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What's In A Name? (Sometimes, not much)

--ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions shows you how to save by paying for the product, not for the brand

Whirlpool for Kenmore. Toyota for Lexus and Scion. Electrolux for Frigidaire and Tappan.

Many products, from food to televisions and cars are made by the same manufacturer, but marketed under different brand names. Very similar products perceived to have a higher end brand name cost significantly more.

If you aren't overly impressed by status brands, you can get good deals to help balance your household budget.

Twinned Vehicles

According to Edmunds.com, "twinned vehicles" have the same chassis and most of the same interior parts, but are made with different sheet metal and interior design. These twin vehicles are sold under different brand names but marketed as unique vehicles. Automakers save costs by introducing "new" models by simply changing the badges, grille and other styling details.

Examples of twinned vehicles include the Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry; the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5; the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage and the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

A quick Internet search will provide you with an up-to-date list. Equipped with this knowledge, you can make a more educated buying decision. Consider that many of the less exclusive brands will include shorter warrantees.

Appliances

Did you know that Whirlpool, one of the most respected appliance manufacturers in the U.S., makes the majority of Kenmore brand appliances for Sears? (Others such as LG, Frigidaire, Bosch also do.) In general, Kenmore offers high-quality products at lower prices. Furthermore, Whirlpool Corporation's brands include KitchenAid, Roper, Magic Chef and Maytag.

Whirlpool even makes ovens, microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers for Ikea.

Next time you're shopping for an appliance, check out the look and features of each brand's models and ask if the salesperson knows the scoop. When shopping for high-end dishwashers at Sears, for instance, if you've looked around elsewhere, it's pretty clear which are made by Bosch.

Several Web sites-such as www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml-offer tips on how to determine the actual manufacturers of Kenmore appliances by reading the model numbers.

Private Labeling

Private label brands, sometimes known as store brands, are specific to retail chains. Retailers manufacture goods under their own label then re-brand them, or they outsource the manufacturing of store-branded items to other manufacturers, many times the same companies that produce brand-labeled goods. Although of similar or equal quality, store-branded items are generally less-expensive than national brands. One way to determine the quality of store brands is simply to test them. Buy several items you use on a regular basis, like canned tomatoes or instant oatmeal packets in the name and store brands, then compare. You'll usually find very little difference, if any. If you're not happy with a store brand, more often than not, the store will return your money. Over time, Shifting to store brands will lead to substantial savings and stretch your food dollars.

Another indicator of like product manufacturing is recalls. Remember the 2007 Menu Foods dog food recall? Pet food carried under numerous retail brands such as Giant Eagle, Winn Dixie and Stater Brothers, were recalled. These brands were essentially composed of the same ingredients and produced by the same source. At the time, Menu Foods was a contract manufacturer for five of the top six branded pet food companies, and a private-label pet food manufacturer for 17 of the top 20 North American retailers.

When looking for a particular product compare the ingredients in the store's version to the brand name item. You'll often find the same ingredients for two-thirds of the price.

Companies rarely publicize which products they make under different brands, so it's up to you to do the research. Many consumer publications and Web sites can help.

Counselors at ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions help consumers to make ends meet and get out of debt by analyzing their financial situations and helping them to implement a debt reduction plan. The creation of a budget will enable clients to spend within their means and payoff credit card debt.