Starting a Christmas savings scheme will make shopping less stressful and the way you save will make a big difference to how much cash you'll have.

I had to buy a book recently. It hurt. Much as I love books, my financially sensible self would rather get them from the library or stock up on a few good novels at the school fair at $2 to $3 each.

The owner of the Mr Whippy master franchise says Auckland's frozen dessert market is close to reaching "saturation point".

We are conditioned to expect a bargain online but sometimes it's just as cheap to buy at a shop, where you get to touch and feel the product and discuss it with a salesperson, writes Diana Clement.

Kiwis are splashing out on wining, dining and big-ticket items such as new cars and household furniture as consumer confidence hits a nine-year high.

Asian consumers increasingly viewing health supplements as "an investment rather than an expense" are driving growth in New Zealand's natural products industry.

Is it worth paying more for a razor just because it's pink?

Most households could easily cut their power bills by 10 per cent by making small adjustments, energy conservation experts say.

Consumers' plastic cards saw more of the light of day last month, but the trend suggests some loss of momentum in retail spending.

Want to be dazzled by an unimaginable range of crafts? Then visit Etsy.com for a jaw-dropping experience. It has more than 25 million items for sale, writes Diana Clement.

Next time you're ordering wine with a meal out, don't be afraid to order the cheapest - it's probably the best value.

Apple's iPad Air has come out on top of a review of 28 tablet computers by Consumer NZ.

Aliexpress.com is where small- to medium-sized Chinese retailers sell almost every known product.

Solar power systems can save households money, but don't expect them to eliminate your power bill.

Sport, music and art fans have no choice but to front up for added charges to attend this weekend's event bonanza, as ticketing agents continue to tack on extra fees.

Pet owners are paying hundreds of dollars every year for insurance to ward off expensive vet bills.

It might be the thought that counts but when it comes to Valentine's Day, Kiwis are leaving such thoughts to the last minute.

The most romantic day of the year is a problem many men and women throw money at. Yet there are plenty of ways to save money on Valentine's Day and still be romantic.

A few months ago, we tried to make a booking for a holiday home via Holiday Houses. By accident, my wife clicked February 12 and 13 instead of January 12 and 13.

Want to know which are the best mozzie repellants? Volunteers bravely exposed their arms to 50 of the pests for this Consumer NZ survey.

Consumer NZ says power prices for Kiwi households should fall after years of relentless increases including a 3% annual rise revealed in the latest official data.

Kiwis snapped up almost a million boxes of cutlery in the latest Countdown sticker promotion.

Guys, do you plan to propose to your loved one on Christmas Day?

A DIY approach to gift baskets will save you money this Christmas, writes Susan Edmunds.

Three inexpensive sunscreens sold in supermarkets have come out tops in Consumer NZ testing.

Still paying for your mobile phone calls and texts? It won't be long before you're in the minority.

According to Toyworld, the top 10 toys for Christmas include back-to-the-future Cabbage Patch Kids, Furby toys, LeapPad Ultras, and Robo Fish.

Almost all Kiwis think third-party vehicle insurance should be compulsory, a new survey shows. But they're being warned: Be careful what you wish for.

Gourmet-isation of pet food is on the rise. Owners of pets, like parents of babies, are made to feel guilty if they don't buy the right foods.

As NZ television goes digital, independent TV channels are recording big increases in audience numbers - which can then translate into advertising dollars.