>> Production funding and educational outreach for Biz Kids is provided by a coalition of America's credit unions, where people are worth more than money.

A complete list of individual credit union funders is available at wxxi.org.

>> Every day, America's credit unions help members with their financial needs and with programs like Invest in America.

It's only fitting that credit unions support Biz Kids because financial education is what we do.

Learn more at lovemycreditunion.org.

( music blaring ) >> Hey, Oki, what are you listening to?

Oki, what are you listening to?

>> You know, I honestly can't tell.

>> Ah, so, uh, new headphones?

>> Yeah.

My old ones got caught on my coat zipper, so I had to pick these up at the mini mart.

Aw, shoot!

>> You okay?

>> No, you know, these are awful.

They don't fit like my old ones used to and the sound's really bad.

But, hey, they're pretty cheap at least.

>> Yeah, but, you know, I got some new headphones too and, you know, I just did a little bit of research, shopped around, looked online, and they cost a little bit more but, man, they sound sweet.

>> Well... so, what are you listening to then?

Hey... hey, Austin.

Hey, what are you listening to?

>> Biz Kids.

>> ♪ When making money is the aim ♪ These kids they bring their game ♪ They're the Biz Kids Can you dig it?

♪ They know what's up and let you know ♪ Just how to make that dough ♪ They're the Biz Kids Right on.

♪ So learn a little more about bringing money through the door ♪ They're the Biz Kids Right on.

♪ >> Okay, so we all know how to buy things, right?

Give your money, take your stuff, and go home.

>> Well, I bet most people can do that.

>> Well, then, it looks like a pretty short show today.

All right, I'm out of here.

>> Whoa, hold on, Lauren.

There's more to buying stuff than just slapping down cash and running.

>> Well, you could use a credit card.

>> Very funny.

Look, if you buy things, you're a consumer, and if you don't put much thought into it, that's all you are.

But a Biz Kid knows the importance of being a smart consumer-- getting the most for your money.

And what is a smart consumer, you ask?

>> Well, no I didn't ask, but I expect it's someone who knows a lot about what they're buying, knows how much they want to spend, and thinks carefully about the decision.

>> Spoken like a Biz Kid.

And how does one become a smart consumer, you ask?

>> I didn't ask... >> Ah, but you will.

Look, the show's just starting.

You don't want to leave now, do you?

That wouldn't be a smart consumer.

That wouldn't be a Biz Kid.

>> A consumer is someone who uses goods or services.

But that's just my explanation.

Let's hit the streets and see what others think.

>> Consumer is someone that buys.

>> People that buy things.

>> Anybody who has a need and they need to fill it.

>> Human being.

>> A monkey.

>> We're consumers.

>> Average Joe.

>> Someone who contributes to the American economy.

>> And he buys stuff that he so- called needs.

>> Going to the movies... >> You can go to all the movies you want to.

>> Or sometimes doesn't... >> A consumer is... >> Somebody that consumes products or goods.

>> I'm a consumer because I'm out looking for some shoes to buy.

>> Truth is, one of these days you won't be able to buy yourself a new pair of shoes.

>> Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>> I'm the princess for Seafair Indian Days Powwow.

I'm a Native American dancer.

When I compete, uh, if I place, I get money, but when I go there my focus is to pray for the people that are sick in my family.

>> I'm Talia Reisner, I'm 15 and I'm a Biz Kid.

I'm a typical teenager.

I love to go out, hang out with my friends.

I love to shop, love to sing, I love to play basketball.

I love to volunteer.

I love to baby-sit.

I love to eat.

Whoo, there's so many things.

Shop, sing, I love to eat.

Most of all, I'm a shmart... shmart...( laughs ) I said "shmart"...

But most of all, I'm a smart consumer.

Ow!

Oh, my God.

Whoo!

Snaps.

I like to eat here because on Tuesdays they have 75-cent hamburgers.

Whoo!

I'm a smart consumer so I can save my money to work as a teen advocate.

Hey, Biz Kid, every store has a sale cycle.

That means every three months the store gets new clothes.

But that doesn't mean the clothes are old.

You can still put together a cool outfit for 20 bucks.

Let's shop.

Hey, Mom, look at this dress.

Isn't this pretty?

>> Hey, $13.00, originally $19.00.

