Consumer Reports Money Adviser (1-year auto-renewal)

I would recommend this publication to anyone that wants unbiased information regarding personal finance. I have been a subscriber for several years now, and I look forward to getting this magazine in the mail. The great thing about Consumer Reports is that it does not receive advertising dollars; thus, the publisher is less likely to be persuaded to push particular financial products. Every month, there is a feature that discusses a topic regarding a financial issue, and the article provides in-dept instructions regarding that issue. I have not seen another financial magazine that is as thorough regarding financial instructions to improve one's financial capabilities and assets as this magazine.

I got a hold of a 6 months issues of "Money Adviser". In the nutshell, Money Adviser is an 16-page publication without advertisement (hence the cost of publishing is transferred to the subscriber). Here is the content of the November 2011 issue (and my summary of the article). Tell me if it is something you don't hear elsewhere...

1. Article: "Watch out for the new bank fees" (Summary: Banks ramp up fees, examples of fees; consider switching to a small community bank; how to switch)

2. "Why you can't judge a deal by its list price" (Don't believe the list price stated on the price sticker, check the price on the internet. Examples)

3. "Black Friday survival tip" (Check prices carefully, sign up for email alerts, check return policy)

4. "Don't sabotage your portfolio" (Stick with a long-term plan, Maintain the balance, Keep the right amount of cash, Don't invest impulsively)

5. "Refinance to a shorter-term mortgage?" (Calculate savings in interest, Can you afford higher payment? Are you better off investing the difference in stock market?)

6. "Dividends or stock buybacks" (What's better for a shareholder dividends or stock buybacks? Bottom line either one is good)

7. "Is another recession on the way?" (Economists can be wrong, so stay put and stick with your long-term plan)

8. "Real estate that pays dividends" (Look into REITs for they pay high dividends, Table with REIT Mutual Funds)

9. "When did charities get picky" (Some charities got picky, so have a plan B when your old sofa is refused by the charity)

10. "A plan for charitable bequests" (Your heirs will benefit more from appreciated assets than your IRA and why)

11. "Get the best deal on a used car" (Don't reveal what you can afford, negotiate, be ready to walk away, check vehicle history)

12. "Rebalance and consolidate" (Rebalance and consolidate)

13. Q&A (Q: Should I tip a workman? Q: Where to check annuity issuers? Q: Cashier wants my security code why?)

I hope by number 5 you realized (like I did), that Money Adviser is no different from any other financial publication (in terms of contents). However, it's much smaller (compare with 80 pages of Kiplinger's or Money Magazines).

Bottom line Decide for yourself if it's worth extra 20 dollars a year.

Buy Consumer Reports Money Adviser (1-year auto-renewal) Now

It took a little while to get this product (maybe 2 weeks). They indicated when I subscribed it would take longer so I wasn't too disappointed. I read through the magazine and it reads much like the regular Consumer Reports magazine it appears to be unbiased and trustworthing information that I can trust. I do wish it was a little longer but for the price I believe it is fair.

Read Best Reviews of Consumer Reports Money Adviser (1-year auto-renewal) Here

After a year's subscription I honestly have to say that I am disappointed. Most of the financial info is the same as some of the websites that get my daily news and from one of the major big box stores that issue a free magazine. The only thing this is really good for and what I got out of it is that it confirms what I already know. After a year's time and a few dollars spent on this, I would rather ask my financial adviser instead of renewing another year.

Update. While this subscription may not be for me, I do have to say that for someone who does not have a financial background it would be worth the money because not everyone is familiar with finance and CR is very credible for the general public.

Want Consumer Reports Money Adviser (1-year auto-renewal) Discount?

I've been a subscriber for several years and still look forward to getting the publication in the mail and reading it. And I usually read it a couple of times there aren't a lot of pages so it doesn't take that long. Much of the info is general in nature and is available elsewhere if you keep up with basic financial news and events. But I occasionally pick up a "gem" from the publication which makes the cost worth it. I wish it contained more information in each issue (had more pages). And in the title of this review I say "mostly unbiased" because every person, organization, and company in the world is biased in one way or another, including Consumer Reports. In conclusion, 4 stars = very good, but not great. Will I continue to subscribe? Yes.

Save 52% Off