Hot Shopping Tips

Do sale signs of 50, 60, or even 70 percent off suck you in every time? Some sneaky retailers advertise markdowns based on inflated "original" prices that no one pays. In episode No. 5, we'll tell you how to spot the real deals and avoid phony-baloney sales. Plus: 6 easy ways to chop down your prescription drug costs; how to maximize your credit card rewards and get free stuff; and how to get a bikini—or Speedo—body for less! The tricks to getting freebies and deals at a gym.

In episode No. 4, we'll tell you what you need to know now to say sayonara to your cable company. We'll also tell you how to avoid going overboard with streaming services. Plus, how to avoid dating site scams, the pros and cons of the new "basic economy" fares, and new carry-on luggage limits that can cost you.

Upgrading appliances can be a smart move—and if you know a few shopping tricks, you can snap them up for 50% off. Plus, we'll cover the news that finally got us to switch from bottled to filtered water; why you might want to drop certain credit cards; and what you need to know about the hidden costs of online grocery shopping.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. No way can you cut your grocery bills without those dang coupons. Wrong!!! Seriously, you're probably making some dumb mistakes that are costing you hundreds of dollars a year. In this episode, we'll also cover: The new top-rated detergents; what to do if a retailer goes bankrupt; the best time to find amazing travel deals.

In this episode—our first!—we'll tell you smart hacks for getting your credit-card bills under control. Because our philosophy is that the real secret to spending smart is debt control. Plus, we'll cover: A Netflix and Amazon email scam you need to know about; The best time to buy a car; News that could cut down your energy bill.