Frugal Living NW

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I'm Angela Davis, a PNW native, mom of lots of kids, and I love saving money. I'm here to help you live well on a budget by making every penny count. You'll find deals at your local stores, ways to save online, recipes, and frugal living tips and inspiration.

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ShopSmart by Consumer Reports magazine review + subscription discount + a giveaway!

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This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. See the disclosure policy for more information.

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ShopSmart Magazine

ShopSmart is a shopping and tip guide published by Consumer Reports. The aim is to help you make the best choice every time — ShopSmart tests products and services to give their readers practical advice on how to get the most from every purchase. Since ShopSmart and Consumer Reports are nonprofit, which means they do not accept advertisements or free samples from manufacturers or brands, you can trust their unbiased suggestions and reviews.

ShopSmart recently asked me to review their April 2014 issue and share my opinion with all of you. This was the first time I actually opened a ShopSmart magazine, and I really liked it. Not only was the information inside incredibly helpful, but I seriously loved not wading through ads on every other page, special “guides” that look like articles but are really extended advertisements, and obvious product placements within the actual articles and columns.

I think this magazine is a great resource for all of us trying to life a more frugal life and spend our money intentionally. The April 2014 issue is filled with “Top 10” lists — page after page filled with helpful product reviews and interesting tips and tricks. I particularly enjoyed:

10 ways to shop smarter

Top 10 smart ways to cut TV, internet & phone bills

Top 10 healthy-cooking must-haves

Top 10 healthy food bargains

The magazine is like a well-curated compilation of useful product information — think of it as an awesome Pinterest board in a magazine.

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I really enjoyed the Beauty & Fashion section, especially their suggestions on the best drug store root touch-up products. I would like to dive into at-home hair coloring to extend the time between salon visits, but I know the typical magazine suggestions are listed because those products were sent to the magazine staff and not necessarily because they are the best choices.

ShopSmart actually purchases the products and tests them, so you know their suggestions are legit. Not only did they share the best overall root cover-up products, but they also listed the bargain buy, which is perfect for those of us who aren’t willing to slap down $25, but would be willing to give an $8 option a try.

Obviously, I was interested in reviews and articles about “lady” things (fashion, makeup, kitchen utensils, clothing labels), but there were several articles on topics that would appeal to both men and women: the best smartphones, computers under $200, flushable toilet wipes, best cars under $20K, and which prescription drugs you should skip.

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ShopSmart is offering Frugal Living NW readers a special subscription deal right now:

Get 10 issues of ShopSmart for $25 OR

Get 5 issues of ShopSmart for $15

A one-year (10 issue) subscription on other sites runs around $35, so this is a fantastic deal!

You have the option of subscribing for one year or going on their auto-renewal plan. Your first issue should arrive in 4-6 weeks.
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ShopSmart is also giving one Frugal Living NW reader a 10-issue subscription to ShopSmart magazine! To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment!

Comments will close and one winner randomly selected at Noon on Monday, April 21, 2014.

This post and giveaway is sponsored by ShopSmart. All opinions are mine. I really did (and do) like this magazine.

This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.

Comments

  3. Georgia Hoover says

    I no longer subscribe to any magazines, but this looks like one I would really be interested in receiving. Thanks for making us aware of it.

  5. Gloria says

    Trying to order 5 issues for $10.00 which is $2.00 an issue but when you bring it up their cost is 5 for $15.00. How do we order the 5 for $10.00?? The 5 for $10.00 is a better deal than 10 for $25.00 at $2.50 an issue.
    Does this mean I win the prize?? lol

  12. Jenn says

    I had no idea this magazine existed, but I am a fan of Consumer Reports. I like that it has all sorts of things covered, like beauty items as well as automotive. Even if I don’t win the subscription, I am intruiged to get one on my own as it looks like it would be incredibly informative and unbiased.

  13. Miss Steph says

    I love this magazine…I just haven’t subscribed to it because my magazine to-read pile is already chin-high. I certainly wouldn’t pass up a free magazine, however…especially this one. 😉

  14. Laura Y says

    I’m trying to shop smart and would like some help. This magazine seems to be what I’m looking for.

  16. Colleen says

    I’ve subscribed off and on – always good information. Would love to have a free subscription.

  17. mary says

    I would love to read this magazine, then put it in my nightly rental to share with my guests! Pick me pick me 😉

  18. Julie Ellis says

    Would love to win this magazine. Sounds wonderful. Used to really enjoy consumer report magazine years ago.

  19. Katie Collins says

    I love Consumer Reports so I’d be curious to read ShopSmart. I love your blog and any useful tips on how to save money! I wish I knew how much I’ve saved over the past year since I’ve started couponing – I love saving!

  20. Dani says

    I have never read it, but my best friend swears by it. I would love to get a years worth of it!!! Thanks.

  25. Karen S. says

    I love Shop Smart–read it every month on loan from the library. It’s so useful and informative. I’m glad you’re making more people aware of it.

  29. Mandy says

    I’m often doing internet comparisons that end at consumer reports, only to be blocked because I don’t have a subscription. This would be great!

  30. Sara says

    I’ve never heard of or seen this magazine. I’m definitely interested in purchasing the magazine. Thanks!

  33. andrea p says

    What stores are still selling the april issue, haggen is selling the may issue and I would like to find the april issue
    Thanks
    Andrea

  37. Howard says

    Sounds like a winner; maybe something like All You without the ads.
    I hope flnw.com was one of the 10 greatest money-saving websites of all time!

  44. Susan Brooks says

    If I win, can the issues be added to my subscription (which I just got thanks to FrugallivingNW.com)! I LOVE this magazine. My father gets it and now has me hooked. Great coupon information and general savings tips. Love the Food & Drink reviews. I have wanted to subscribe but the costs have been a little high! Thank you for the notice on this great rate.

  46. Laetitia says

    looks like a great magazine. do we need a special code to get 1 yr for $10? It is showing a price of $15.

  49. Adriana says

    I definitely would like to try it, specially since this magazine is the old way! I hate to read on ebooks or tablets.

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