Guest Author - Cate Brizzell

So, you're thinking about making that next big purchase. A used car, perhaps. A new fridge. Washer and dryer. How do you know which model meets your needs? Which brand is most reliable? Which one performs best?

Since 1936 Consumer Reports magazine has performed independent testing on all sorts of products, from insurance to air purifiers to new cars to shampoos. Because the magazine doesn't accept advertising, it claims its reviews and results are free from bias. Consumers are actively sought for both opinions and reviews. The force behind Consumer Reports is the Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to "work for a fair, just and safe marketplace for all consumers" and to "empower consumers to protect themselves".

With the advent of the internet, you can now tap into Consumer Reports' vast database of reviews and results with just the click of a mouse. For $26 a year, you can have access to www.ConsumerReports.org, 24/7. You get access to the latest issues of the magazine, searchable ratings, famous CR "Best Buys", advice on where to buy online, forums, consumer opinions and user reviews, and recalls and product safety information.

Just looking to do one-time research? Pay $5.95 and get access for one month.

But beware! All online subscriptions are auto-renewing. That means your credit card will be charged monthly or annually unless you notify them you wish to cancel.

So what are some of the different products you'll find tested and reviewed? It's not just appliances and SUV's. In addition to cars and appliances, you can find information on electronics, home and garden, babies and kids, money (including shopping, investing, insurance, credit and loans) and food.

To get the most out of www.ConsumerReports.org, take a few hours to peruse the entire site. Look at all the categories. You may be surprised at how your favorite products rate, or what items are being tested and reviewed. We found out that expensive wines and $10 wines can have very little difference in taste. We changed our brand as a result--and saved a ton of money!

If you're looking to do specialized research, Consumer Union offers many more sites in addition to www.ConsumerReports.org, such as Car Price Services, New Car Buying Kit, Used Car Buying Kit, Consumer Reports Health, Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, Consumer Reports OnHealth, Greener Choices and WebWatch. To access these sites, just visit www.ConsumerReports.org and click on "Our Web Sites" in the very top right corner.

Some of the other Consumer Union sites may require additional fees, but like the ConsumerReports.org fee or magazine subscription, all prices are reasonable and will likely save you money many times over during the lifetime of your purchase.

Impulse buying is never a good idea. Whether you're buying a $7 shampoo or a $70,000 luxury sedan, take a little time to consult Consumer Reports and find out whether the product you're purchasing is worth every penny. You just might be surprised!