ShopSmart Magazine - Great for Product Reviews!

As my husband can attest, I ALWAYS second guess a purchase, UNLESS I have thoroughly researched it ahead of time to be certain its the best price and the best one out there. I have recently come across a new tool to help my thorough decision making...ShopSmart magazine.

Have you noticed it on newsstands? It's the latest magazine written by Consumer Reports. It offers HONEST advice on products. They are not persuaded by any one product, as they do not receive a dime in advertising $$$. Their tag line, no hype + no ads + just great buys, says it all!

I've been thumbing through the July 2009 issue and have really been impressed. For each product type they review, they will suggest Smart Picks - the best buys. In the case of the play yards this month, the tested 6 but only selected 3 as Smart Picks. I've also enjoyed the splurge vs. save recommendations for products such as lawn mowers, as we typically are on the 'save' category!

Here's their website:

http://www.shopsmartmag.org/

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Smart Budget Advice - Wal-Mart

Just read a tremendously accurate report by the Budget Fashionista (www.thebudgetfashionista.com), Kathryn Finney, on the consistent popularity of Wal-Mart. Now I know many, if not most, are on a budget. Some are tighter than others. In this Smarty Pants Mama home we are on a fairly tight one. I shop clearance and sale only. I cannot even remember the last time I paid full price! The Budget Fashionista has 5 reasons why Wal-Mart meets the needs of the budget minded shopper. I certainly agree with her reasons, especially number 3 - "one stop shopping is back." With a toddler in tow, it is much, much, much, much easier to enter a store like Wal-Mart to buy everything from diapers to milk to towels. I remember when gas prices were through the roof - I tried to consolidate trips. A trip to store like Wal-Mart was much easier of the gas tank than starting and stopping at 4+ different stores.

Do you shop at Wal-Mart or the like? Share =)

Actual article that I enjoyed: http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/wal-mart-is-the-hot-new-store/