Consumer

Consumer Reports finds that low-cost brokers score high in service
[Apr. 29, 2009] Discount brokers did a better job shepherding clients through the stock market upheaval of the past year than traditional investment banks, according to Consumer Reports survey of the most satisfying brokerage firm services. Topping the list in overall satisfaction was USAA, available only to current and former military personnel and their families.

ShopSmart reveals tips all online shoppers should know
[Mar. 24, 2009] In the souring economy, many consumers are cutting back on superfluous spending and instead surfing the Web for bargains on their necessities. But with so many places to click, how can you be sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck? The May 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, shares online shopping strategies for getting the best deal every time and avoiding rip-offs.

How to protect your debit card from "skimming" scams
[Feb. 24, 2009] As economic conditions have worsened, there’s a noticeable increase in all types of card fraud. People who create counterfeit ATM or debit cards by stealing your PIN and other account data can simply pull cold cash from your bank account. Using a technique known as skimming, they set up equipment that captures magnetic stripe and keypad information when you put in your PIN at ATM machines, gas pumps, restaurants, and retailers.

Netflix subscription service is tops in Consumer Reports survey of home video rental services
[Feb. 10, 2009] In these tough economic times, Americans are likely spending more time at home and in front of the TV. Despite the ever-increasing number of channels offered by cable, satellite, and phone company TV providers, video rental services continue to be a popular source of entertainment for many people. Consumer Reports’ latest survey of its online subscribers found that Netflix subscription service had the highest overall satisfaction.

Recessionista shopping
[Feb. 1, 2009] The competition is heating up at secondhand shops as more fashionistas are becoming recessionistas in the slowing economy. In fact, Goodwill and the Salvation Army are reporting that sales are up as much as 10 to 20 percent this year. The March 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, uncovers secrets for navigating vintage, consignment, resale and thrift shops to snag designer clothing and accessories at bargain basement prices.

Consumer Reports identifies foods that have surprisingly high levels of sodium
[Jan. 4, 2009] A new report from Consumer Reports found that sodium lurks in foods that consumers might not think to check, and warns that lower-fat foods can be higher in sodium than their full-fat counterparts.

Consumer Reports' publisher purchases Gawker Media's consumerist.com
[Jan. 3, 2009] Consumers Union (CU) has purchased Consumerist.com from Gawker Media. The popular consumer watchdog blog will operate independently of Consumer Reports publications and be the first property housed under a new non-profit entity called Consumer Media LLC. The change in ownership will be in effect as of January 1, 2009.

Consumer Reports shares advice on what to know before hitting the stores on Black Friday
[Nov. 26, 2008] With Black Friday just days away, Tod Marks, Consumer Reports’ shopping expert and author of the Tightwad Tod blog, is sharing some advice that can help shoppers get a better deal or even save them a trip to the store on one of the most hectic shopping days of the year.

ShopSmart reveals seven web sites that can save you thousands
[Nov. 25, 2008] The Web is supposed to make shopping simple. Click, click, click and before you know it, that sweater, bag, or box of T-bones is at your doorstep. When it works, it’s like magic but, when it doesn’t, you can end up surfing endlessly. The November 2008 issue of ShopSmart reveals seven online shopping sites that will help you save thousands and find the real deals fast.

Poll finds that 29% of women will switch pet food to save, 68% willing to change OTC meds
[Nov. 23, 2008] According to a new poll featured in the November 2008 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, women are willing to switch brands of over-the-counter medications (68%), milk (67%) and eggs (67%) to save money, but only 29 percent say they would change their brand of pet food.

Consumer Reports tipping survey offers advice for giving gratuities this holiday season
[Nov. 18, 2008] How much to tip and whom to tip has always been a tricky decision, one that may get harder in these tough economic times. But the December issue of Consumer Reports offers help.

U.S. Postal Service delivers on Consumer Reports next-day mail challenge
[Nov. 18, 2008] As shoppers gear up for this holiday season one thing is for certain: No one wants to dish out more cash to ship gifts to family and friends. In a recent study, Consumer Reports found that although all three shippers delivered next-day as promised, the U.S. Postal Service prices were as much as 281 percent cheaper than FedEx and UPS.

Consumer Reports finds most consumers satisfied with online clothing shopping
[Nov. 17, 2008] L.L. Bean, Zappos, and Lands’ End were among the top rated e-tailers in Consumer Reports’ survey of more than 25,000 subscribers of their online clothes shopping experiences at 39 online stores.

Consumer Reports finds that 76% plan to cut back on holiday spending
[Nov. 17, 2008] ‘Tis the season’ to tighten the belt on holiday spending for many Americans this year. Over three-quarters (76%) of Americans plan to cut back on spending on traditional holiday expenses such as gifts, travel, entertaining, decorations, charitable giving, holiday cards, and tipping, according to a new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll.