Shopping

The 5 Best Dryers

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:48:33 +0000

After looking at the list of best available washers, it’s only natural to dig into possible dryers to accompany your new washing machine. Buying a dryer is generally a simpler process than purchasing a new washer. The main differences to look for are how the machine heats the air and how they determine when your clothes are dry.

What Is a Dryer?

A dryer is a cleaning appliance used to remove moisture from clothing that has just been washed. Dryers work by having heated air circulated through a rotating tumbler. Dryers can heat the air in one of two ways — by gas or electricity. Gas dryers are typically a bit more expensive than electric ones; however, long-term fuel savings usually make up for the additional cost. The other factor to consider when purchasing a new dryer is how the machine determines when your clothes are dry. Traditionally, dry time has been determined through the use of a thermostat, but newer dryers come equipped with a moisture sensor that is more accurate, thus saving energy as well as being easier on fabrics.

Best 5 Dryers

Samsung DV456GWHDWR

Considered a Best Buy from Consumer Reports, the Samsung DV456GWHDWR comes equipped with a moisture sensor and a large capacity tumbler, and it is relatively quiet. Other special features include custom programs that give you further drying options and a drum light to help you find missing clothing. Currently $1,069.49 on Amazon Marketplace.

Samsung DV520AEP

Recommended by both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the Samsung DV520AEP also excels at drying both medium and large loads quickly and evenly. Aside from the usual high-class dyer features such as a moisture sensor, electronic controls and quiet operation, this Samsung model also has a capable steam cycle that works well to de-wrinkle clothing. Currently $1,433.00 on Amazon.

Maytag Centennial MGDC300XW

Considered an excellent budget dryer, this Maytag Centennial doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of some of the other models featured here, but it does contain the most important one: a moisture sensor. Aside from that, it features traditional dial controls and an interior light. Users praise its drying performance, carrying capacity, and value. Currently $699.00 at Home Depot.

Whirlpool WED4900XW

Another well-reviewed budget dryer, the Whirlpool WED4900XW also comes equipped with a motion sensor, which many agree is its most important feature. This dryer also comes with wrinkle prevention, drum light, and 13 cycle settings. Although it doesn’t perform as well in terms of noise level, its overall drying performance has been well-reviewed. Currently $574.99 on Amazon Marketplace.

Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG

Another Best Buy from Consumer Reports, the performance of the Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG is comparable to the other top models featured in this article. The moisture sensor, excellent drying performance, and quiet operation have been tested through consumer research experts. Currently $969.99 on Amazon Marketplace.

And there you have our recommendations for the best five dryers. Be sure to check out the Wise Bread Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

Written by Jeffrey Pu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

8 Ways to Buy Jeans on the Cheap

Mikey Rox — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:24:31 +0000

There was a time — mostly when I was in high school and college — that I would drop serious coin on new jeans (ironic, because I had no money in those days). The average cost of my jeans back then was about $70 a pair, but I’ve spent upwards of $120 on premium denim in the past. As I’ve gotten older, however, my affinity for the trendiest clothing has waned. Now I try to shop smarter, buying long-lasting, classic pieces that neither go out of style so quickly nor cost an arm and a leg. (See also: 10 Steps to Update Your Look on a Budget)

The jeans I buy now are more function than fashion (although the latter is still important to me). With that in mind, I have to scour every sale, clearance rack, and bargain bin to find jeans that suit my budget and my taste. Cheap jeans are out there, for sure — you just have to know where to look. Thus, here are eight places that I frequent when I’m on the hunt for new jeans.

1. Warehouse Sales

I’ve been to two warehouse sales — one at the legendarily expensive Barney’s New York, the other at Housing Works, which is essentially a high-end thrift shop.

Barney’s annual warehouse sale runs for about 10 days and begins with already steep discounts on designer clothes, but if you wait until the tail end of the sale (this goes for any warehouse sale, by the way) you can score normally expensive duds for up to 90% off. The pickings will be slim at that point, but there’s still a little something left for everyone who doesn’t mind digging through a chaotic mess of clothing. Personally I enjoy it, and my passion and dedication awarded me a pair of $400 jeans for $40.

The Housing Works sale wasn’t focused on designer clothing — although there are lots of great items in the mix — but rather a hodgepodge of second-hand items. This sale provides customers with big brown paper bags that they can fill to the brim for $25. I got mine for $10 with a Groupon, however, making my takeaway even better. I found an amazing pair of jeans at that sale that I looked up online afterward that originally retailed for $150. Not bad for an hour’s worth of work. If you’ve ever been to a warehouse sale, you know what I’m talking about.

2. Discount E-Tailers

As someone who likes shopping but also saving money, I’m always looking for new ways to save. I frequent discount e-tailers like JackThreads and Gilt Man because of their diverse selection of items, but I’ve recently discovered 20Jeans, another discount site (primarily for men, mind you) that sells designer jeans (and shorts, too) for $20. I recently copped a pair of dark denim that I fell in love with upon first wear. An amazing fit at the right price is the recipe for making me a return customer.

3. Thrift Shops

I’ve been a fan of thrift shops since my early teens, visiting my local shop almost weekly with my friends to nab newly added items. What I love most about thrift shops is that there are a wide range of sizes and styles from which to choose, which is not always the case if you’re shopping new clothing. I can’t say that I’ve purchased jeans from a thrift shop (I may have — just can’t remember for sure), but I have purchased pants including corduroy, camouflage, and snow pants at thrift shops. I didn’t spend more than $7 on any of them.

4. Outlets

Outlets are already discounted fairly steeply compared to their full-price retail counterparts, but there are two tricks that I like to employ to land even better deals. The first is visiting the customer service center and picking up a coupon book — most outlet malls have these — and the second is timing my shopping trip to coincide with a holiday or end-of-season sale. I see this tactic as three times the savings, which means that I stock up on three times as many new jeans.

5. Clearance Racks

I don’t mean to be biased against other retailers, but I think the Gap always has a good selection of jeans in its clearance rack. So I can personally recommend that store. Otherwise, any store I go into, I head straight for the back where I rummage through the clearance racks to find a new pair of pants, the price of which has been dramatically slashed.

6. Yard Sales

It’s a bit harder to find the perfect pair of jeans at a yard sale because of the limited selection, but if you do stumble upon a pair that you have to have, you can be sure that this will probably be the cheapest pair you’ll buy. I’m talking $5 or less. Depending on your area (city folk drive harder bargains), you may even be able to walk away with a new pair of old jeans for less than $1. Schedule a ride around in your town on a Saturday and Sunday and see what you can find.

