The unemployment rate of United States would reach to a record high 7% since World War II. Some big chain stores, such as Circuit City, Linen and Things, are out of business. However, Walmart is one of a few winners at the current stock market. Why? Save money is the most popular topic everywhere and it is also Walmart’s slogan.

Which purchase is better
Most of time people have a misconception that cheap is equal to save. But it doesn’t always work that way in the real world. I remembered that I had an experience to buy a dish rack in Walmart. It is supposed to be a stainless steel one at an inexpensive price. However, it became rusty only in a couple of weeks. You could say: not that bad for only around $20. Throw it away and get a new one. If you really consider how many those items you have bought in 2008, you will be surprised how much you spend on those useless save. On the other hand, a pair of running shoes from Adidas is still with me for a couple of years. Even I wear a lot but still an excellent condition like a new one. The price is $120. Which purchase is better? So the price is never, ever your only determined factor for your purchase.

Answer to the best buy
Now it is the time to answer the question what the best buy is. The answer is the high quality product with an affordable price. The definition of high quality depends on the type of the products. Different categories have different quality features. The affordable price is not only based on the product itself, but also determined by your own economic basis. One people would think that the price range of $20 – $40 is reasonable but the other would think that $50 – $100 is the choice. Many factors are weighed including your salary, your family, and your purchase habit.

How to be the best buy
Recession is not just the bad thing. It can push you to know before you buy. Knowledge is power. It works everywhere from high technology to your daily shopping. For example, shopping of clothing and clothing accessories is never-ending hot topic for women. When you are in the shopping mall, you will be confused by the different price for the similar clothing. You could find a $5 T shirt in Walmart or $30 for a similar at another store. What is the difference and how to identify that? For clothing, it is important to read the fabric content tag. It can tell you the fabric, such as cotton, silk, or polyester. The fabric is one of the most important factors for the price. Also you could feel the fabric weight, density, and stitching details which bad quality shows loose stitch in the same unit length. If you have a plan to be a smart shopper, why not spend 10 minutes a day to google something you are interested in? Usually, online shopping websites are happy to share their expert view on some certain products.

Over Purchase 
That is the big hurdle to your best buy. Have a rule in your mind: you buy because you need it, not you want it for a cheap price. Believe it or not, you could find a lot of this category in your wardrobe.

Be knowledgeable makes you a smart buyer and you also win a big, real save for your better life.