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July 2009
99 cent ice cream cones at area Friendly’s
The Friendly’s restaurant at Stroop and Shroyer roads in Kettering is getting into the festive atmosphere created by the new Fresh Fare by Kroger store that opened Thursday, July 30, at the same corner.
This weekend, the restaurant is offering single-scoop ice cream cones for 99 cents, and there is no limit. The same cone is usually more than twice that price, at $1.99.
A representative at that Friendly’s said the restaurant sold about 300 cones Thursday, and has already sold about 125 today.
The Friendly’s is at 500 E. Stroop Road.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetKroger collecting school supplies for Dayton-area kids in need
Kroger has teamed up with Dayton’s Crayons to Classrooms for the second year in a row to help get donated educational supplies in the hands of Dayton-area students in need.
The Crayons 4 Classrooms school supply drive is running through the month of August.
Collection barrels will be located in 20 Dayton-area Kroger stores (see list below) for donations of school supplies that will be used to help stock the Crayons to Classrooms teacher free store.
The items teachers in this program most often request are: pencils, folders, pens, scissors, 24-count crayons, rulers, glue sticks, markers, filler paper, notebooks, construction paper and facial tissue.
To participate, teachers must be from schools that are preregistered, and the criterion is that at least 70 percent of the school’s students participate in the National School Lunch Program.
In the Greater Dayton area, there are about 85 schools and 1,400 teachers serving the educational needs of 23,000 children that qualify, according to Crayons to Classrooms.
“Many students in our community go to school everyday without the necessary supplies needed to learn. Thanks to the very generous support of the Kroger Co., Crayons to Classrooms will be in a much better position to fill this need and to help teachers create a more productive learning environment,” said Steve Rubenstein, executive director of Crayons to Classrooms.
Kroger has donated store display shelves, lighting fixtures, shopping carts, and contributed more than $10,000 to the cause in the past two years.
The drive will conclude Aug. 31.
Participating Kroger stores include:
Alex-Bell Kroger, 2917 W. Alex-Bell Road, Centerville
Beavercreek Kroger, 3195 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek
Brandt Pike Kroger, 4506 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights
Centerville Kroger, 1023 S. Main St., Centerville
Dorothy Lane Kroger, 2115 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering
Englewood Kroger Marketplace, 885 Union Blvd., Englewood
Fairborn Kroger, 1161 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn
Huber Heights Kroger, 7747 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights
Miamisburg Kroger, 155 N. Heineke Road, Miamisburg
Needmore Kroger, 1934 Needmore Road, Dayton
Siebenthaler Kroger, 3520 W. Siebenthaler, Dayton
Smithville Kroger, 1024 S. Smithville Road, Dayton
Spinning Road Kroger, 700 Spinning Road, Dayton
Springboro Kroger, 725 W. Central Avenue, Springboro
Stroop Road Kroger, 530 E. Stroop Road, Kettering
Sugarcreek Kroger, 6480 Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek
Vandalia Kroger, 780 Northwoods Blvd., Vandalia
Wayne Avenue Kroger, 1555 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Whipp Road Kroger, 2100 Whipp Road, Kettering
Xenia Kroger, 1700 W. Park Square, Xenia
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Consumer interest
TweetJCPenney, Sears thank you for shopping
It’s all about the love.
JCPenney is having what it is calling an Appreciation Sale today, July 31, and Saturday, offering up to 70 percent off original prices storewide.
At the store, not only will Saturday have additional doorbuster sales from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. offering an extra 15 percent off, but this coupon also adds another 15 percent off.
JCPenney also is offering double points for their members and free shipping online.
Another store giving back to its shoppers is Sears, which is having its Thank You Sale today and Saturday as well.
Apparently Sears is slightly less appreciative than JCPenney, though, since the crux of this sale is just offering 10 percent off storewide for Sears card holders.
On a separate sales note, though, Sears also has a summer clearance of up to 75 percent off.
Both of these stores are good for back-to-school clothes.
And for that, I am thankful as well.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetSubaru Bajas recalled, can catch fire
It’s not just the name of the car that evokes warm temperatures.
According to SaferCar.org, a division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2005-06 Subaru Bajas are being recalled due to a problem with the fuel pump that can lead to fire.
Reportedly, cracks can develop in the fuel hose, cause a leak and ignite.
The Safer Car site notes that the recall is expected to begin in September (although the reason for the delay is not mentioned), and The Consumerist adds that car owners can call Subaru at (800) 782-2783 to have a new fuel pump installed for free.