7. Friends & Family

Did somebody say free jeans? That’s right — if you have a nice friend or family member getting rid of clothes, you can score new jeans at absolutely no cost.

I clean out my closet twice a year, and before I send my clothes to charity I always give my friends and family the first look. Usually they take my whole stash, which I prefer. Not only am I giving the items to those I love, but the process saves me a trip to the thrift shop to drop off my donation. You can also consider a clothes swap with your friends or family where you each clean out your closet and offer up the unwanted items to each other. Everybody wins in that situation — as long as you like each other’s style and wear similar sizes, of course.

8. eBay

If you really have a passion for designer jeans — and I know some of you reading this do — eBay may be a good option for you. Selection runs the gamut from top-of-the-line trendy denim to classic faves to vintage finds, but in theory they can all be snagged for the lowest bid. Some of the listing have "Buy It Now" options, which may or may not be a good deal, so I recommend sticking to traditional bidding while minding your budget. There’s no point in going bid-crazy and paying top price for a pair of jeans you could have bought for less at the mall, after all.

Have you scored great deals on jeans? How did you do? What suggestions do you have? Let me know in the comments below.

Written by Mikey Rox and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

The 5 Best Washing Machines

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:24:31 +0000

The washing machine is a staple appliance in any household because of our need to keep our clothes fresh and clean. But while many of us are familiar with the use of a washing machine, what happens when we have to purchase a brand new one for our homes? There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a new washing machine, and this list is here to help you figure it out.

What Is a Washing Machine?

A washing machine is an appliance that is used to wash laundry. The process includes immersing and agitating dirty clothing in water mixed with detergent and/or bleach. There are two main types of washing machines: top-loading and front-loading machines. Top-loading machines are the least expensive of the two, but also do not wash as well and use up more energy. High-efficiency models help mitigate this problem, but these come with a higher price tag. Front-loading machines perform better and more efficiently than top-loaders, but they’re also more expensive.

Best 5 Washing Machines

Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000AW

The most highly rated front-loading washing machine on Consumer Reports, the Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000AW was well-reviewed in washing performance, energy, and water efficiency. With a carrying capacity of 4.3 cubic feet, it can fit a very large load of laundry and has a number of automatic controls to ease the washing process. Currently $1,079 on Amazon Marketplace.

Samsung WF210ANW

While the usual trend is that front-loading washing machines are typically more expensive than top-loaders, the Samsung WF210ANW offers front-loader efficiency without the hefty pricetag. However, while the Samsung does comply with Energy Star standards, users agree that it is only mediocre in terms of washing performance. Its noise and vibration levels are also not top-of-the-line and it has a relatively large cycle time. Currently $699.00 at Lowe's.

Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX

Well-reviewed at both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX is known for its Precision Dispense Ultra system that allows you to select detergent concentration and water hardness, giving you great control over your laundry. Users agree that it tackles heavily dirty laundry with ease and is highly efficient, saving you both water and energy. Currently $1,410.99 on Amazon.

LG WM2650HRA Front Load Steam Washer

The LG WM2650HRA Washer is considered by many users to be a great front-loading washing machine at a price that does not break the bank. With a large carrying capacity of 3.6 cubic feet and 9 different washing programs, this LG can take care of just about any laundry load. Additionally, users find the special steam cycle to work on even the toughest stains. However, best plan ahead if you intend to use the steam cycle — it takes at least 2 hours to finish. Currently $817.99 on Amazon Marketplace.

LG WT4801CW

A Consumer Reports Best Buy, the LG WT4801CW is considered the best top-loading washing machine available. Not only is it highly efficient, it doesn't suffer from the performance problems of its fellow brethren, all the while maintaining a reasonable price tag. Users of this LG also note that it is quiet and easy to use. The biggest complaint against this washing machine is that it is not the most gentle on clothing, and laundry can get tangled or wrinkled after being washed. Currently $599.93 at Sears Outlet.

Written by Jeffrey Pu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Why You Should Never Buy Souvenirs

Kelly Kehoe — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:48:38 +0000

Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry and souvenir sales make up a significant portion of that pie. If you’ve traveled at all, you’ve likely noticed gift stores on almost every corner in high-traffic, touristy areas and smaller vendors in less-traveled areas that welcome out of town visitors. There are no limits to what you may find in a souvenir shop: stuffed animals, clothing, shot glasses, or even "souvenir water" from places like Niagara Falls. (See also: The Easiest Way to Save Money on Vacation)

Most of these items are pretty useless, but we feel good when we buy souvenirs because we’re certain our friends and family back home will love them. But if your friend isn’t an avid keychain collector and your kids are too old for stuffed animals, is it really worth paying all that extra money for the sake of bringing back souvenirs? Or, to take it a step further, should you buy souvenirs at all?

I’d say no.

Zero "Obligation"

There is little utility value to most souvenir items, and yet we still find ourselves buying impractical, overpriced trinkets out of some sense of obligation to the folks back home. Remember that tourism is a highly profit-driven industry and extreme markups on cheap items (sometimes in excess of 50-60% of the item’s actual value) are commonplace. Travel is expensive enough; why squander Euros, rupees, yuan, etc. on souvenirs that will inevitably find their way to the back of someone’s closet?

Travel Hassle

In 2010, I was returning to the US from a month in Europe with a group of other exchange students. One girl bought a snow globe for her parents on the way to the airport, as a last-minute, obligatory souvenir. Unfortunately, it was bigger than the allowable "tennis ball size" snow globe and airport security promptly confiscated it. Since 9/11, the number of limits on carry-on items has skyrocketed, particularly where liquid or "sharp" items are concerned. Souvenirs present another hassle to already-hectic air travel plans, and, sometimes, you could be encouraging illegal activities without even realizing it.

"If you come across people selling wildlife or wildlife products, be aware that those 'souvenirs' could very well be endangered species that have been poached from the wild and are being sold illegally," Senior Policy Officer for U.S. Government Relations Will Gartshore said in a World Wildlife Fund article. This is especially true of the fur and ivory industries, which are targeting tourists who may not be aware of these illegal activities. Why risk it? Not buying souvenirs at all is a simple way to avoid this problem.

Worker Exploitation and Scams

In addition to animal-related incidents, there have been reports of worker exploitation on the fringes of the tourism industry. Allegations of souvenir companies overworking their laborers and exposing them to toxic chemicals in the factories have come to light, and New Zealand’s tourism industry recently experienced scandals involving mislabeled and overpriced "Made in New Zealand" rugs (that were really made by cheap laborers in Peru). These are only a few instances amongst many, and as a frugal tourist, remember that getting a bargain on souvenirs may have some unforeseen consequences.

