | Permalink

Buying a New Computer is a Major Purchasing Decision

So you might be thinking about buying a new computer but are still confused about whether or not you should buy a laptop or a desktop. Laptops certainly have many advantages, but they are not for everyone. If you’re planning on buying a new computer in the near future, the following tips are important for you to consider.

Continue reading "What to Consider before Buying a New Computer" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:33 PM | Permalink

Is the Floor Model of a Major Appliance a Good Choice?

Shopping for a major appliance can be a major event. Most consumers get a little queasy when they think about how much a new major appliance is going to cost them. There are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a major appliance. Below you’ll find out whether or not you should buy the floor model of a major appliance.

Continue reading "Shopping for a Major Appliance" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:22 PM | Permalink

Is Buying an Appliance Online a Good Idea?

If you are buying a new refrigerator and freezer or any new appliance for that matter, you should avoid buying an appliance item online unless you've had the chance to browse floor models in the store first. It can be tempting to buy a refrigerator online because it can save you the hassle of walking through a crowded store, but there are some dangers of buying an appliance online.

Continue reading "Tips for Buying an Appliance Online" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:50 PM | Permalink

Where Should You Buy New Furniture?

Buying new furniture can be an exciting adventure, but you should make sure that it is not too costly. Furniture can definitely be a big-ticket purchase. If you want to save as much as possible the next time you go furniture shopping, make sure you make note of the following tips...

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Posted by Max Anderson at 9:02 PM | Permalink

How Getting Consumer Feedback Can Help You as a Consumer

If you are in the market to make a major purchase (or any purchase really), you should consider the importance of getting consumer feedback before making that purchase. The best approach is to seek out consumer feedback from a variety of sources and the Web is the ideal place to conduct your research.

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Posted by Max Anderson at 3:14 PM | Permalink

Try These Top Online Money-Saving Websites

If you are looking to save money (and who isn’t), you’ve come to the right place. Saving money can be surprisingly easy, especially with easy access to the Internet. Save a substantial chunk of your hard-earned money by trying some of the following websites.

Continue reading "Five of the Hottest Money-Saving Websites on the Web" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:54 PM | Permalink

How Shopping at Warehouse Clubs Can Simplify Your Life and Improve Your Budget

Shopping at warehouse clubs can have many benefits. Buying in bulk offers many advantages over traditional supermarket purchases. If you are looking for an easier way to shop and save money at the same time, warehouse clubs might provide the perfect solution for you.

Continue reading "The Wonders of Warehouse Clubs" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 12:43 AM | Permalink

Can Generic Groceries Really Live Up to Your Expectations?

The next time you are shopping for groceries, consider purchasing the generic brand. While there are some items that are not comparable, a surprisingly large amount of items are just as good as the national brands. Keep the following in mind when shopping for groceries.

Continue reading "Generic Groceries and National Brands" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 2:05 AM | Permalink

Use Manufacturer’s Coupons to Save Money without Spending Too Much Time

It’s funny to me that a topic as simple as manufacturer’s coupons can turn into a hot debate. There are those who swear by them and those who insist that they do nothing but waste your time and entice you to buy things you don’t need. So who’s right? Well, depending on the circumstances, it can go either way. I used to think manufacturer’s coupons were a waste of time -- now I know better.

Continue reading "Easy Ways to Save with Manufacturer’s Coupons" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Grocery Store Cards Aren’t Just A Perk

I am the first one to jump at the chance to get a great deal, and that includes the awesome savings I can sometimes find by using one of my many grocery store cards. You know -- the ones that grocery stores give out to “frequent customers” who apply for them. They go by a number of names -- preferred cards, perks cards, savers cards. They all have one thing in common, they offer huge savings – but at what price?

Continue reading "What You Should Know About Grocery Store Cards" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Online Auction Deals are Good – You Can Make Them Better

It’s no surprise that an online auction is one of the best ways to get a great deal on the Internet. What most people don’t know is that there are ways you can make your online auction deal hunting even more successful. Follow these tips and you’re sure to get the hottest items at the lowest prices.

Continue reading "How to Get the Best Price at an Online Auction" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Three Safe Shopping Tips for Online Auctions

Since their inception on the Internet, online auctions have quickly become the hottest and sometimes the cheapest way of shopping for the things you want. From ordinary items like beauty products to extravagant luxuries like exotic sports cars, there are online auctions for almost everything you could ever dream of owning. Believe it or not, people have even auctioned off tattooed ad space on their foreheads via online auctions. But along with the benefits of online auctions, so come the dangers. If you want to keep your experiences with online auctions positive ones, you’re going to want to follow these three safety tips.

Continue reading "Online Auctions: Safe Shopping Tips" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

How to stay on top of your game when car shopping.

So it’s time to buy a new or used car. You’re probably feeling a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to irritation. Let’s face it, car shopping can be an overwhelming ordeal and can be down right aggravating if you’re not prepared when you walk into the car dealership. We’ve got some tips that will keep you on top of your car shopping game.

Continue reading "Car Shopping: The Games Dealers Play" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 4:40 PM | Permalink

Five great ways to save money on your grocery bills.

Nothing’s getting cheaper in today’s day and age. In fact, everything’s getting more expensive, including your groceries. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your grocery bills, look no further. We’ve got five tips that will help you save hundreds of dollars on your grocery bills each and every year.

Continue reading "Grocery Bills Don’t Have to Cost an Arm and a Leg" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 2:18 PM | Permalink