They can also call the NHTSA hot line at (888) 327-4236.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetLaptop advice, sales for college-bound kids
Today, July 31, CNN Money had a very informative look at their best back-to-school laptops for college and even high school students.
It offered advice on what to buy, where to buy and if you should get a warranty.
Also today, DealMac noted a sale at MacMall that expires today.
Their best bet is the Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo 2GHz 13.3-inch Widescreen Notebook for $999.99, which then has a $75 mail-in rebate to cut it to $924.99. They said: “With around $9 for shipping, it’s the lowest total price we could find by $115.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetAmazon + Friday = blowout deals
It is Friday, and not only is the weekend but a whiff away, but Amazon is having its weekly blowout sale.
Some of the items on the slate today, July 31, that DealHack has generously filtered through and spotlighted include:
New Balance Men’s MT909 Trail Running Shoe (originally $110, 70 percent off) now $33
Sarah Peyton 10-inch Cool Sensations Memory Foam Mattress (orig. $1,200 70 percent off) now $360
And, my favorite, a Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set (orig. $550, 75 percent off) now $137.99
Also, just to round out the selection, the site’s Gold Box daily deal is a iRobot Roomba Vacuum-Cleaner Robot with On-Board Scheduling for 50 percent off. It was $399, but the sale price for today is $199.99.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetCR-approved computers for less than $400
Consumer Reports had a blog post today, July 30, about the plethora of good computers — desktop, netbooks and laptops — that are available for less than $400.
Most of CR’s findings and ratings are subscription-only (either online or in the magazine), but this post does offer up some examples. (Of note as well is that you can find back issues of Consumer Reports at most libraries.)
For those who can spend more than $400, CR also notes that “If you’re in the market for a smaller laptop or an all-in-one system, there are plenty of bargains to be had,” and offers many examples that support that as well.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetFrigidaire recalls washers due to fire hazard
About 35,000 clothes washers made by Frigidaire and distributed under the popular product names of Kenmore, Kelvinator, White-Westinghouse, Frigidaire and others have been recalled due to the fire hazard they pose.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said this recall issued today, July 30, involves top-load washers, front-load washers and laundry centers.
For models affected, visit the CPSC site.
The washers were sold at Sears and other retailers nationwide from February through May 2009 for between $300 and $1,100.
It is recommended that consumers immediately unplug and stop using their machines and contact Frigidaire or Sears (if unit was purchased there) to schedule a free repair.
For more information from Frigidaire, call (800) 734-4519 or visit www.laundrypumprecall.com.
For Sears consumers, call (888) 549-5870 or visit www.sears.com.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetWays for college students to save money
With August on the horizon and many students heading to or back to college soon, here are some tips from around the Internet for ways college students can save money.
Click on the links to get the full scoop:
From the Go Frugal Blog: Don’t join a fraternity or sorority, buy the smallest meal plan you need, take as many hours as you can each semester and, if given the choice, don’t work at The Gap — wait tables instead.
From Wallet Pop, college blogger Zac Bissonnette and his mom take a look at what you really need to bring to college, and ways to save some coin.
They recommend: living off-campus if possible, but if not, coordinate with your roommate as to what your room may need so there is less duplication, buying microwavable dinnerware, leaving the video games at home (this is endorsed by Zac, as well), get your Suave shampoo and conditioner at the Dollar Store, and much more.
A separate post by Wallet Pop adds that now is the best time to buy a laptop computer (whether you are heading to school or the office).
And for those in the market for appliances, Consumer Reports has a buying guide geared toward college students.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetKatie’s Hallmark sale 50% to 75% off
Starting today, July 30, and ending Sunday, area Katie’s Hallmark stores are having a Summer Clearance Sidewalk Sale.
Wondering what “summer” items Hallmark might have for sale, I called the three closest Katie’s Hallmark stores to see what exactly was on sale.
The representative at the Trotwood store, 5541 Salem Ave., said the sale was an effort to clear out some merchandise before the next season and that each store would have a slightly different selection of sale items.
The Trotwood store has gift wrap, Precious Moments items, albums, some Christmas ornaments, and more.
The Huber Heights store, 8293 Old Troy Pike, has scrapbooking items, stuffed animals and the like.
And the Vandalia store, 674 W. National Road, (the biggest of the three) has Christmas ornaments, boxed cards, holiday gift bags, etc., marked down for this sale.
The Vandalia rep added that the store has a sale room as well, and that Audrey Crocs are currently marked down 40 percent.
There also are Katie’s Hallmark stores a bit further out in Lebanon and Springfield.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetOld Navy back-to-school sale ends today
The good news about Old Navy is, even though they have a great sale ending today, they almost always have another waiting in the wings.