Alternatives

But if you don’t want to avoid buying souvenirs altogether, there are a few, frugal ways to bring a little something back for your friends and family. Photos and maps are inexpensive and probably last longer than a cheap keychain. You could also bring back coasters and pens from hotels you stayed at, and places like Disney World or Disneyland hand out freebies such as pins (for special occasions), character or princess stickers, and the Autopia "driver's license." If you're vacationing off the beaten path, consider taking home a pressed leaf (they make for great wall art) or a little jar of sand (though mind the rules about removing sea shells from the beach, especially if you're in an environmentally-sensitive area).

Saving the best for last, postcards are the true winners when it comes to souvenirs. They’re simple, personalized, and affordable (just pay for the postcard and postage). That way, your friends and family still get a piece of your vacation without cluttering their homes or overstretching your wallet like traditional souvenirs often do.

What about you? Do you like buying souvenirs or do you have something else you like to bring back home? Tell us in the comments below!

Written by Kelly Kehoe and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How We Brainwash Ourselves Into Brand Loyalty

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:36:32 +0000

The great Irish writer and satirist Jonathan Swift once wrote: "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of thing he was never reasoned into."

All of us have encountered individuals who are stubbornly and irrevocably committed to a belief that is, according to us, just plain wrong, not to mention illogical. And we've all found that trying to use reasoned arguments to change that person's mind has generally been a great way to end a friendship.

We like to believe that we are far more rational than that, and that our beliefs come from careful reasoning.

But some troubling scientific studies have recently indicated that we are, on the whole, masters at lying to ourselves about where our beliefs and ideas come from. This has enormous implications in our lives, especially when it comes to loyalty to an idea or belief system — or, in the case of finances, brand loyalty.

If you've ever waited 12 hours in line for the newest Apple gadget or slapped a "Friends don't let friends drive a Ford" sticker on the back of your truck, you might want to spend a little time thinking about why you believe your favorite brand is the best. Your loyalty might have less to do with excellent products and more to do with your brain's ability to rationalize. (See also: Psychology and Loans: The Strange Reasons Why You Make Bad Decisions)

Beliefs Come Before Reasoning

If you ask someone why they are an Apple fan, they will be able to give you plenty of plausible reasons for their love of the brand: great technology, ease of use, innovation, etc. But according to various studies, a rabid fan of Apple (the kind who names their son Mac and their daughter Apple) first formed their belief in the excellence of Apple products — and then searched for reasons to confirm that belief.

In point of fact, scientists have discovered that we as a species form beliefs prior to creating/learning/finding reasons for having this belief.

Several studies of patients with split-brains — individuals who have had the connections between the left and right hemisphere of their brains severed in order to relieve severe epilepsy — have shown that the brain will work to rationalize behavior that would otherwise not make sense. For instance, Michael Gazzaniga writes in "The Ethical Brain" about an experiment wherein one split-brain patient was presented the word walk to only one side of his brain:

[The patient] got up and started walking. When he was asked why he did this, the left brain (where language is stored and where the word walk was not presented) quickly created a reason for the action: "I wanted to go get a Coke."

As far as the left side of his brain understood it, the patient had absolutely no reason to go for a walk. So his brain provided him with a plausible, reasonable explanation for his jaunt, and the patient himself believed that was why he was on his feet.

In another study authored by Gazzaniga, split-brain patients were shown images so that each side of the brain only took in one set of images. The right hemisphere (which does not control language and speech) was shown a snowy scene, and the left hemisphere was shown a chicken leg. The patient was then asked to point to another picture that would relate to the scene. At that point, the patient would point to a chicken with their right hand (because the left brain, which controls the right side of the body, had seen the chicken leg), while the patient pointed to a snow shovel with their left hand. According to the study,

If you ask the patient why the left hand pointed to a shovel, the talking hemisphere does not know! But it quickly makes up an answer, such as, "Well, you have to clean up after those chickens."

Basically, what these studies have proven is that our sense of self will not allow us to simply not know why we do something. We need a reason for our actions, whether those actions are as simple as going for a walk or pointing to a picture, or as complex as driving the same brand of car for a lifetime. Our brains quickly come up with plausible explanations for our preferences, actions, and beliefs so as to maintain our sense of ourselves.

The Confirmation Bias Rears Its Ugly Head

So, the beginning of a preference comes down to our brains rationalizing a plausible, face-saving reason for our choice. But our brains don't stop there. From that point on, we are committed to our preference and will fight to hold onto it.

That's where the confirmation bias comes in. That is the cognitive quirk that makes us seek out information that confirms what we believe, and ignore the information that opposes it. Confirmation bias is generally found in emotionally charged issues, which is why politicians with opposing viewpoints can look at the exact same set of facts and come to completely different conclusions. This is exactly the issue that Jonathan Swift recognized in his quotation — confirmation bias makes it impossible to use reason to change someone's mind on an emotionally charged issue.

What's interesting is that brand loyalty does not seem like it should be particularly emotionally charged — and yet our confirmation biases will keep us coming back for more from the same brand.

For instance, I was an enormous fan of M. Night Shyamalan (who, granted, is not exactly a brand), when he first came out with "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable," and even "Signs." As his movies got progressively more terrible, I still found myself defending the director and actively trying to find things I enjoyed about his movies, even when I knew they were awful. And even though I am no longer rationalizing my original enthusiasm for the director, I will admit to still seeing every one of his movies as they come out. My initial loyalty was strong enough for me to continue to search for things to enjoy from Shyamalan's films.

What's particularly concerning about this example is that I hardly felt as loyal to Shyamalan's films in the beginning as I currently do to Apple computers and Honda cars.

We Love When Rationales Are Given to Us

Since our brains are already primed to create rational-sounding reasons for our preferences, advertisers work hard to give us reasons — which we are happy to use, since it requires less work on our part.

According to Douglas Van Praet, an expert in advertising, psychology, and neurobiology,

It is our unconscious tendency to respond to a rationale even if it appears to be irrational, accepting factual information that doesn't always really make sense…In a study…researchers approached people in the act of using copying machines and asked if they could cut into the line and make photocopies. The experimental subjects were given different reasons for the request ranging from the sensible to the seemingly senseless, such as "because I'm in a rush" and "because I need to make copies." The researchers found out that compliance was higher when they gave a reason, even if the reason didn't really make sense.

What this means for us is that marketers are able to help us choose their brand by giving us plausible-sounding reasons for doing so. These reasons can be anything from Cocoa Crispies supposedly supporting your child's immunity to Cascade dish detergent's "sheeting action" for virtually spotless dishes. It doesn't matter that these claims don't hold up to scrutiny. They sound just reasonable enough to satisfy our loyalty.

