This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in the June 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Never buy fur from a traveling salesman

Words to save by, at least when we wrote them in 1938. Consumer Reports' current staff and readers offer money-saving tips. But first, a look at our advice from past rocky financial times. So much has changed, and so little.

August 1938

"If your son reacts to the summer and vacation months with such vigor that he runs through a pair of sneakers in six weeks, try him out on Penco Air Cooled. At 98¢ they should outlast various nationally advertised brands selling at prices up to $1.50."

January 1939

"It is, of course, quite unnecessary to invest your money with a company which is not subject to responsible supervision either from its trustees or a government agency; which mysteriously conceals the nature of its securities; and which penalizes you heavily for failure to make payments."

April 1945

"This is one of the worst times in the history of our country to buy a new Spring or Summer outfit."

October 1981

"We think one clear fact is better than any slogan: Saving energy is the same as saving money."

January 1982

"A new-car buyer has a right to expect reliable, trouble-free transportation—something that domestic automakers have had trouble providing as of late."

June 1987

"Paying for health care, whether it's the monthly Blue Cross premium, a hospital bill, or a jar of skin medication, has become nearly impossible for families at the edge."

Perhaps there's some comfort in knowing that as in the past, the more information consumers have, the better able we all are to weather these difficult times. Consumers Union will do everything possible to keep bringing you that information.