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 ho…

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…

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 f…

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 bes…

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 ye…

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,…

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…

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. A…

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 fa…

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 an…

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" co…

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 h…

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 …

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 st…

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…

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, …

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 extende…

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 Tar…

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 …

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 co…

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 …

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 se…

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 gr…

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…

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 abo…

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 …

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 e…

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 …

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 a…

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 …

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 sho…

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 st…

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 sho…

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 …

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 shop…

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 th…

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! …

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-b…

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; …

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 re…

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:…

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 repo…

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 pla…

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 g…

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 d…

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?…

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 ref…

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 …

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 pa…