With a reason already built in to the advertisements for our favorite brands, we don't need to do any work to convince ourselves to continue to buy them.

Dealing With Brand Loyalty

While your deeply-held beliefs on social, political, and religious issues may not be anything you care to change, your brand loyalty could be leading you financially astray. This is why it's a good idea to regularly and consistently challenge yourself. If you really think about it, why do you love your Honda so deeply? If it's because it has truly been reliable and easy to maintain, then mazel tov — it has probably earned your loyalty.

But if you have ignored company missteps over the years and found you enjoyed driving a rental Buick on vacation more than your daily drive, then perhaps its time to revisit your emotional attachment to the brand.

With smaller-ticket items, challenging your brand loyalty can be fairly simple. Just try buying different brands of soap, cereal, toothpaste, etc. But with the larger items that tend to engender more loyalty — like cars and computers — you will have to do a little more work to determine if you really do love your brand as much as you think you do. You will have to seek out the negative information about your favored brand and force yourself to think about those negatives when you'd rather ignore them.

Doing all of this might not be easy — but it is the reasonable way to make sure you're not wasting your money.

Jonathan Swift would definitely approve.

Written by Emily Guy Birken and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Couponing: Hobby or Lifestyle?

Kelly Kehoe — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:48:31 +0000

If you watch TLC, then you’ve probably heard of or watched "Extreme Couponing." It’s a TV show about people who spend countless hours per week going through coupon clippings, figuring out how to buy hundreds of dollars of goods for pennies on the dollar.

The practice of extreme couponing has become increasingly popular over the past few years as families look for more ways to be more frugal with their purchasing habits. But is there a such thing as being too frugal? (See also: Extreme Couponing? 5 Reasons Why I’ll Pass)

Saving money is obviously ideal, but if you’re spending hours per week just to save a few dollars at the supermarket, is it truly worth your time? Before you step into the couponing arena, it’s important to determine whether you want to be a hobbyist or an extreme couponer.

Getting Started

Anyone who has watched "Extreme Couponing" was probably dazzled by the potential savings the first time they saw the show, but in reality, saving tens or hundreds of dollars through couponing is a tricky task. It takes a lot of organization, not to mention a lot of math. You don’t want to be that person who miscalculated and either pays full price or returns all those items to the shelves, much to the annoyance of the cashier and people waiting in line behind you.

To avoid getting overwhelmed, take it slow. Even if you want couponing to be more than just a hobby, don’t fret about the deals you could be missing and squander several hours in pursuit of the most savings or free stuff. Instead, print or clip whatever coupons come your way and hold off on the more "extreme" aspects of couponing until you have more experience.

Finding Coupons

Newspaper ads and coupon leaflets used to be the most common places to find good deals, but in the past few years, couponing websites have grown in popularity. You may have to pay for the cost of printing, but it’s generally easier to find the types of coupons you’re looking for, not to mention deals (such as manufacturers’ coupons) you might not have heard about, had you stuck solely to local ads.

Couponing hobbyists tend to pick one or two sites they like and stick with those, while extreme couponers maximize their use of paper ads and surf through several couponing websites in search of hidden gems that could save them a lot of money at the store.

A few good websites for finding coupons and promotional deals include:

Staying Organized

Regardless of whether this is just a hobby or a full-on lifestyle for you and your family, the key to succeeding at couponing is staying organized. You don’t want to be that person who holds up the line at a grocery store as you’re shuffling through a seemingly endless assortment of coupons. Instead, come up with a filing system to keep everything in order. For some couponers, this could be categorized envelopes (one for dairy products, one for toiletries, one for drinks, etc.) or an expandable folder in which you order coupons by expiration dates and stores where you can use them. Whatever works for you, as long as you can collect and organize them efficiently. Nobody wants to waste time looking around for a coupon they thought they clipped!

Understanding Wants vs. Needs

The intensity of couponing habits separates the hobbyists from the extreme couponers.

While hobbyists may spend an hour or so going through coupons, extreme couponers spend hours looking for coupons, clipping or printing coupons, and strategizing their next shopping excursion, so they can get the best deal possible. The problem here is that couponing, if not done in moderation, becomes less about saving money than it does about acquiring as much free stuff or the biggest savings possible.

Buying sixty cups of yogurt in one shopping trip just because you can get them for five cents each isn’t promoting a sustainable lifestyle unless you plan on eating all of it before it expires. Some couponers accumulate dozens of bottles of condiments, hundreds of common toiletry items, and countless drinks, simply because they were "such a good deal." While these are extreme examples, learn to differentiate between wants and needs early on in your couponing endeavors. You’ll save a lot of time, money, and space in the end.

The Verdict

Couponing in moderation is ultimately the best way to go about getting deals at the grocery store. Although you may miss out on some "amazing deals," you’ll have more time for other hobbies but still be able to save some money on your grocery bills.

Are you a hobbyist couponer or do you aspire to be a lifestyle couponer?

Written by Kelly Kehoe and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Frugal and Fashionable: Penny-Pinching Prom Ideas

Myscha Theriault — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:48:48 +0000

If the magazines and television shows are any indication, parents are required to dress and transport their teens to prom in a manner worthy of a Hollywood awards ceremony. The event itself, of course, needs to be on par with the latest celebrity dinner parties. Seriously? I find the level of opulence at these events overdone to say the least. This will probably make me sound like the token old fart, but back in my day, we really didn’t get this worked up about prom season.

Sure, it was a big deal. Sure, we all wanted to look nice, have great photos, and experience a great evening. We just never would have dreamed of asking our parents to dish out the equivalent of a used vehicle for a single night of memory-making entertainment. Here are some cost-saving tips for guiding your teens towards a great evening they’ll always remember. (See also: Classy Weddings on the Cheap)

Clothing

As with weddings, proms are mainly about the clothes. And let’s face it, if you’re blessed with a daughter, you already realize that finding the perfect dress is FAR more stressful than locating a great tuxedo. Hopefully, you’ve already scored a great dress in advance by shopping the post holiday sales this past winter. If not, here are a few additional ideas to help keep you on budget.

Cocktail Length

Cocktail dresses can be cost effective for a couple of key reasons. First, there’s far less fabric required than there is when creating a floor-length gown with a full skirt. Second, if you opt for a cocktail dress, your shopping selections are far more diverse. Rather than being restricted to formal wear retailers, you are free to explore other options such as shopping at Marshalls, hitting the clearance racks at Macy’s, or perusing the latest offerings at Nordstrom’s.

