Hot Shopping Tips

In Episode #55, we tell you how to put out a beautiful spread without breaking the bank! Our tips include recommendations on what to DIY instead of buy and how to save big on booze. Plus, we share our favorite recipe sites where you can plug in on-sale ingredients and create delicious dishes! We also cover: The Secret Sister scam. Watch out this holiday season! How to wring the biggest payout from your auto insurer after an accident.

If you're stressed out because you're not sure how to tackle Black Friday and other big holiday sales, we've got you covered! We'll tell you all of the tricks you need to succeed, including: Where to find the biggest bargains. (Websites we recommend include BestBlackFriday.com, TheBlackFriday.com, BFads.net, BlackFriday.com, DealNews.com, GottaDeal, and Wirecutter.) What to buy—and what to buy later. Where to shop. What you need to know about Black Friday TV deals. How to compare prices fast. And more!

In Episode #53, you'll learn insider tricks to picking the freshest food at grocery stores, plus storage tips, that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. From apples and tomatoes to T-bones and tilapia, we've got you covered! We also share surprising tricks for extending the life of cheeses, fresh herbs, and other expensive groceries.Plus tips for shopping on Amazon's outlet and warehouse sections, our take on Walmart's new credit card, free trial gotchas, and more!

Bank and credit cards eat away at your paychecks with interest payments and late charges and fees for checking accounts, overdraft coverage, ATM usage, and a lot more. But you can avoid most or even all of those money wasters with our tips. We'll also help you shave your insurance premiums by getting rid of unneeded coverage. We also cover: The best places to get your prescriptions filled; how to outsmart Amazon's algorithm to get the best deals; and why you should sign up for Target's new loyalty program.

In Episode No. 51, we share our favorite tips for saving big on food bills. In the first half of the podcast, we share our top food-shopping tricks. Next, we reveal easy money-savers in the kitchen, including fun ways to turn leftovers into tasty treats. By making just a few tweaks to your usual cooking routine you can save hundreds of dollars a year. Plus, the cars most likely to be stolen in the U.S., and a popular way to save on airfare that can actually cost you a bundle.

To celebrate our 50th episode, we rounded up some of our greatest hits. Whether you've been following us all along or are new to the podcast, now's a fantastic time to listen in. We cover our top tips so far, including clever ways to save at dollar stores, restaurants, yard sales, and a lot more. Plus, we reveal a few of our favorite shopping apps, and a way to uncover secret savings online.

In Episode No. 49, you'll learn how to wring more discounts and giveaways out of loyalty programs from supermarkets, outlet malls, movie theaters, drugstores, and tons of other retailers. Even Uber now has a loyalty program! You'll also learn about the dark side of these potential marketing traps and how to protect your data and your privacy so you don't get hacked! We also cover: How to take advantage of sales-tax holidays in your state. And why you might want to ditch your safe deposit box. 

In episode #48 we interview Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for Bankrate.com. He shares the secrets to paying down credit-card debt, cutting credit-card fees and interest, and getting a better deal from your bank. He also lets you know the credit cards that make it easy to earn cash-back on gas, groceries, shopping, restaurants, and travel. And you'll get some tips on finding the best mortgage rates, and the best ways to finance home improvements. Plus: Where to shop for supplements you can trust.

Planning a trip this year? In this episode, we share simple ways to avoid getting taken by the latest travel scams, which can trip up even veteran travelers. Crooks are over charging for Uber trips and cab rides; shortchanging customers who use large bills; and stealing rental bikes to bilk you out of hundreds of dollars. They're even setting up fake hotel sites to get your credit-card info! Plus, we cover: What's up with the new WhatsApp scam. Chemicals in cosmetics you should avoid.

In Episode #46, we cover six sneaky shopping and credit card scams. You might be surprised at the new ways you can be cheated! Crooks are now using PayPal transactions, fake fraud alerts, and even the checkout lanes at major retail chains to steal millions of dollars from shoppers. Learn how to avoid getting taken by thieves! Plus we cover: When and how to get a great deal on a mattress. An important safety warning for used-car buyers. One-day shipping at Walmart and Amazon.