And that is just the case with back-to-school deals on clothes this week at Old Navy stores, although the items to save money on may change.
The current sale has many great deals on graphic T-shirts for $6, girls’ Old Navy jeans 2 for $28 and uniform basics for 2 for $15.
Old Navy also has twill capri pants for girls for $12 (down from the regular $19.50) and an extra 50 percent off many clearance items throughout the store.
The sale that will start Friday also concerns back-to-school, but will be offering different deals. So, if you like some of these offerings, it would be good to get out there (or online) today.
For more on Old Navy’s next sale and sales at many area stores starting Sunday, check out this weekend’s Here’s the Deal column on this site or in the Dayton Daily News Life section.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetFisher-Price piles on the savings
Fisher-Price has a sale going on now that deserves some play.
The toymaker is taking an extra 20 percent off all sale items purchased online through Aug 3. The items cater to kids younger than 5, and include baby gear and Little People toys.
On the Web site, just click on the red “Sale” word in the toolbar and it will list all items on sale.
One item that stands out as a very good deal is the Fisher-Price Smart Cycle.
The “physical learning arcade system” is regularly $100, marked down to $79.99 and, with the additional 20 percent off, makes it around $65.
It looks like items are selling out fast, though, so if you are interested in the sale don’t put off shopping until next week.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetHalf-price cheesecake, new flavor at Cheesecake Factory today
In honor of the scrumptious National Cheesecake Day today, July 30, The Cheesecake Factory is offering a deal to get “any of their 30 delicious cheesecakes for half price” when you dine in.
The restaurant also is introducing a new flavor, Stefanie’s Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake, in honor of the delicious day.
And, to share a piece of this happy pie, for every slice of Stefanie’s new cheesecake sold in the next 12 months, the restaurant said it will donate 25 cents to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity.
If you become a fan of the Cheesecake Factory on Facebook, you can enter a contest to win a trip to Las Vegas for you and nine of your friends.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetStores, sales make dorm shopping easier these days
It seems like there are many more options designed for students going off to college today than there were 20 years ago.
When I went left home for college in 1988, all I took was clothes and a few posters. One of my roommate’s dads took a group of us to a local Target to get a few homey items — shower caddy, shelving, etc.
It’s not like that in 2009. These days, most stores have keyed into the fact that there is a demand for brightly colored, prepackaged, dorm-specific offerings — and they have been fulfilling that need.
Fortunately for us consumers, since so many stores have gained this knowledge, there also is more competition and many more discounts to be found, as well — whether you are shopping for a student or not.
Here are some of the dorm room bargains available:
Kmart is having what they call a “Campus Ready” sale, featuring many items for less than $15 (including twin and twin XL sheet sets and comforters) and dorm essentials (hangers, towels, laundry baskets, etc.) for less than $5.
And, beyond the “essentials,” Kmart also has a Sylvania 19-inch LCD HDTV with built-in DVD player for $269.99.
JCPenney, is one of many stores that have “beds in a bag” on sale for back-to-school, as noted in an earlier post this week.
A bed in a bag is generally a 20-piece set that includes a matching comforter, pillow sham(s), tailored bedskirt, 200 thread-count sheet set, reversible embroidered accent pillow, shower curtain and rings, and more.
Target has cool Ready U Dorm kits for cleanup, grooming, wellness, etc. Those are each bundled and ready to go for $50.
Walmart has savings in its “Start Them Off Right” sale, including bath essentials from $8, storage options from $11, bedding sets from $30, futons from $149 and TVs from $228.
On its site, Walmart also has a handy list of Top 10 Must-haves, written by two Walmart moms with college-bound kids.
Sears also has many discounted ways to shop for campus life. Check out its site for the latest offers.
As for laptop computer deals this week, Best Buy’s Hot Deal of the Week is a 15.6-inch 4GB Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor for $399.99, Office Depot has a 15.6-inch Presario Notebook for $359 (after rebate) and Office Max has an 10.1-inch Acer Aspire One Notebook widescreen for $399.99.
Other sites to check out for discounts and dorm shopping advice include Savings.com, which lists 10 dorm-room essentials; Fat Wallet, which put together a list of dorm living cash-back sales at stores; and Dorm Buys, which has its whole site devoted to this time of year, and promotes savings of “20 percent to 50 percent compared to other retailers.”
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TweetGet great bargains, help local families at Kid2Kid sale Saturday
Want to get some good, inexpensive children’s clothes and help local families? Then this is the sale for you.