Vintage Style

Opting for gently-used formal wear is a strategy many people prefer when trying shave some money off their bottom line. One way to avoid looking a few years behind the fashion curve when you go this route is to skip a few decades and go straight for that vintage look. It will appear at a glance that you are purposely choosing your retro look by choice, rather than by financial necessity. Besides, vintage formal wear looks amazing if you accessorize it properly. So why not save some scones and be the belle of the ball at the same time?

Fab Recycling

If you or your teen is the DIY type, consider saving money by making your own prom dress with fabric from an older dress or gown. You can pick up them up affordably at thrift stores, and by using the fabric only, you avoid the issue of dealing with worn trim and the fraying of satin-covered buttons if the gown has been worn a few times. Just choose a pattern that’s in fashion, and you’re in business.

Event and Venue

As I discussed in 25 Fun and Cheap Entertainment Ideas Rrom "The Vampire Diaries", there’s no reason your chosen event venue needs to run your prom budget off the rails. Ditto with decorations and entertainment.

Party Tent

Proms and after-prom parties can easily be held in formal tents, especially if your graduating class is a small one in a rural community. Consider some of the same money-saving venues you might try for a wedding where an event tent would be appropriate, and think about having your prom at that location. Romantic farm settings and formal parks could both work well.

Historical Structure

The venue needs to fit the size of your class, of course, but having your prom in a period home can be an affordable way to go. Many of these places are already accustomed to wedding rentals, so proms are an easy extension. They are also quite decorative to begin with, and require minimal stress when it comes to decorating for the big day. Bonus? You can make do with elegant local flowers and skip the tacky streamers.

Catered Cuisine

Since the teens typically enjoy a nice meal on the big night, perhaps planning a sit-down dinner at the prom itself or at home beforehand is something to try. It keeps the per-person meal cost to a minimum and makes targeted fund raising much easier. Your options are wide open with this meal plan. Ethnic entrees, baked fish, and even stuffed chicken breast are all up for consideration. You just need to have the meals ordered and paid for ahead of time.

Grooming

Getting dolled up sort of comes with the prom territory. We all want to look great for less, but the pressure to look posh for this teen event makes many parents feel like they have to overspend when supporting their children on the big day.

Nails

You don’t need to spend big bucks in order to make your manicure rock. Purchasing a few key tools at the beauty supply store and selecting a neutral color will go a long way towards giving you the look you want.

Hair

One of the many things you can do with bobby pins is create elaborate hairstyles. This is particularly important during prom season, when many young women are searching for ways to wear their hair with their gown of choice. Elaborately twisted braids, loose up-dos, and more are all in high demand at salons during this time of year, but you can skip the beauty shop bill and have great hair for less.

Jewelry

After finding the perfect dress, the pressure is on to accessorize in a memorable way. There’s no reason to dish out for diamonds when there are plenty of inexpensive jewelry options for you to choose from. Crystals are suitably sparkly. So is marquisette. Young gents may want to borrow Dad’s cuff links to honor the occasion.

Prom season doesn’t have to break the bank. Making careful choices during the planning process can go a long way towards remaining on budget while still having a stylish event.

How have you saved money on the prom?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

7 Websites You Must Visit When Buying a New Car

Carlos Portocarrero — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:30:21 +0000

Buying a new car is a pretty stressful experience. You’re putting down a pretty large chunk of cash, and you’re making a commitment to allocate part of your monthly budget to a new expense you didn’t have before. (See also: 17 Things Car Salesmen Don’t Want You to Know)

Which isn’t too bad...except the part where you actually go buy the car and you feel like you’re getting taken advantage of by ruthless, experienced salesmen who want to take as much of your money as they can.

Which is where the Internet comes in.

Thanks to the world wide web, you don’t have to go through this all on your own. There are millions of people out there sharing their experiences on the best way to deal with car salesmen and how to get the best deal possible.

So let’s take a look at the best sites out there to help get you on your way.

1. Edmunds.com

Edmunds is a great place if you want to read tips and advice on which car is a good match for you. Their reviews and feature stories provide lots of information on both new and used cars.

2. Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com)

Kelley Blue Book is similar to Edmunds in that they have some good reviews and information, but KBB's real strength is pricing information. Want to know how much your old car is worth as a trade in? How much should you pay for the new car you’re looking at? Kelley Blue Book is an agreed-upon standard in the car business, so you need to be in-the-know on what the Blue Book value is for any car you’re thinking of buying or selling.

3. Truecar.com

It’s great to have the Blue Book value, but you want to get as many different quotes from different sources as you can to find out what you should be paying for your new car. Truecar is great because they’ll show you a continuum of the different prices for a specific car (MSRP, Invoice, Average Paid), so you can see what the car is being actively sold for.

It’s really eye opening to see how the MSRP is really just for show. You should never even come close to paying that much for a new car.

4. Autotrader.com

I've used Autotrader as a secondary source of information. After visiting the sites listed above, this was just to make sure that my data was good and I hadn’t missed anything. They also have a useful tool that’ll show you any and all dealers near you, so you can start reaching out to them to get the best price on your new car.

5. Carmax.com

Carmax doesn't really sell new cars, but I just used their site to price out a trade in. The website is another place you can get a quote for the value of your car. What you want to do, however, is go to an actual Carmax location and get a full-blown quote. They’ll guarantee it for seven days, and you can take that to your dealer to use as leverage so they give you the full value of your trade-in. If they don’t, simply go back to Carmax and deal with them.

6. NadaGuides.com

Nada Guides is similar to Truecar in that you’ll get a much better idea of what you should be paying for the specific car you’re looking at buying. This database is what car dealers use to value trade-ins, so if you’re armed with this information you’ll be one step ahead of the game.

7. Enthusiast Forums

I wish I could give you a link to the specific forum for the car you’re interested in buying, but that list would be too long. Spend a little time searching for information on the car you want, and eventually the same forum will start showing up again and again. That's the one you visit.

That’s what happened to me as I researched my Subaru Outback. I discovered a TON of really helpful people over on SubaruOutback.org and cars101.com (run by an actual Subaru dealer). There’s nothing like talking to people who have bought the exact same car you want to buy. They’re eager to share their stories and experiences about living with the car — and buying it.

The Internet is a great ally when you're out there trying to get a good deal on a new car. These sites were crucial in my recent car-buying experience.

What Internet resources have you used to help you through the car buying process?

Written by Carlos Portocarrero and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in May

Paul Michael — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:36:33 +0000

April showers have gone bye-bye (I hope), and we’re all looking forward to a few months of warm weather and hot bargains. May brings with it a fair amount of steals, and the usual handful offers that aren’t quite up to scratch. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

What to Buy

May has one of the biggest shopping days of the year nestled within it — Memorial Day. And that brings some very memorable bargains with it. Here are the top ones.

