Consumer Reports
Easy ways to enjoy your yard more
America’s love for lawns is alive and well, but more of us are letting other features into the yard. In a nationally representative Consumer Reports survey, almost a third of homeowners who made changes to their lawn in the last year reduced its size in some way — for example, replacing grass with patio space, [...]
How to cook healthier meals
When it comes to eating healthfully, the way you prepare food can be just as important as what you buy, according to Consumer Reports. For example, cooking some foods makes their nutrients more available, such as lycopene in tomatoes and carotene in carrots.
Warranty protection: You have more rights than you think
Shoppers may have more warranty rights than they think, which might help them get satisfaction, says Consumer Reports. Here’s what you need to know about warranties.
Speak up to resolve complaints
You’re having a problem with a product or service, and the company says you’re out of luck. Consumer Reports Money Adviser notes that if you simply walk away — and companies hope you’ll do just that — you’ve failed the squeaky wheel test. But if you complain effectively, you could be among those who get [...]
How to nab a free flight
Airline credit cards and bank cards often offer points toward free air travel, but some will earn card users more free travel than others over time. ShopSmart, the shopping magazine from the publisher of Consumer Reports, recently came up with tips for deciding which card to use when looking for discounted travel and highlighted some [...]
Shopsmart finds top bargain cleaners
The best cleaning products don’t necessarily cost a fortune. ShopSmart, the shopping magazine from the publisher of Consumer Reports, recently identified 12 cleaning products that work as well or even better than their expensive counterparts, according to tests.
Fat facts and fat fiction
If you’re confused about fats these days, you’re in good company, says Consumer Reports. With research coming in at breakneck speed in recent years, even experts have a hard time agreeing about which fats we should consume, and in what exact proportions, to improve our health and prevent chronic disease.
Hot new tablets
Rapid changes in tablets are bringing more choices, new features and better prices. Here’s a rundown based on Consumer Reports’ initial tests:
Low car payments can hurt you
With the average cost of a new vehicle now around $30,000, it’s no surprise that car loans are getting longer and longer, notes Consumer Reports. Some banks now offer car loans with payback terms that run for as long as eight years. While long-term loans translate into lower monthly payments, they can cost you [...]
Sweet picks for Valentine’s Day
When it comes to chocolate, the good stuff doesn’t come cheap. To find the ultimate chocolate experience, in time for Valentine’s Day, taste testers at ShopSmart, the shopping magazine from Consumer Reports, nibbled on thousands of boxed bonbons, from hand-crafted assortments going for $90 a pound to a $10 Whitman’s Sampler.