The Ginghamsburg Kid2Kid Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at The Avenue at Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 South County Road 25A, in Tipp City.
The sale, which is held twice a year and is sponsored by the Ginghamsburg Mom2Mom ministry, will make its debut at The Avenue this weekend.
Cathy McGraw, who is coordinating the sale, said the venue changed because the sale outgrew its former site, the Discipleship Center at the church.
“We just busted out the seams of that one,” McGraw said. “We are happy we were able to get The Avenue. We are excited to be able to use a larger area and increase the number of sellers.”
The Tipp City mother of three said the Kid2Kid sale began in spring 2004 with fewer than 20 sellers, and for Saturday’s sale, “We will be close to 75 sellers!”
McGraw said the Kid2Kid sale is similar the TWIGs and Mothers of Twins sales, but it is one of the few in the Tipp City area.
“We don’t compete — well, we do — but we talk about what works and what doesn’t,” she said.
At the Kid2Kid sale there will be a large selection of gently used fall and winter name-brand clothing for newborns through teenagers, as well as toys, crib and room decor, cribs, strollers, walkers, bikes, etc.
McGraw said anything that is baby- or child-related can be found at the sale.
“Several moms comment that they use our sale to outfit their children for an entire season,” she said.
McGraw added that the Kid2Kid sale is run by the sellers, who then donate 10 percent of what they make back to the church’s Mom2Mom group, which uses the money for child care, helping other moms in need, helping to stock the Ginghamsburg food pantry, donating to charities, etc.
Ginghamsburg Church provides the facility and support.
Also at Saturday’s sale, there will be another way to help a specific local family.
“We will be taking optional donations at the door for the memorial fund of the little boy who recently passed away,” McGraw said, referring to William “Will” McAnaul, the Vandalia 3-year-old who accidently shot himself July 21.
Donations also can be made directly to the Will McAnaul Memorial Fund c/o First Financial Bank, 4391 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH 45439.
And, if the spring is any indicator, the Kid2Kid sale should be able to help. McGraw said this spring, the sale made more than $10,000.
She added that when the sale opens at 8 a.m., there are expected to be at least 50 to 100 people lined up outside and waiting to shop.
But, once inside, the wait should be minimal.
“This year, we are increasing the number of checkouts in hopes of decreasing the amount of time the buyers will wait in line,” McGraw said. “We will also have an express lane for those shoppers who are only purchasing a few items.”
For more information, call (937) 667-1069 or look for the Ginghamsburg Kid2Kid Sale page on Facebook.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetBabyBjorn bouncer chairs recalled
BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance and BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance Air bouncer chairs have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, due to a laceration hazard.
The CPSC said small, sharp metal objects found in the padded area of the bouncer chair can protrude, posing a hazard to children.
The products were sold at various mass merchants nationwide, online retailers and catalogs from September 2008 through July 2009.
The CPSC recommends consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact BabySwede LLC for instructions on how to return the recalled products for inspection and relabeling. If any metal pieces are found through inspection, the consumer will be provided with a new BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance product.
For more info, call (866) 424-0200 or visit www.babyswede.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetFree lasagne today for Spaghetti Warehouse fans
Even though they use the alternate spelling of “lasagna” for their cheesy, delicious, 15-layer lasagne, Spaghetti Warehouse is offering a free one from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, July 29, for those who will become fans of the restaurant on Facebook.
As Wallet Pop noted today, the deal is in honor of National Lasagne Day (or is it National Lasagna Day?), and fans will be sent an e-coupon to redeem their free food.
A representative at the local Spaghetti Warehouse, at 36 W. 5th St. in Dayton, said the e-coupon will go directly to the e-mail address on your Facebook account when you sign up.
This post touches on a couple items of note — the Facebook (and Twitter) fan deal phenomenon and the increasing use of “national” days and months as marketing tools.
I will be doing a story for the paper on the fan pages and their use and was wondering — do you have any qualms about becoming a “fan” to get a great deal? Are there any drawbacks to that route?
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetOffice Max, Office Depot, Staples have school deals
As referenced in this weekend’s Here’s the Deal column, there are many great bargains on school supplies to be found, including at places you might not think of to look for the best prices — including Office Max, Office Depot and Staples.
The Deal Seeking Mom has a great list today, July 29, highlighting some of those deals, as well, and notes that it is a great time to stock up.
And for Staples shoppers online, DealMac has a post about how to save $20 on an order of $100 or more with coupon codes. Five percent of your purchase price will be donated to the charities mentioned next to that coupon code. That offer ends today.