You should try this on.

>> It is so cute.

>> It is so cute.

>> It's bright and cute.

>> Wow, look at this, Talia.

A $27.00 dress.

It's marked down to $6.98.

This is a deal.

>> I think that's a good deal, too.

This is really cute.

How much is this shirt?

It's $4.98.

So, $4.98 plus that is $15.00.

Okay, I'm going to try on a couple outfits to see which one is the best.

Now this is my favorite outfit.

It's so cute.

I save my money to put it back into my travels, long-distance powwows, and to work as a peer council for youth.

I most advocate up in South Dakota because that's where, like, the number-one suicide is, and every time I go up there, I get, like, a lot of calls from teens who try to commit suicide and I talk them out of it.

If I didn't save my money, I probably wouldn't have met the teens that have been trying to commit suicide.

Like, I probably wouldn't have saved somebody's life if I didn't have the money.

They think that nobody cares for them, but I'm there to tell them that they do have people who care, and I'm one of them.

I'm Talia Reisner, and I'm a smart consumer.

>> Now another visit with Compulsive and Compare Kid.

Staring Compulsive Kid... >> I have to have it right now >> And Compare Kid... >> Do you really need it right now?

>> Let's do something!

Let's do something, come on, let's do something!

>> Okay, we could... >> Let's watch TV!

>> This phone is hot, hot, hot.... >> Oh, my gosh!

Oh, my gosh!

That is the coolest phone I've ever seen.

I have to have it.

I have to have it right now!

>> It is pretty cool, but do you really need it right now?

>> Yes, I do!

Uh-huh.

Yeah, no, totally.

Uh-huh.

I'm here with Compare Kid.

Talk to you later.

So how about my new phone, huh?

>> It's nice.

>> Thanks.

It only cost me $200.

Totally worth it.

What have you been doing?

>> I thought I would get one too, so I spent some time online comparing prices and doing research and then I bought one.

>> Well, where is it?

>> In the mail.

>> You didn't get overnight shipping?

What is wrong with you?

>> It was really expensive and standard shipping was free.

>> Yeah, but then you have to wait.

( knock at door ) >> Ooh, that's probably it.

>> Package guy's here.

>> Here it is.

Just 19.99.

>> Yeah, but I've had mine for a week.

What's that?

>> It's a catalog that came with this.

>> Oh, my gosh!

That is the coolest video game ever!

I have to have that!

Right now!

>> The King.

Consumer Tour 2008.

>> I'm about to go out there and sing for these young people, and I'm going to sing songs about being a smart consumer, okay?

Because if you're not a smart consumer, there are people out there that are going to try to rip you off.

And, uh, so you got to be smart.

You got to look for quality products, good prices.

Case in point: this suit I'm wearing right here.

The guy who sold it to me told me it was one of a kind.

Yeah.

So I bought seven of them.

>> All right kids, let's have a nice, warm welcome for the King of Kaching.

>> The man with two hats bought 3,000 pounds of liquid cheese for a dollar.

The man with the bowl on his head bought 7500 hundred pounds of liquid cheese for a dollar.

( audience booing ) >> Good show here, Mr. Kaching.

>> Yeah it was, wasn't it?

Triumph!

Oh, man, what a show.

I killed!

>> Anyone can be a smart consumer, just like anyone can be a bad consumer.

>> But a smart consumer takes some more thinking.

See, a smart consumer knows how much they're allowed to spend.

>> Right.

You don't go into a store and buy some overpriced item just because you want to.

That's being a bad consumer.

>> A smart consumer is well- informed on the good or service they're about to buy.

>> You don't make big purchases without doing research, and you don't buy something just because a salesperson told you to.

Again, that's being a bad consumer.

>> Exactly.

A smart consumer is well- informed on the ways the seller influences their decision.

>> A flashy ad or a high-powered sales pitch might make you think that you need something, but if you know what they're trying to get you to do, then you won't make a bad decision and you won't be a bad consumer.

>> Yup, and the smart consumer knows their rights.

>> You don't have to settle for low-quality goods and services or a seller treating you badly.

>> Miriam, how do you know so much about being a bad consumer?

>> Well, Kaelon...

I watched you shop.

>> I just went to ( inaudible ) and I bought this, like, $50 shirt.