In Episode #45, we share some great money-saving tips and tricks for getting your garden and lawn in shape this season. Our advice will help you cut the cost of plants as well as lawn and gardening equipment like mowers and blowers. We also cover: The best new sunscreens, plus an ingredient you might want to avoid. Warnings about new "shoppable" content on TV, Instagram, Google, YouTube, and Pinterest. Plus, how using your phone while you're shopping at a store can cost you!

In Episode #44, we reveal clever new tools that will help you score amazing deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Plus, we also share some nifty tips to help you save a bunch while on vacation. We also cover: How to thwart porch pirates with Amazon's new Key for Garage. The news about Kohl's accepting Amazon returns. Bottled water brandsthat have high levels of arsenic. (Sorry, we hate to sound like a broken record, but it really is time to break the bottled-water habit!)

In Episode #43, you'll learn the secrets to getting organized without spending a fortune. Organizing expert and best-selling author Julie Morgenstern shares advice that will not only help you transform your life. She will also tell you about cheap organizing products she recommends and tips she swears by. In this episode, we also cover: How online returns can land you in hot water. And tips for traveling shoppers about plastic-bag bans.

In Episode #42, we talk to healthy home experts Lisa & Ron Beres about free and low-cost ways to cut toxins and improve your health. We cover simple steps like avoiding certain "air freshening" products, making your own nontoxic cleaners, and taking off your shoes when you enter the house. We also cover: The best stuff to buy in April at grocery stores, home centers, and more. A new Walmart service that makes it easy to snag their best deals. And a clever new way to save on kids' clothing.

In Episode #41, we interview Evelyne Teman, one of the top sellers on the hottest app for buying and selling clothes. She shares her secrets to getting more cash for your castoffs and finding amazing bargains on Poshmark. Plus we cover: A new list of the produce with the highest pesticide levels that can help you shop smarter and eat healthier. Our take on the new Apple credit card. The fine print in those 25% and 30% off deals in emails from Uber and Lyft.

In Episode #40, we share our favorite tips for saving big on beauty products—especially if you're interested in natural and organic skin care and cosmetics. The podcast includes advice on how to uncover the best beauty deals at discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Target; what to look for on product labels; and great store brands to check out. Plus, we cover: A new way to find bargains on Amazon. Retail bankruptcy winners and losers. Why now is a great time to shop for deals on Samsung phones.

In Episode #39, we'll tell you about policies you can safely skip, which can help you save hundreds of dollars in premiums every year. Hot Shopping Tips co-host, Mandy Walker, has covered insurance for more than a decade, and will explain why products like whole life, life insurance for kids, critical-illness policies, wedding coverage, and extended warranties may not be worth it. We also discuss: What you need to know about price-matching at Walmart. And the risks and rewards of the new key-making kiosks.

Our friend Jimmy Rhoades has reported on hundreds of ways to save in his "What's the Deal" segments on The List TV show. In episode #38, we'll share his favorite apps and websites for cleaning up at restaurants, supermarkets, yard sales, and a lot more! He'll also share some of his top savings tips, including how to save 5% on every purchase at Target—without applying for the store credit card! Plus: What to stock up on right now for big savings. And why now is a good time to redo your bathroom and kitchen.

In this episode, we interview an industry insider about all things CBD. This substance is turning up in tons of products. It's also controversial because of confusion swirling around its legality. Our guest is Mark Maher of Beyond Botanicals, which makes hemp-extract products, including tinctures and oils. He gives us the lowdown on CBD as well as some important shopping advice. We also cover: Why Dyson stick vacs got pulled from a recommended list. And what you should know about shopping on Instagram.

Get the inside scoop on warehouse clubs! Follow our dos and don'ts to make sure you're not missing any savings tricks. Our tips include how to spot the biggest bargains; perks you should be taking advantage of; important fine print in coupon and return policies; and how to get amazing warehouse-club deals without paying for a membership. We also cover: A smart shopping strategy for that tax refund. What to do about latest rash of stores declaring bankruptcy. 