1. Spring Clothing

What, really? But it’s…spring. Well, yes it is, and the retail stores are packing their shelves with all the big summer items you want. To do so, they’re getting rid of spring clothing by the truckload. Now is the time to grab your light jackets, long sleeved tees, and other merchandise that you usually reserve for the mild weather. Remember, Memorial Day (May 27) is coming, but those big discounts may not leave you with many options by that time. So, shop early to avoid empty racks.

2. Gym Memberships

If you know the gym membership cycle, you know May is a tough month for them. The New Year’s Resolutions crowd has started to cancel their dues, and other people are plumping to get on bicycles, play outdoor sports, and generally avoid the gym like it’s a plague ship. You have the power to haggle a deal, especially at some of the smaller gyms. Initiation fees and sign up fees will be waived. Even the big ones will try and entice you, and if nothing else, you should be able to grab some free schwag like a gym bag or track suit. Be tough. They need you.

3. 3D TVs

Do you know what an Ultra HDTV is? Well, you're about to. This new model debuted last month at surprisingly low prices, meaning the pressure is on for retailers to get rid of current stock. Expect to find whopping 55-inch 3D TVs for under $800! And regular 55-inch LCD TVs will be around $600. Insanity, considering how expensive they were just a few years ago.

4. Mattresses

May is mattress month. If the lumpy bed is way past its prime, now is the time to throw it out and grab yourself a new one at a great price. As always, Memorial Day is THE day to get the best deal. Why? Who knows, but the mattress companies have picked that holiday as the one to offer the best prices of the year. Take advantage of them.

5. Vacuum Cleaners

Last month, they were on the “avoid” list. This month, it’s a different story. Spring cleaning started in March and April, and now the manufacturers want to start getting rid of the old models before new ones a released this month. If your current model sucks (because it doesn’t suck) now is the time to grab a new vacuum for a very handsome discount.

6. Mother’s Day Leftovers

Mother’s Day is May 12 (handy reminder for you there). After that, you’ll see prices hit rock bottom on the specialist items like Mother’s Day branded chocolates, flowers, fragrances, cards, and more. If you plan ahead, you could take the sting out of the price of Mother’s Day next year.

7. Houses

Summer is peak time to sell houses. The prices are starting to rise, and demand is rising, too. BUT, it’s not peak time just yet, and you can still get in under the radar for some very nice deals. This is a good time to beat out buyers who haven’t yet committed to buying.

8. Boots

Who needs big, clunking winter boots? Well, we all do in winter, so grab them now when they go on sale. I recently saw big winter boots for 75% off in places like Target and Kohl's. Get them now, and you’ll be patting yourself on the back come November.

9. Party Supplies

Graduations, picnics, and grilling season bring deals galore on disposable plates, cutlery, and other throwaway gear. Stock up now and have everything you need before the season of outdoor snacking begins.

10. Cookware

Weddings and graduations are also attracting seasonal promotions on cookware. Many stores have dinner services, silverware, pots, pans and kitchen gadgets on sale to lure in the gift shoppers. Grab a few bargains.

What to Avoid

May also brings with it a fair share of “bargains” that aren’t all they could be. Avoid the following, and wait until the deals are worth the trip.

1. Gaming Consoles and Games

It’s not just a bad time to buy these…it’s really bad. Sony is updating its PlayStation and there’s a new Xbox on the horizon. When those systems are ready to be launched, prices on the current models will fall faster than a skydiver without a parachute. You will be able to bag an Xbox 360 for $99, and probably get a free game with it. And as for games, the new systems will not play the titles available now. That means they will also go for dirt-cheap prices.

2. Grills

The warmer the weather gets, the more people start salivating for the taste of grilled meats and veggies. Be it charcoal, wood, gas, or a combination, grills are hot products right now. And that means the prices are not. Give your wallet a break, and get a used grill from Craigslist. Some people just can't wait to have a bigger, brighter grill, and you’ll get a great one for pennies on the dollar.

3. Jewelry

What do moms love? That’s right, jewelry. And as Mother’s Day is on May 12, you will see high demand at the beginning of the month for sparkling gifts of all shapes and sizes. Of course, they don’t go off either, so they won’t be going on sale right after. Give the bling a miss, and think of something a little different that will not break the bank.

4. Laptops

You will find some decent deals on laptops in May, but the best time to buy them is in the Back to School sales. If you can hold out, you’ll get some great deals in mid-July.

5. Patio Furniture

Stores like Target have already started discounting their outdoor furniture, but not by much. 15% off here and there is not the kind of deal you deserve. And you will get massive savings later in the summer, when the shelves are being stocked with items for Halloween. Check your local thrift stores and Craigslist for good deals on patio furniture and outdoor rugs.

Written by Paul Michael and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Maximize Your Savings When Buying in Bulk

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:36:36 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on maximizing your savings when buying in bulk, ways to spend less on your dog, and hidden costs of college.

The 5 Best Toaster Ovens

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:48:37 +0000

Toaster ovens are great small appliances that serve a variety of purposes. While the primary function is still to toast bread, most toaster ovens also have bake and broil functions, allowing them to serve as small electric ovens. Toaster ovens may not toast bread as evenly as traditional toasters or have the large carrying capacity of regular ovens, but their versatility make them worth a spot on your kitchen countertop. From baking pizza to roasting chicken, toaster ovens have proven themselves to be great multi-taskers. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

What Is a Toaster Oven?

Like traditional toasters, toaster ovens are electric heating appliances that heat food with two heating elements on either side of the food. The basic difference is that a toaster oven keeps its heating elements farther away from the food, allowing larger items to be cooked. This usually means it takes longer to prepare toast than traditional toasters. However, its size also means that it cooks more quickly and consumes less energy than conventional, full-size ovens.

Best 5 Toaster Ovens

Cuisinart TOB-195 Exact Heat Toaster Oven

Considered the best-priced convection toaster oven, users agree that the Cuisinart Exact Heat Toaster Oven is excellent at toasting, baking, and broiling, and it serves as a great alternative to a conventional oven. Its spacious interior can accommodate up to six slices of toast, a 12-inch pizza, or even an entire chicken. One minor complaint is that the crumb tray slides out from the back rather than the front, which is inconvenient. Currently $172.75 on Amazon.

Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven

Highly rated by both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the Breville Smart Oven is the go-to toaster oven for those that are willing to make an investment. Aside from excelling at all the cooking functions we now expect of a toaster oven, the Smart Oven sets itself apart with all of its special features. With an auto-eject rack, nine preset cooking functions, a digital display, and an internal sensor to maintain consistent heating temperatures, this Breville is designed for ease-of-use and exceptional performance. Currently $249.95 on Amazon.

Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital Large Capacity Toaster Oven

Another recommended toaster oven from Consumer Reports, this Oster Digital Large Capacity Toaster Oven is one of the more affordable models that still has a convection feature. This model carries a number of cooking features and simple time and temperature controls. It doesn't perform quite as well as other toaster ovens that are available, but users agree that it does what it needs to do, and does it well. Currently $79.50 on Amazon.

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Toaster Oven

Another good-value convection toaster oven, this Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Toaster Oven performs admirably without breaking the bank. With a large interior that can hold a seven-pound chicken or a 12-inch pizza, it stacks up against the higher model toaster ovens in terms of size. It also comes with a meat probe that allows you to ensure precise cooking temperatures. Currently $82.98 on Amazon.

Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven

Also well-reviewed by Consumer Reports, the Breville Compact Smart Oven is priced a lot less than its top-of-the-line counterpart, but performs just as well in many regards. Its rack can only fit four slices of toast as opposed to the six that many others can accommodate, but it can still hold a four-pound chicken. Its compact size also frees up more countertop space than other models. Currently $179.95 on Amazon.

Written by Jeffrey Pu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Best Money Tips: Thrifty Gifts Any Mom Would Love

Ashley Jacobs — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:32 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on thrifty gifts any mom would love, reasons to spring clean, and improving your eshopping IQ.

The Best 5 Credit Cards for Groceries

Elizabeth Lang — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Last year my Chase credit card, with which I had earned 5% back on groceries and gas since 2007, suddenly changed. They switched to some sort of rotating-category-that-earns-more-points system that I didn't particularly care for. Every few months, I have to opt in all over again to take advantage of whatever category they're giving the most points for that month. Even though I do my best to keep up with credit card rewards, I don't take credit card reward hacking to the extreme. I'd prefer not to have to carry around 10 cards in my wallet.

Nevertheless, I do prefer to get the most points in categories that I actually spend a lot of money on. After our mortgage, the highest percentage of our monthly expenses comes in the form of groceries. We prefer organic and local food, which can be pricey. So, I set out to determine which credit cards actually give the highest percentage back on groceries. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Travel)

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Earn 150 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn Cash Back: 6% US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 3% US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Simple and Straightforward: With the Blue Cash Preferred Card, you can start earning cash back. No rotating reward categories. No enrollment required.
Terms and Restrictions Apply.

Click here to apply now

RedCard From Target

5% off everything at Target
$0 annual fee

If you shop at a SuperTarget for groceries, the Target RedCard gives you 5% off at everything you purchase at the register. This isn't just a grocery rewards credit card; the cardholder will receive the same discount on all Target purchases. If you have a Target nearby that also sells groceries, this is a great way to save 5% on food, as well as a variety of other department store purchases. Unfortunately, this card has no affiliation with any credit card payment network such as Visa or MasterCard, so you can’t use it outside of Target stores.

Click here to apply now

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Earn $100 cash back in Reward Dollars when you spend $1,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn Cash Back: 3% at US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 2% at US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Simple and Straightforward: With the Blue Cash Everyday Card, you can start earning cash back. No rotating reward categories. No enrollment required.
No annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 12.99%-21.99% with flexibility to pay over time.
Terms and Restrictions Apply.

The Blue Cash Everyday card is largely the same as the Blue Cash Preferred, but it has no annual fee and half the rewards across the board. Nevertheless, 3% cash back on groceries and 2% cash back at gas stations and select major department stores still represents a competitive rate of return. Finally, this is one of the few American Express cards offered without an annual fee.

Click here to apply now

Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card From Bank of America

3% on gas
2% on groceries
1% on everything else
$0 annual fee

With the exception of the extra cash back at department stores, the Cash Rewards Visa Signature card has a similar reward structure to the Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express. Cardholders can receive their cash-back rewards as a direct deposit in any checking or savings account, as a statement credit, or even as a payment towards a mortgage held by Bank of America. In fact, rewards redeemed into a Bank of America checking and savings accounts receive an additional 10% bonus. Unfortunately, the bonus percentages only apply to customer’s first $1,500 spent in each category each quarter.

Click here to apply now

Capital One® Cash Rewards

1% on all purchases
50% bonus on the cash back
$39 annual fee

This Capital One Cash Rewards offering brings up the rear of this list by offering only 1% cash back on gas and groceries, but don’t count it out. This card is offered to applicants with average credit, so it could be the ideal product for those who don’t qualify for other cards. Capital One also wins kudos for not charging foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. If you travel internationally, or just like to drive over the border for shopping, this card will save you some money over the other cards here.

Click here to apply now

The Best Credit Card Offer for You

If you like credit card rewards programs, but have recently been unhappy with changes to your card, it may be time to consider a new one. The best way to choose a cash-back rewards card is to simply look at what your biggest category of spending is each month, and find a card that gives you the most cash back on that category. For me, this category was groceries.

What's your biggest category of spending each month? Do you earn extra credit card points for those cards?

Written by Elizabeth Lang and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Negotiate With Confidence and Strike the Best Deal

Kentin Waits — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:36:33 +0000

I'm always surprised when I see otherwise confident, capable, and brilliant people cower at the prospect of a little friendly negotiating. When it comes time to buy a car, hire a service, or pick up a second-hand coffee table, we shy away from haggling. I think it's largely due to being unprepared and not knowing the protocols that can help ensure success. The result? We're paying more than we need to for much of what we buy. (See also: Negotiating 101: The 5 Buyers You Meet in Hell)

If you'd like to become a better negotiator, here are a few tips that can vastly improve your chances of landing a sweet deal on your terms.

Come With Cash

I've said it before, but it bears repeating — cash is king.

Nothing positions you for success like coming to the negotiating table with cash in-hand. First, in the Age of the Craigslist Scam, cash speaks volumes about your seriousness as a buyer. Second, it motivates sellers to be more flexible on price, especially if they just want a quick sale so they can move on to other things. Third, it's quick and clean — no waiting for ATM runs, for the bank to open, for checks to clear, etc.

Be the First to Respond

When negotiating, there's no such thing as being fashionably late. Responding promptly and making a commitment to see an item before others have a chance to seize the deal isn't just smart shopping. Sellers will often honor a "first come, first served" rule, even if another buyer offers a better deal later.

