Ultimate Shopper's Guide
Tech
There are too many opportunities to get sidetracked by bogus specs and useless features. The verdict on music downloads and portable players, home video and cell phones. (more)

Kitchenware
High-tech dazzlery can be deployed against the unwitting shopper in this category. See how less is more and quality is worth paying for. The verdict on cookware, dishwashers and knives. (more)

Cars
The experience of buying a car is riddled with hidden costs. Here's how to stay on the straight and narrow. The verdict on pre-owned vehicles, navigation systems and auto repair. (more)

Home
Big-box stores can have lower prices; independents might be more willing to haggle. Both will make big claims about comfort and style. The verdict on bedding, couches and rugs. (more)

Apparel
How something looks is a big part of buying clothes. But quality construction and getting a decent bang for you buck counts for a lot. The verdict on dresses, running shoes and suits. (more)

Luxuries
There's an added cost to buying fancy items – call it the bragging tax. But often the same quality and features can be found for less. The verdict on watches, wine, concert tickets and, yes, puppies. (more)

Gerri Willis Reward programs are getting less rewarding. Here's how to make sure you have the right piece of plastic in your wallet. (more)
Here's what drivers can do to protect themselves at the pump. (more)
Natural gas prices are rocketing and electricity demand is soaring. So if you want to save money on your energy bill, consider looking to your mortgage lender. (more)
Find the annual costs of any four-year college or university in the United States. (more)
Tell us how much you have, how long you will save and at what rate, and find out what your nest egg will grow to. (more)
Find out how long it will take to become debt free. (more)

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.