Also of note are some of the deals on school supplies at drugstores, as noted in Tuesday’s post about savings at area stores this week.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
Tweet5 quick, cheap ways to fix up a room
For many of us, home improvement projects go hand-in-sticky-hand with summer weekends.
But, with the days before school starts slipping away, this is also traditionally the time of year when we have less time and often less money to get our projects done.
With this in mind, I offer up to you a few ideas from various Web sites on how you can spruce up many-a room in your house — cheaply and quickly — before Labor Day.
1) Paint. It is the most inexpensive and easiest way (if you don’t count cleaning it) to make a room look brand new.
2) Add crown molding. As Wallet Pop notes, “profiles range from simple to elaborate, and some can create the illusion of a sculpted ceiling.”
3) Add texture. For the bedroom, Woman’s Day quotes Kim Myles, designer and host of HGTV’s Myles of Style: “Drape the wall behind your bed with fabric. Attach a rod to the top of the wall and hang inexpensive curtain panels or fabric in a pattern and color you love.”
4) Accessorize. Suite 101 notes that this works great for a dorm room as well. Add area rugs, throw pillows, curtains, chair covers, colorful comforters or afghans, colorful organizers, clothes and linens.
5) Install a chair rail. This is another good one from Wallet Pop, which said it can “add elegance and definition to a space.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetSchool supplies on sale at CVS, Walgreens
Our coupon/ad guru Andrea Deckard at Mommy Snacks notes that the school savings are in full swing at area stores — especially drugstores, which have gotten into the game more this year.
As a story by the L.A. Times noted earlier this month:
“Although discount stores will be the most popular destination for back-to-school shoppers, 21.5 percent of families plan to shop at drugstores to get ready for school, compared with 18.2 percent last year. Drugstores have become more popular recently as their merchandise mix has broadened to include school supplies, small electronics and groceries.”
Here are Deckard’s the top three coupon/ad deals to be found — school-related and not — at area stores this week, July 26-Aug. 1. And, as always, click on the store name for more deals at that store.
TONS of FREE School items only valid until today, July 28
$.50 for 3 boxes of Kashi products. Stop by Mommy Snacks for the scenario.
$2.99 Schick Intuition Razor after coupons/Extra Care Bucks
Tons of back to school sales! Stop by Mommy Snacks for the complete list.
FREE Scotch tape
$.35 Extra gum
$.30 Aunt Millie’s Bread
$.63 Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta
$.50 Breyers Ice Cream. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
The P&G Promotion is going on. Buy 4 participating items and receive $4 off. There are several deals listed at Mommy Snacks.
$.39 Bic Pens
$1.99/pound Tyson Fresh Chicken and use the recent coupon to get $1 off one pound.
Thursday, participating Keebler/Kellogg items will 50 percent off. Great items to include for back to school lunches. Be sure to stop by Mommy Snacks for a list of items with matching coupons.
Target FREE Kashi Cereal Cups. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
FREE Morningstar Farms Products
$1 Total for Select Razors after coupons/Gift Card.
$.39 Frank’s Hot Sauce. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
$.10 Ortega Taco Seasoning
$1.50 Clean & Clear Daily Cleanser
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals, Back-to-school, Savings
TweetMore summer sale incentives from Kohl’s
Last week’s post about a Kohl’s sale inspired some debate about whether that information was helpful for this blog.
Some said Kohl’s always has sales and that a note about another one isn’t news, while others said they appreciate hearing about these sales.
Since my primary goal is to provide readers with information that will realistically save them money, I appreciate this feedback. Unfortunately, not every post will appeal to every reader. But, that’s just one more reason why I try to hit a variety of savings topics.
At any rate, for those of you who like Kohl’s and want to know of their sales, the store is having another good one today and Wednesday (July 28-29).
The store has upped the summer sales ante by having sandals and sunglasses up to 70 percent off and swimwear up to 60 percent off. The store also is in the midst of a home sale, with savings on sheets, rugs and pillows of up to 60 percent off.
It also is a Cash-in Sale, offering $10 Kohl’s cash for every $50 you spend. And, senior citizens can take an extra 15 percent off during this sale as well.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetPaying more on mortgage smart
A dear friend recently bought her first home on her own and was a bit worried if she could handle the financial responsibility. Then she told me she was going to start making bi-weekly mortgage payments.
At that moment, I assured her she was completely ready to own her own home and was far savvier than many homeowners.
“It’s a great idea if you can fit it into your budget,” said Brock Burcham, commercial loan officer at Merchant’s National Bank.
The plan is easy — you make a mortgage payment equal to half your monthly payment every two weeks, which results in 26 half-payments per year.