Show Up

It's true — sometimes the difference between success and failure lies in just showing up. Anyone who advertises something for sale expects a few flakes, but that doesn't mean it's OK to be one. If you're interested in an item and want to prepare yourself for a successful deal, show up, don't be late, and try not to reschedule half-a-dozen times.

Communicate

Successful negotiating is built on clear communication.

Buyers should ask questions, discuss their concerns about an item, and backup their offers with sound reasoning. Silent sellers and stoic buyers don't make for easy deals. Open up, chat, try to create an authentic rapport with a seller, and let the negotiating process ebb and flow naturally.

Tell Your Story

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to share a little bit about yourself and how you'll use what you're buying. No need for elaborate stories or embellished tales of woe. Just help the buyer to understand and appreciate your situation.

Maybe that used bike will be your kid's first mode of independent transportation. Maybe that riding lawnmower will help your aging father maintain his own lawn for a few more years. Beyond being purely transactional, negotiation is a human-to-human activity, and its gears are greased by sharing.

Be Fair

Scoring a bargain is great, but there's no need to cut a seller's margin to the bone. The best deals leave both buyers and sellers feeling satisfied. Understand the real value of what you're negotiating over, estimate what the buyer has put into it, and shoot for a figure that will respect both parties.

Beyond all these suggestions, the one overriding piece of advice that should guide your negotiating is this — relax and enjoy the human-to-human exchange that's part of the process. Within your own predetermined limits about price, be flexible and view the seller not as an adversary, but as a collaborator. Before you know it, you'll be an expert negotiator scoring bigger and better bargains than ever before.

Are you a negotiator? What was your most recent haggling bargain? How much did you save and what was the process like?

Written by Kentin Waits and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

The 5 Best Juicers

Jeffrey Pu — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:48:33 +0000

There are plenty of good reasons for someone to invest in a juicer. First of all, making your own juice at home is cheaper in the long term than buying juice from a grocery store or Jamba Juice. Juicing the fruit that you consume is also healthier because the process of separating the pulp concentrates the nutrients and allows the body to absorb the nutrition more easily. It also allows for people to consume more raw produce. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

What Is a Juicer?

A juicer is an appliance that separates the juice from the pulp of fruits and vegetables. When looking to buy a new juicer, it is important to know what type of juicer you want to get. The two main types of juicers we will focus on are citrus juicers and juice extractors. Naturally, a citrus juicer would be most appropriate if all you want is citrus juice. They are typically easier to clean and operate. Juice extractors are more appropriate if you plan on juicing a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Best 5 Juicers

Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite

Considered the "Best Overall" Juicer by Good Housekeeping, the Breville Juice Fountain Elite is for those who are serious about in-home juicing. Made entirely of stainless steel, this juicer comes with two speeds and a wide feeding tube. Each removable part is dishwasher-safe and it dispenses juice into a detachable pitcher, making clean-up a breeze. Currently $299.95 on Amazon.

Breville BJE200XL Juice Fountain Compact

Good Housekeeping's vote for the best budget purchase, the Breville Juice Fountain Compact offers dependable performance for under $100. Users also agree that the juicer offers power, durability, and design ingenuity that belies its budget price. The Juice Fountain Compact also comes with a wide, 3-inch feeding tube and a 700-watt motor that operates at 14,000 RPM. Currently $99.95 on Amazon.

Hamilton Beach 67650 Big Mouth Juice Extractor

Recommended by Consumer Reports, the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice Extractor is another high-performing budget juicer. Capable of extracting juice from whole fruits and vegetables, the Hamilton Beach comes with an 800-watt, 1.1 horsepower motor that slices produce for easy juice extraction. With a stainless-steel blade and a wide feeding tube, it juices without the need for pre-cutting. Currently $59.00 on Amazon.

Breville 800CPXL Motorized Citrus Press

Many users agree that the Breville Motorized Citrus Press is the best citrus juicer available on the market. The combination of an electric reamer and a manual presser helps to maximize convenience and efficiency. The stainless steel design adds to the durability of the product and it is easy to use and clean. Currently $199.95 on Amazon.

Black & Decker JE2200B Juice Extractor

Considered a well-functioning juice extractor by users, the Black & Decker Juice Extractor performs admirably for a relatively low-cost juicer. With a less powerful motor that clocks in at 400-watts, this juicer does not provide the power levels of some of the other models; however, folks who are more casual about their in-home juicing will appreciate the lower price tag. Currently $34.92 on Amazon.

Written by Jeffrey Pu and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Shopping

The 5 Best Dryers

What Is a Dryer?

Best 5 Dryers

Samsung DV456GWHDWR

Samsung DV520AEP

Maytag Centennial MGDC300XW

Whirlpool WED4900XW

Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG

8 Ways to Buy Jeans on the Cheap

1. Warehouse Sales

2. Discount E-Tailers

3. Thrift Shops

4. Outlets

5. Clearance Racks

6. Yard Sales

7. Friends & Family

8. eBay

The 5 Best Washing Machines

What Is a Washing Machine?

Best 5 Washing Machines

Maytag Maxima XL MHW7000AW

Samsung WF210ANW

Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX

LG WM2650HRA Front Load Steam Washer

LG WT4801CW

Why You Should Never Buy Souvenirs

Zero "Obligation"

Travel Hassle

Worker Exploitation and Scams

Alternatives

How We Brainwash Ourselves Into Brand Loyalty

Beliefs Come Before Reasoning

The Confirmation Bias Rears Its Ugly Head

We Love When Rationales Are Given to Us

Dealing With Brand Loyalty

Couponing: Hobby or Lifestyle?

Getting Started

Finding Coupons

Staying Organized

Understanding Wants vs. Needs

The Verdict

Frugal and Fashionable: Penny-Pinching Prom Ideas

Clothing

Event and Venue

Grooming

7 Websites You Must Visit When Buying a New Car

1. Edmunds.com

2. Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com)

3. Truecar.com

4. Autotrader.com

5. Carmax.com

6. NadaGuides.com

7. Enthusiast Forums

What to Buy (and Avoid Buying) in May

What to Buy

What to Avoid

Best Money Tips: Maximize Your Savings When Buying in Bulk

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

The 5 Best Toaster Ovens

What Is a Toaster Oven?

Best 5 Toaster Ovens

Cuisinart TOB-195 Exact Heat Toaster Oven

Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven

Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital Large Capacity Toaster Oven

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Toaster Oven

Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven

Best Money Tips: Thrifty Gifts Any Mom Would Love

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

The Best 5 Credit Cards for Groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

RedCard From Target

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card From Bank of America

Capital One® Cash Rewards

The Best Credit Card Offer for You

How to Negotiate With Confidence and Strike the Best Deal

Come With Cash