It was so good!

>> Keeping up with the times in the world of fashion means you've got to be months ahead.

But being months ahead may mean you've got to be years behind.

Is that clear?

>> Welcome to Beverly Hills.

You have arrived on Rodeo Drive.

>> Hi, I'm Justin Kennedy.

I'm a personal shopper.

I'm here in Beverly Hills at Barney's New York, one of my favorite stores.

Let's go on in.

So you may wonder, what is a personal shopper?

If you can believe it, people, celebrities even, pay me to go shopping for them, for lots of stuff-- bags, luggage, books, gifts, clothes.

No?

Yes?

Maybe?

No.

One of my favorite things to shop for, obviously for celebrities, you got to have sunglasses.

>> Ahh, sexy.

>> $1,500 dog bowl.

Only $620.

As many pairs of shoes as possible.

Got to have sparkles.

These crazy ones.

It's fun to spend other people's money to get really great items-- stuff that I wouldn't personally be able to afford, but these people can afford, kind of, whatever they want.

My main job as being a personal shopper is to be a smart consumer.

Every project has a different budget, and my job is to stay within that budget.

In considering a smart purchase, if it's going to be something they'll wear once, maybe they don't want to spend the money on it.

But if it's a pair of jeans then maybe they want to spend a little bit more, because they're going to be wearing it every day.

So all these little factors you have to take into consideration to make these smart purchases and be a smart consumer.

Today I'm shopping for a young actress and musician named Brie Larson.

She's been shooting a movie and she's been super busy, and she's hired me to come down and get her an outfit for the wrap party.

>> There's a lot of different stores you can go to that have a lot of really cute things, but they're not going to fit in my budget.

The $100 price tag for a dress is just too much for me, so that's where Justin comes in.

>> So now we're at H&M, which is a great place to shop.

It has great styles, and it's in a... it's in a better budget for what Brie's doing.

Her budget's not as big as some of the other celebrities I work with, so I come here, I find the same sort of things that we can find at Barneys, but at a more reasonable price.

So, uh, let's go check it out.

Oh, this is great.

It's well made.

It's totally young and fun.

$40.

This looks like her style.

Oh, this is really cute.

It's $24.50.

She'll love it.

I know it.

This is a great black dress.

And $30.00.

So, you can't beat that.

So we're finally here with Brie.

I've been shopping all day.

I've got so many great looks for you.

I can't wait to show them to you.

It's going to be awesome.

>> Justin, thank you.

Thank you.

>> You're welcome.

>> I love this one.

>> I love this one, too.

>> I'm a big fan of the simple black dress, just because I think it's something you're going to wear again and again.

You can wear it to this event, t you can still continue to wear it to other things.

>> I think I...

I think I agree.

>> Do you agree?

Great.

Let's try that one.

>> I can help you guys right over here.

>> Total's $46.22.

>> Wow.

>> What?

>> Under 50 bucks.

>> All of this for under 50... you're a smart shopper!

>> Thank you.

>> Thanks so much, guys.

Have a great day.

>> Thank you.

>> Awesome.

Bye.

>> Thank you so much, Justin.

>> Have fun at the party.

I'll see you soon.

>> You're amazing.

>> Thanks.

Another happy customer.

>> Captain's log.

Star date: lunch time.

Our dilithium crystals are running low, so now we are comparison shopping.

>> Capitalist Kirk, I'm getting incoming messages from two dilithium sources.

>> Put one on the screen.

>> I've got dilithium crystals, all low-mile cream puffs.

Nice and clean.

Buy now and I'll throw in custom chrome and tinting.

I even take trade-ins.

See me today.

>> Hmmm, custom chrome and tinting sounds cool.

>> We have no knowledge of the crystal's quality.

>> Aye, we cannot trust this lad nigh farther than we can throw him.

>> All right, put the other one up.

>> I'm sending you technical specs on our two best crystals, along with a price list and a catalog.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at this toll- free sub-space channel.

>> It would appear this source can withstand scrutiny.

>> So, Stock, do you have any suggestions?

>> There is really only one logical choice, Captain.

The... the second, sir.

>> All right, Stock.

We'll go with your recommendation, but see if you can't get them to throw in the custom chrome and tinting.