At the end of the year, you’ve made an extra mortgage payment, which reduces the principle more quickly and lowers overall interest.
Be careful not to confuse this with bi-monthly payments which do not provide the same benefit.
Burcham sent me a calculation that makes the benefits much more evident.
On a $100,000, 30 year fixed-rate loan at 5 percent issued Tuesday, July 14, the total traditional repayment amount would be $194,872.49.
Making bi-weekly payments, the loan would be paid off nearly five years sooner with an interest savings of nearly $17,500.
The terms and interest savings will vary depending on your loan, he said, but it’s worth checking into.
If your employer pays you bi-weekly, Burcham suggested setting up a payment plan so your mortgage payment becomes a part of your bi-weekly expenses.
One note of caution: check with your lender to be sure any payments will be applied immediately to your loan. If your bank holds the payments and processes everything at the end of the month, they gain the use of your money and you get nothing.
And don’t sign up with a service that charges high fees.
If you need an alternate plan, there are other ways to gain the same benefit.
Use a tax return or yearly bonus to make one extra payment during the year.
Or, divide your monthly payment by 12, then add that amount to each monthly payment.
Even if you don’t plan on staying in your home for the duration of your mortgage, you’ll build equity faster, so it makes sense all around.
And about my friend who unwittingly planted the seed for this column, all I have to say is, “You go, Jeana Glo!”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Helpful information, Of general interest, Savings
TweetDorm essentials: Where to find them cheap
Are you or someone you know going off to college soon? Know what you need?
Just in case you have any questions, Savings.com has a list of 10 dorm essentials to help you out.
And, to build on their theme, here are some good deals on some of those essentials:
Memo board: The best sale is at Target, where they are as low as $3.99.
Bed-in-a-bag: Overstock has them for $79.99 and up; Bed, Bath and Beyond has them for $59.99 and up, Target’s start at $53.99, they are on sale at JCPenney for as low as $49.99, Everyday Home Outlet beds in bags are as low as $37, they start at $35 at Walmart, and as low as $34.99 at Sears.
Bed rest (we used to call these husband pillows): As Savings.com notes, Kohl’s has them for $23.99, they are $15.99 at Target or Amazon, and $11.99 at Sears.
Microwave: Home Everything has a special on a microwave for $79, Target has them for as low as $69.99, and NewEgg has one for $59.99.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetMore job seekers willing to relocate
The news today, July 27, that NCR Corp. employees are being notified whether they will be asked to relocate to Georgia is, unfortunately, a sign of the times.
And it’s not just those who are trying to keep their jobs — it’s also those looking for work.
As U.S. News and World Report noted today, the percentage of job seekers who relocate for a new job has more than doubled to 18.2 percent from a record low of 8.9 percent early last year, according to a new report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
The news source also reported that that percentage — the job seekers who find employment — has been steadily increasing.
“While job seekers are no less likely to lose money on the sale of their home and the job market is only marginally more stable than it was six months ago, the overwhelming desire to get back to work appears to be outweighing the perceived risks,” chief executive John Challenger says.
Would you relocate if you were in search of work? Would you relocate to keep your current job?
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TweetHanes has sale; school deals at AZ Central
Just a quick note about a sale at Hanes that has kids’ clothes on clearance, with categories of $1.99 and under, $4.99 and under and $9.99 and under. The site has adults’ clothes on sale, too.
Hanes is offering standard shipping for $3.99 on any order.
Also, AZ Central has a roundup of back-to-school deals that is worth a look.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetGood news: New home sales jump 11%
Here is one of those good signs of economic life; as reported by CNBC, USA Today and CNN Money today, July 27: Sales of newly constructed single-family homes spiked 11 percent in June.
That jump reportedly exceeded economists’ forecasts and was the most dramatic rise in new home sales since December 2000.
And this month’s figures show a trend. CNBC reports that sales have risen for three straight months.
However, CNBC is quick to add that the median sales price of $206,200 was down 12 percent from $234,300 a year earlier and down nearly 6 percent from $219,000 in May.
But, the news agencies agree that this spike in sales is “very positive,” and a decidedly good sign for our economy.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetHow to get rid of junk mail, stop telemarketing calls
Wise Bread had a comprehensive, up-to-date item this morning, July 27, about how to get off mailing lists and stop junk mail from coming to your house.
The site includes why to stop junk mail (if you need a reason), how to do it, who to contact and links to additional sites that may help you.
As for telemarketing calls, the National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home.
Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at the NDNCR site. It notes that you can register your home or mobile phone for free.
Also, in the July-August edition of AARP Magazine, there is a little item about a new way to stop automated telemarketing calls.