In Episode #35, we tell you how to save on practically anything. The secret is to learn how to be a better negotiator. Whether you're a haggling wimp or an old pro, we promise this episode will give you some new tricks to try in stores and at flea markets, car dealerships, outlets, and even online! We also cover: Why drinking fruit juices might be bad for your health. Big sale items in February (mattresses, appliances, humidifiers, and more). Plus, what not to buy this month.

In Episode #34, we talk about something all of us fear: Thieves getting a hold of your personal info and then destroying your credit! The good news is that there are simple things you can do to protect yourself from the growing threat of ID theft. We cover nine basics that all shoppers should know in this episode. We also discuss: The secrets of secret shopper scams. Cool new retailer augmented reality technology that make it easier to shop for furniture, glasses, clothing, makeup, and more.   

Episode #33 is about how to save money when you eat out by outsmarting restaurants. Sneaky tricks they use that can lead you to overspend range from subtle ploys your waiters use, manipulative dish descriptions and menu designs, as well as wine-list games and even plate sizes! We also cover: Another health shocker for diet-soda drinkers. The top grocery-store chains. 

In Episode #32, we rave about our favorite stuff you can get for nothing, nada, zippo! Because what could be a better deal than free? Our freebie list includes fashion stylists, beauty makeovers, coffee, pancakes, pizza, frozen yogurt, greeting cards, tax prep and software, and a lot more. We also cover: How to save big bucks on sheets, towels, TVs, and a lot more; and life-changing electronics that will blow your mind, including a folding machine!

In Episode #31, we talk turkey about credit card debt because it's the big turkey in the room when it comes to shopping—especially after the holidays. You can't get a great deal on anything when you're paying interest on everything. If you know someone who needs help with their balances, please encourage them to listen in as well! Plus, we talk about how to shop smarter for food and eat healthy in the New Year. We're excited to help you save money and shop smarter in 2019! 

When you're at the grocery store, do you look for foods that say "natural," "multigrain," or "fat free" on the label? How about "gluten free," "light," or "reduced sugar"?  Well, those products might not be as good for you as you think! In Episode #30, we tell you how to outsmart food labels so you can save money and your health! Plus, we cover how to avoid getting tricked by counterfeits when you're shopping online.

We tell you easy ways to save big bucks—and keep your family safe—by shopping smarter for food, and storing smarter, too! We waste about a pound of food per person each day in America. That's about 25% of what we buy. And if you're trying to eat healthy and buying more produce, odds are you waste even more. The USDA estimates that the grand total each American family wastes on food is $1,500 a year! 

We share some of our favorite places to go online for amazing gifts, whether you're shopping for the holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day, or an anniversary. All of the sites we rave about have a nice selection under $25. Each one also has its own personality—ranging from sweet and salty to outright weird! We also gab about: How to outsmart stores and find the real deals. The best way to protect yourself against data breaches. A new member of the TJ Maxx family of stores that we love.  

In Episode #27, we share our all-time favorite shopping apps. They include both mobile and browser apps that save you money in stores and online. They're all super easy and fun to use—and, well, if you're not using them you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars a year in savings. In this episode, we also cover: Why we're not crazy about the alkaline water craze. Smartphone shopping scams. How to check on charities to make sure they deserve your dollars. 

In Episode #26, you'll learn how to quickly find the best deals on the stuff you want. We'll also share essential shopping sites and apps and credit-card perks you don't want to miss. And we reveal our take on the top trends of the season, including amazing gift-card deals at Costco, Walmart, and Target. Plus: How to avoid outrageous hotel fees. A shocking caller-ID scam that can clean out your bank account. Nice perks you can get for shopping local. Amazing wine and booze bargains.