>> And they're out of the gate, and Smart Consumer... >> Bust bad consumers... >> Best video game ever!

>> Smart Consumer's extending his lead by four lengths!

>> Go, Smart Consumer, go!

>> I have to have that!

I have to... >> Consumer violations will be... >> Hey Biz Kid, want to learn how to be a smart consumer?

I'll show you how.

>> Consumers buy a lot of eggs.

You can save as much as a dollar a dozen by packaging the eggs yourself.

Saved a buck, and that's no yolk.

You see lots of people walking around with plastic disposable water bottles.

Not only are they bad for the environment, but they are also very expensive.

It's far cheaper to buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up with tap water, or water in bulk.

That was easy.

>> Smarter, smarter, smarter, smarter.

>> Many stores have a bulk department, which carries everything from candy to granola, and you can save a lot of money by packaging the food yourself.

I can buy as little as I need, or as much as want.

I love chocolate covered raisins.

I am a very careful shopper.

We as consumers trust our stores to give us safe food at reasonable prices.

But still, there are certain things that you should look for.

For example, in the produce department, think C.O.O.L.-- Country Of Origin Label, which tells you where your certain food is from.

Now, local is very important, because it means the food is fresher, and it took less energy to transport.

Boop, boop, boop, boop.

Would you like a carrot?

And now let's go meet the meat.

The meat.

The meat.

Beef eye round steak.

I like steak.

Steak works.

In the meat department, always be sure to take time and read the label.

Read the label.

Read the label.

Always look for the "sell by" date, which shows you how fresh the meat is.

If the price has been reduced, that may mean the meat is getting older and losing flavor, and that is no bargain.

>> Hey, be a smart consumer.

Energy bars are a great snack for active kids.

For example, this product has organic crispy rice, evaporated cane juice, organic molasses, organic brown rice syrup, organic peanut butter.

This product's pretty good.

But always remember to check the nutrition facts label to look for healthy ingredients.

And remember, you as the consumer have the right to contact the manufacturer with questions or comments.

So you see, being a smart consumer isn't all that difficult.

You look at labels, ingredients, and make sure you consider all of your options if you only remember one thing, Biz Kid... >> Hey lady, your cart!

>> Let me see your driver's license, sir.

>> Monkey.

>> What seems to be the trouble, officer?

>> You know what's the trouble.

You paid way too much for this automo... >> The price of $700, it looks... >> Dollar Parton goes back to her country roots... >> Trying to sell his products... >> You get these great songs: "I Looked at the Coupon and What Did it Say?"

>> ♪ I looked at the coupon and what did it say?

♪ The expiration date was yesterday.

♪ >> "Easy Credit, No Money Down."

>> There are a lot of things out there that'll suck up your money.

The trick is to make smart purchases.

>> Smart purchases?

What makes purchases smart?

>> Well, for example, what are you doing tonight?

>> Going to the movies with Dan.

>> Perfect.

There's a lot of things you can do at the movie to save money.

Like, what time are you going?

>> Around 7:00 I think.

>> Or you could go to an earlier showing and save money.

>> That's right, because at the matinee they charge less for the same movie.

>> Exactly.

And how are you going to get there?

>> We're going to drive.

>> Or you could take the bus to save money on parking.

>> Great idea.

Parking is so expensive.

Smart thinking.

>> Nope.

Smart spending.

>> Inside Reel Girls, take one.

>> The Reel Girls is a media program that teaches young women how to make their own films, because we really believe that media is made by adults, and there's a youth voice that's missing.

>> We are the Reel Girls!

>> We learn how to make our own films, then we can submerge ourself into the industry and make things and make a difference.

>> You have a tremendous amount of power as a filmmaker.

So why is it even important for us to talk about advertising?

How many ads do you think you see in a day?

>> A thousand?

>> 3,000 ads.

>> You're not supposed to say that, you know that already.

>> So you see ads everywhere.

Where do you see ads?

>> You can see advertising on t- shirts, for companies or designers.

>> On the Internet.

>> Every page.

>> Pop-up page... >> When you're going to send an e-mail... >> Before you can actually get to your home profile.

>> Always on the top.

>> Do you ever have ads that actually make you feel fearful?

>> Like if you have dimples in your thighs and stuff.

