Smart Buying guides
Smart Buying
Car Buying Guide: Get the Out-the-Door Price and Skip the Add-Ons
New vs. used, getting pre-approved for a loan, asking for the out-the-door price in writing, saying no to add-ons, where the FTC's CARS Rule stands, and checking recalls for free.
Read the guide →Smart Buying · Printable
Used Car Buying Checklist: History, Inspection and the Buyers Guide
A printable used-car checklist: get a vehicle history report, pay for an independent inspection, read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window, and check recalls before you buy.
Read the guide →Smart Buying
Car Insurance and the Total Cost of Owning a Car
What liability, collision and comprehensive cover, how to compare quotes fairly, discounts to ask about, and a simple way to add up what a car really costs each month.
Read the guide →Smart Buying
Buying Appliances and Electronics: ENERGY STAR, Warranties and Return Policies
How to compare big purchases on lifetime cost, use the ENERGY STAR product finder, decide on an extended warranty using the FTC's checklist, and check price-match and return policies.
Read the guide →Smart Buying
When Things Go on Sale: A Buying Calendar
Typical times of year when retailers run sales on appliances, electronics, mattresses, cars and seasonal items, plus how to tell a real deal from a fake one. Patterns, not promises.
Read the guide →
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
Affiliate disclosure: some links on our site may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
— the ForLowerBills team
Lower your bills this week, free
- A bill-cutting checklist across 7 areas of your budget
- Word-for-word call scripts to ask for a lower rate
- A quick-wins table of things you can do this week