Abstract: Since product information is frequently unavailable in press and media reports which protect the needs of advertisers over consumers, advice concerning the advantages and disadvantages of all sorts of products is presented in a guide for shoppers. Based on the premise that consumers need to be informed whenever making a purchase, guidelines for buying items ranging from a Christmas tree to baby foods are suggested. The how-to's of buying a car, a house, furniture, appliances, foods, cosmetics, drugs, vacation trips, shoes, furs, bicycles, watches, pets, etc., are discussed. Tips concerning home, health and life insurance, funerals, taxes, retirement plans and other aspects of financial planning are described. Miscellaneous topics cover buying by mail, shipping items, and summer camp. Since consumer advice is not always heeded, a chapter on where to complain is included.