And if you have cellulite, then it's like, then I'm not beautiful.

I need this product to be beautiful.

>> Fear is a huge issue.

>> Fear!

>> What kind of tactics are you going to use to try to sell a product?

>> Celebrity.

>> Fabulous skinny legs.

>> How is that possible?!

>> In real life, she had a huge head, and a little stick body.

Camera loves a big head.

>> It looks good on camera.

>> Your brain is hardwired to look at the light colored or the brightest thing.

So on this one, I'm looking at those lips-- wow-- and those teeth, which have been photoshopped.

What makes a TV ad get your attention?

>> Repetition, repetition, repetition.

>> Show the commercial over and over again.

>> Repetition, repetition.

>> You see that product over and over and it's just drilled into your brain.

>> And then you buy it and it's really small and dinky, and then you're like, this is not worth my money.

>> And sometimes they way overprice something just so they can put it on sale.

>> Are advertisers lying when they're doing this, or is it up to you to be the smart consumer?

>> They're not lying.

They're just kind of stretching the truth.

>> If we read all the fine print then we'll have enough information to be smart about it.

>> Sometimes if you read magazines there are reviews on different products and you can learn about what's good about them, what's bad about them, and make your... make the choice that's best for you.

>> Hey, Biz Kid, be a smart consumer.

>> And now it's time for today's Biz Kid Biz Quiz.

Smart consumers will... A: Buy whatever, regardless of cost; B: Buy stuff because cool people have it; C: Compare products and stores to find the best deal; or D: Scream and cry until their mothers buy it for them.

If you answered C, you're right, and you're thinking like a Biz Kid.

>> Being a smart consumer really isn't that hard.

The difference is that the most important shopping work is done before they even enter the store.

>> Let's say you're thinking of buying a laptop.

Or let's say she's thinking of buying a laptop.

She'll first want to see what other people think of it by reading reviews, checking ratings, or talking to people.

>> She'll want to compare more than one store to find the best deal.

And she'll set out a budget to make sure she has the money to spend.

>> A big part of being a smart consumer is seeing through the advertising and selling techniques used in the stores.

>> One thing to remember is to focus on the details.

If a salesperson or someone is pressuring you into buying something, look elsewhere.

>> So how'd all this work out for our shopper?

Good gear at a great price, bought by a smart consumer.

>> You mean a smart Biz Kid.

>> Good goat, good goat.

>> Buying goat on Cave Shopping Network make bad consumer.

>> But there were only five left.

I felt the pressure.

>> Selling for half the usual price.

>> If commercials had subtitles.

>> Come on and admit it, you deserve the best.

>> For a limited time only... >> Prices have been slashed.

>> They used to be unbelievable.

Now they're just ridiculous.

>> It's the brand the big stars use.

>> Are you tired of being ripped off?

>> Then come see us today!

( evil chuckling ) >> I can sell anything.

>> It's Biz Kids around the globe.

This week's smart consumer goes to Hong Kong, China.

>> Shopping is the best part of taking a trip to Hong Kong.

Basically you have to bargain, that's a big part of it-- bargaining.

You take the price you give them, but then you ask for less.

Bargaining is a big part of shopping here.

You have to practice your skills.

Shopping, you have to be careful.

You have to make certain you get the right thing.

And you have to be certain you get what you pay for.

Unfortunately, bargaining is useless in normal stores.

But it's necessary in markets.

>> It's Biz Kids around the glo... >> Hey Jacob, check out my new car.

Bought it used, runs like new.

>> Let's go, buddy.

>> Biz Kid, I'm going to show you how to buy a car.

Yeah, baby!

I'm Blaire Jordan.

I'm 16-- I mean, 15.

If made a bad car choice, the worst thing that could happen is I'd have to trade it in and get a new car.

But I've done my research so I think whenever I get my car I'm going to like it a lot.

I need a car because I'm a diver so I need to get to dive practice.

And I work.

And I need to get to school.

So it's just easier for my parents because they both work full-time jobs for me to be able to get myself around.

>> Have you considered a smart car?

>> Yeah, but they're really expensive.

I'm saving up my money from my jobs.

>> I work at Zeke's Pizza.

And I'm a lifeguard and swim instructor.

Buddy, climb out of the pool.