In Episode #25, we'll give you the Hot Shopping Tips game plan for cleaning up on Black Friday. Our tips include: How to cherry-pick the best bargains. Where to find the latest flyers. What to buy—and what to skip. Scott Nyerges, deputy editor of Cheapism.com, shares his best tips for shopping on Amazon. Plus: Bargain-hunting apps every shopper should download now. How to avoid rising airline baggage fees. An easy way to void the lines at Target and Walmart this holiday season.

In Episode #24, we share the best money-saving tips for our absolute favorite thing to buy: Shoes! We cover rewards clubs, websites you've got to check out, and a lot more. Plus: The hot holiday shopping perk this season—free 2-day free shipping—and where to get it. What to do now so you can clean up on Black Friday and get the best deals on the stuff you want. One thing that's going to make it more fun to shop at Walmart this season. How to pick the best fitness tracker for you.

In this episode, we swap great tips about saving on groceries with our guest, Jody Rohlena, a savings expert and editor at Reader's Digest. She shares her favorite new places to get amazing deals on organics, surprising tricks to cut your bills in stores, and much more. We also cover: The real costs of same-day grocery delivery services; how to shop for a health insurance plan; where you CAN'T shop on Thanksgiving; three reasons to download the Honey app now; and why we're crazy about Talika eye-therapy patches.

In Episode #22, you'll learn how to shop smarter for organics and save big on all of the healthy foods you love. Plus, we'll cover: How the Sears/Kmart bankruptcy could affect you: News that all Walmart shoppers should know: A clever trick to cut the cost of last-minute holiday air travel: How to avoid sky-high ATM fees: A free way to get cash for new clothes and electronics: The truth about "naturally flavored" seltzer waters and other drinks

In Episode #21 we tell you the truth about outlets. Don't get us wrong, we LOVE the outlets. They're a fun and entertaining way to score fantastic deals—but they can also be a minefield because they're loaded with fake bargains. Our tips reveal how to find the real deals. Plus, we discuss: Saving on restaurants, hotels, and entertainment; what shoppers need to do to protect themselves from the latest Facebook security breach; why women pay higher credit card interest rates and what they can do about it; and how to get a great deal on a home generator.  

Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes—are you prepared? In Episode #20, we'll break down what belongs in your disaster shopping cart so you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and all of your stuff. We also cover: 6 tricks for shopping farmers' markets. Aldi's new grocery delivery and curb-side pickup service. Watch out for these travel scams! One no-brainer way to protect yourself—and your kids!—from identity theft. 6 red flags that a mover is going to rip you off.

In Episode #19, we share 11 essential tips for getting the best deals at Amazon with or without a Prime membership! You'll learn about apps, coupons, programs, and lesser-known sections of the shopping mega-site that can save you hundreds of dollars a year or more. We'll also tell you how to avoid buying "5-star" products that turn out to be duds! Plus: Stop those annoying robocalls. A kitchen gadget that can save you $1,000+ a year! Check scams that can clean out your bank account. Outrageous advertising claim gotchas. 

In this episode, a nutrition and food-testing expert shares the secrets to shopping smarter at the grocery store so you can spot the healthiest choices and and save money! We ask her for her top picks in coffees, chocolates, wines, olive oils, store brands, and more. Plus: The truth about sell-by dates on food. Why you should bring your best cash-back credit cards to the airport. A scam that can surprise you when you make a call. And a money-saving trick you can use at stores that sell cosmetics.

In Episode #17, we'll tell you everything you need to know to clean up at garage sales, whether you're buying or selling. The best news: If you're a seller, you can skip the price tags and make more money! We’ll explain in the podcast. Plus: Why cash and paper receipts can be bad for your health! Many travel insurance policies have lousy coverage; we'll tell you how to find the good ones. Home warranty gotchas. And a clever DIY trick that can save you hundreds of dollars a year. 

What do the savviest Target and Walmart shoppers know that you don't? In Episode #16, we'll tell you the secrets to snagging the best deals at both stores and their websites. Plus: How to avoid getting scammed by thieves at gas pumps; how not to get burned by layaway plans; a no-brainer way to save that can net you thousands of extra dollars for retirement; and a savings secret every Costco fan needs to know!

