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.
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.
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.
I love that magazine! It has helped me so much over the years.
Sounds like a good deal! 🙂
I’d never heard of this publication but I totally respect consumer reports. Think I’ll give it a try!
Love this!
Looks like a great mag with great tips
I think that sounds like a great magazine to get a subscription.
I have never heard of this magazine but TOTALLY want it now! Thanks! Misty Cox
I love this magazine. I was a fan of Consumer Reports (I still am), but when I read ShopSmart–I love it even more! Any smart shopper would appreciate the value of this magazine. I hope there’s more than one give-away winner!