Come on, buddy.

Climb out, let's go.

Yeah, it hasn't been easy saving for a car.

I mean, there's stuff I always want to buy, but I know that I have to keep saving, so...

I've done a lot of research.

I've looked on craigslist and looked at a lot of cars.

I like this one, but it's a lot.

It's 94 and that's too much.

I think I'm pretty good when it comes to shopping.

I mean, I like to look at the sales.

>> This one is priced at 17,9.

>> I know that I don't want a brand-new car.

I know I want it to be used because I know I have to pay my insurance and my gas so... >> This is an '03 Volkswagen Jetta sedan.

>> I wanted something different.

I don't really want a Jetta.

I want a biodiesel or an electric but mainly biodsiesel because it's environmentally friendly.

I like the Golf TDIs.

Global warming is happening and you can't ignore it so you should do your part to help.

Smells way better anyway, so... >> I suggested that Blaire buy a Kurrent.

>> I looked at the Kurrents, but they're really small.

>> Where are my friends going to go?

>> It's a two-seater so she can't take all of her friends with her.

>> I don't know.

>> It has a top speed of 35 miles an hour.

It has a range of 20 miles so she can't get more than ten miles from home.

>> It doesn't go very far from home, I hear.

>> Probably why a lot of parents want their kids to get Kurrents.

>> They don't go fast and they don't go far, so...

I couldn't go to Seattle if I wanted to and that kind of thing, so... Is this a Golf TDI?

>> It is, actually.

>> So this is the black biodiesel, automatic, fully loaded... Yeah, baby!

This is going to be my car, Mother.

>> Blaire made a smart choice with the Volkswagen TDI because she can run biodiesel on it.

>> I know I want a biodiesel car.

>> It has great cargo capacity.

>> For, like, skiing and stuff I can take it up to the mountains and that kind of thing.

>> But if she's got to carry around a couple of extra friends, she can pop the seats back up and give them a ride.

>> I would like to drive my friends around.

>> This kid, she's quite a Biz Kid.

She's done her research and she knows what she's getting.

>> Here are your keys.

>> Whoo-hoo!

I'm a smart consumer-- a smart consumer-- a smart consumer.

>> When it comes to smart consuming, buy where the pros shop.

Discount swimwear at Smart Consumer Mall.

Come on down, see us today.

>> Hey guys, ready to go to the mall?

>> Just a minute.

>> Okay, what's going on?

>> Just a sec.

I'm looking at this review of this camera I want to buy.

>> I'm comparing prices on a skateboard helmet I want to get.

>> And I'm looking at online ratings of this video game I'm interested in.

>> Okay, cool.

I'll just wait right here then.

Yeah, I'll wait.

You know how to be a real smart consumer?

Spend so much time researching that you don't actually buy anything.

>> Here it is.

Found it.

They only have one left and I have to get it.

Come on!

>> Hmm, a little compulsive are we?

>> Hey Biz Kid... Hey... >> Consumer, hmm.

You know, he consumes products.

>> All I want to find out is what kind of a price you have on the XT65 turntable.

>> Why don't you really go first class and get one of these XT95s?

Now there's a rig, one of the finest made.

Elliptical diamond stylus... ( garbled speech ) >> Consumer is someone who shops.

>> We're consumers.

>> Actually, a buyer.

>> And I'm a consumer.

( man yelling ) >> A smart consumer knows when to run.

>> Now that's smart shopping.

Whoo!

>> Hey, do you know a successful business?

>> Maybe you're a Biz Kid.

If so, we want to hear about it.

Got some video?

We want to see it.

>> So check out bizkids.com to find out all the details, and maybe we'll see you on the show.

>> Yeah, like us.

>> What's so special about us?

>> We're on TV.

>> Does make us pretty special.

>> Yeah.

>> Just check out the Web site, because if you're a Biz Kid, we want to hear from you.

>> Production funding and educational outreach for Biz Kids is provided by a coalition of America's credit unions, where people are worth more than money.

A complete list of individual credit union funders is available at wxxi.org.

>> Every day, America's credit unions help members with their financial needs and with programs like Invest in America.

It's only fitting that credit unions support Biz Kids because financial education is what we do.

Learn more at lovemycreditunion.org.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org