It notes that since Dec. 1, the Federal Trade Commission has required all prerecorded telemarketers to provide an opt-out system. It says for calls you answer, that means saying a certain word or pressing a number provided by the automated caller.
As the FTC notes: “… sellers and telemarketers (must) provide, at the outset of all prerecorded messages, an automated keypress or voice-activated interactive opt-out mechanism so that consumers can opt out as easily as they can from a live telemarketing call.”
If there is a telemarketing call left on you voicemail, it must have a number that connects to an automated opt-out system.
Prerecorded sales or fundraising calls not meeting this criteria are subject to fines. You can file a complaint at the FTC site.
The FTC also has a list of rules and acts concerning telemarketing on its site.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetStudent deal: Free iPod Touch with Mac
TechBargains alerts us that Apple Store is offering a free Apple iPod Touch 8GB (after rebate) with the purchase of any MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iMac purchase during its once a year Back to School Promotion.
Apple notes that the offer is available for college students or a faculty or staff member at any grade level, although TechBargains adds that more qualify for this discount than you might expect, “including students, teachers, education staff, parents of students and more.”
The offer, which includes free shipping, expires Sept. 8.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetKids’ jeans on sale for back-to-school
It isn’t just school supplies that kids need for back-to-school — they are going to need some new clothes as well.
One of those staples parents have to buy each fall for their growing students is jeans. And this week at many area stores, there are sales on jeans for boys and girls.
Among them:
Target has jeans for as low as $7.
Elder-Beerman has jeans for $16.98 to $24.99.
JCPenney is having a denim sale, with jeans for girls as low as $14.99, and those for boys as low as $17.99.
Sears has all jeans on sale, starting at $19.
At Kohl’s, girls’ jeans are the better deal, with those for girls from $17.99 to $21.99, and for boys from $24.99 to $36.99.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Back-to-school, Savings
TweetHere’s the Deal: Which is the best store for school supplies?
In case the large posters of kids holding pencils and barrels of glue sticks at your local store haven’t tipped you off, it is back-to-school shopping season.
To help Dayton-area parents get the best deals, I went out Wednesday of last week and compared the school supply options at eight local stores known for bargains, supplies or both.
Using a list of standard items needed by area students as a guide, the criteria the stores were judged on included:
Price: The best deal; not always the top brands.
Selection: For we parents who need six different, specific color folders or a notebook that won’t embarrass our children.
Ease of shopping: Because time and comfort can be as valued as money.
General tips
Here are some things to consider before you go shopping, colorful school-sanctioned list in hand:
Check to see if you have any supplies left over from last year that can apply to this year’s list.
Think back to last school year. Were your kids hard on their supplies? That may affect the choice you make on items such as binders and folders.
Plain notebooks and folders often are cheaper — and safer if you are shopping alone.
Everything doesn’t have to be the student’s favorite character or color. There is cute stuff and cheap stuff, and they don’t always cross paths.
Shop early, before essentials sell out.
Buy in bulk if you can.
Snapshot of stores
These are notes on the stores visited last week, as well as some information about sales that start today, July 26. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Big Kmart: My impression at Big Kmart was that the merchandise appeared scattered, with some items out of stock.
Selection and price were not as good as expected for a large bargain store, and its fourth-place ranking (see chart below) reflects that.
There was a good backpack selection, with many kid-friendly choices ($12.99 to $29.99), but a subpar lunch box section ($9.99 to $12.99).
This week at Kmart, you can get a 12-pack of Crayola Colored Pencils for free with the purchase of $15 in school supplies.
F&S School Supply: This shop has lots of cute school supplies, and many great things for the teachers the store is geared toward. In fact, Wednesday is Teacher Appreciation Day, with 10 percent off select vendors.
For the average parent, however, it is generally pretty expensive, and came in seventh in the survey. But if there is an obscure item you need, you can often find it there.
The store did not have backpacks, doesn’t sell lunch boxes, and the choice of calculators was lacking.
Meijer: Last week, Meijer had Crayola products, vinyl binders and other items for buy two, get one for a penny, but that deal should have expired Saturday, July 25. Whether the store plans to extend that is worth checking out.
Meijer had a good selection in general, including backpacks and lunch boxes, and its good prices earned it a third-place finish.
Office Depot: This and Staples, which are traditionally more expensive than the bargain stores, were included here because they have both been advertising great school deals.
However, although they do have deals on some items, not everything is a bargain. This caused Office Depot to be the most expensive in our study.
This week’s sale should help, though, with 1-inch binders for 75 cents, and composition books and paper for 99 cents.