Backpacks for $5 and school supplies starting at just 15 cents! You can find amazing deals if you know where to look. In Episode #15, we give you the best tips for cashing in big during back-to-school sales.  Plus: A new warning about chemicals in your kids' food. Great new freebies for AmEx card holders. A safety warning for female shoppers. (Hint: Wear pants to the mall!) And where to get the best deals on electronics.

What is it about car dealerships and repair shops that makes everyone feel on edge? Maybe it's because you know that you're probably going to get ripped off. In Episode #14, we'll tell you how to outsmart sneaky car mechanics and dealerships to get the best prices on repairs, maintenance, loans, and leases. Anthony Giorgianni, an investigative reporter who has covered auto ripoffs for years, reveals the dirty secrets that could be costing you thousands of dollars. Also: Why now is a great time to join Costco; a dangerous new way to buy a pet; and disturbing news that all home buyers need to know. 

In Episode #13 of Hot Shopping Tips, we'll tell you how to use your credit cards to get freebies, cash, and other goodies. That’s right—credit cards usually empty out your bank account but we’re going to show you how you can turn the tables and rake in hundreds of dollars in perks and money. Plus, we cover the truth about "unlimited" cell phone plans; the dark side of rewards apps; how to get deep discounts on tickets to Disney World, Six Flags, Universal Studios, and other theme parks.

In Episode #12, we're doing a roundup of our favorite money-saving travel tips! Plus, we cover easy ways to get money for your old smart phone, tablet, computer, and other electronics; what you need to know about hand-scanners at grocery stores; which organic veggies and fruits you can safely skip; and what to do about the latest data breaches to guard against ID theft.

In Episode #11, our main topic is slashing your pet costs! We reveal easy ways to cut your spending on your critter's food, medicine, and toys. We also discuss some safety concerns about pet toys. (For more ways to save, check out our podcast Episode #7 on pet insurance and ways to cut vet bills). Plus: How to get a great deal on a car with fewer dealership hassles; new charges at MoviePass, and competing movie-theater subscription services worth a look; and an easy way to get money back when the price of something drops after you buy it!

If you love to shop at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods as much as we do, you'll LOVE Episode #10! We share 9 insider savings secrets every shopper should know! Plus: When to shop to get a great deal on TVs; we test out Poshmark, a great app for selling and buying clothes and accessories; and how to get the best deals on hotels and plane tickets.    

Way too many of us have dealt with the financial and emotional costs of a lost, damaged, or stolen smart phone. In Episode #9, we'll tell you what you need to know about cell-phone insurance policies. We'll reveal what they cover, what they don't, and how to get the best deal if you take the plunge. Plus, do you always get the best price on Amazon? A simple trick for saving hundreds on auto insurance. How to really check your credit report for FREE—no hidden fees. And the best and safest sunscreens.

In Episode No. 8, you'll learn our favorite hacks for spotting the best deals—and avoiding the duds—at dollar stores. Plus, why you should put freezes on your credit-bureau accounts NOW; the risks of returning too much stuff on Amazon; how to benefit from rising interest rates; and what you need to know about price-protection apps that give you refunds when the prices of stuff you buy drops.

If you have a pet, the fear of facing a major vet bill is always in the back of your mind. In Episode #7, we'll talk about when pet insurance pays and when it doesn't. We also talk about what you can do instead to cover—and cut down—big vet bills. Plus: How to take advantage of some cool new perks for Amazon Prime members: A safety warning for the owners of cars with push-button ignitions.: One thing you should always look for on vitamin and supplement labels.

Want deep discounts on facials and massages? In episode 6 a licensed massage therapist, Peter Heimuller of Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage, tells you how to get 'em. He also shares tips on checking out spas, what to look for in the fine print of massage chain contracts, the ingredients to avoid in spa products, and how to use HSA and FSA accounts to pay for massages! Also in this episode: How to avoid payment app fraud; upcoming changes to online sales tax charges; and the best time to book summer travel.

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.