Money Basics
Shopping
Comparative shopping
Whether you want to rent a new apartment, buy a new television, or purchase laundry detergent, comparative shop to find the best deal. This means comparing the cost of different products or services.
You can usually find a less expensive alternative to almost anything, but cheaper isn't always better. Paying $20 for a pair of shoes that wear out in six months isn't a good deal if the $35 pair lasts for two years.
If you are thinking of buying a major appliance, remember that the cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the purchase price, repair and maintenance costs, and operating costs. So buying a more expensive energy-efficient refrigerator may save you money overall because your energy bill will be less.
While it is impossible to find the best deal on everything, looking for a better price is often worth the time and effort.