Office Depot did have a very good selection on binders and folders, and had the best section of calculators I found. The backpack choices were decent ($4.99-$49.99), but there were no kids’ lunch boxes.
Staples: Staples had a comparable backpack selection (25 percent to 50 percent off originally $4.99 to $119) to Office Depot and more lunch bags ($6.99).
And, even though it is not well-known for discounts, it came in fifth among these stores, right behind Big Kmart.
Staples is kicking off a new sale today, too, with many items for 25 cents. Also, scissors and glue sticks are among the items that will be two for $3.
Staples also gets cool points for offering the option to donate $1 to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s campaign to help needy kids get supplies.
Target: Target had the happy combination of fun, kid-friendly supplies and the second lowest prices. There was a wide variety of notebooks, as well as an expanse of folder colors.
Target also had a good selection of backpacks, separated into those for younger kids with the likes of iCarly and Spiderman ($9.99 to $14.99) to noncharacter ones for older kids ($14.99 to $49.99).
Coming this week, Target will have items for between 50 cents and $1.
Walgreens: What I liked best about Walgreens was just about everything on the list was in one short aisle. This did limit the selection, but it made shopping much quicker.
Like F&S, the price of the five-subject notebook tanked Walgreens’ list — and there were few calculators. The store wasn’t much of a bargain, though, and came in sixth on the list.
Walmart: Although it advertises that it “will match any local competitors’ price, guaranteed,” Walmart doesn’t need to — and it had the lowest prices by far.
It did help that, for this column anyway, Walmart had a great sale last week, with many supplies for a ridiculously low 15 cents. Some of those prices may rise this week, according to the ad in today’s paper, up to a whopping 25 cents.
The biggest detraction to Walmart is in its warehouse feel. There was more disarray than many other stores and fewer trendy options for kids older than 8.
To sum up
If low prices are your main objective, the choice is clear: Walmart. The retail giant beat its closest competitor by more than $5.
But, judging the stores by all the criteria — price, selection and convenience — my choice for best overall was Target.
Best idea, if you don’t mind two stops: Buy your generic supplies (glue sticks, pens) at Walmart and get your fun stuff (notebooks, lunch box) at Target.
CHART OF PRICES LAST WEEK
These are the store prices, from left, based on best deal on that product found at the stores Wednesday, July 22. Those with an asterisk have had the prices adjusted due to difference in pack size.
Stores: Big Kmart, F&S School Supply, Meijer, Office Depot, Staples, Target, Walgreens and Walmart
Crayons (24 pk.): $0.69, $2.49, $1.29, $0.99, $0.99, $0.22, $0.49, $0.15
5-subject notebook: $4.99, $9.96, $7.99, $8.79, $6.99, $4.84, $9.49, $1.54
5-inch scissors: $3.19, $3.60, $0.89, $0.99, $0.99, $2.49, $2.99, $0.74
No. 2 pencils (12 pk.): $2.99, $1.48, $1.89, $1.99, $1.99, $0.66, $0.99, $0.60
Highlighters (2 pk.): $2.99, $1.38, $0.99, $1.33, $0.79, $1.19, $1.49, $0.75*
School glue (4 oz.): $0.99, $0.79, $0.19, $0.99, $1.09, $0.30, $0.99, $0.15
Clipboard: $1.19, $2.19, $1.49, $5.99, $4.49, $1.99, $2.99, $2.00
1-inch binders: $3.14, $2.09, $1.99, $3.99, $4.79, $2.54, $3.99, $2.50
Folder w/brads: $0.39, $0.79, $0.10, $0.59, $0.15, $0.52, $0.69, $0.77
Totals: $20.56, $24.77, $16.82, $25.65, $22.27, $14.75, $24.11, $9.20
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TweetPottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids sale up to 75% off
Now, I know Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids aren’t the most inexpensive stores to begin with, but they do have good quality, cute furniture.
And they are both having big sales right now.
On the PB Kids end, quilted bedding, toys, playroom furniture, clothes and more are marked down 30 percent to 75 percent off.
And, over at the grown up Pottery Barn, there is a summer sale marking down furniture, lighting, bedding and more for 50 percent off. There also is a clearance section that marks down items up to 75 percent.
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TweetDefinitive “Twilight Zone” for $106
“You unlock this door with the key of imagination …”
Amazon.com, which has a Gold Box deal of the day everyday and big sales every Friday, has a great deal today, July 24, especially if you or someone you love likes the science fiction classic “The Twilight Zone.”
The site is selling “The Twilight Zone: The Complete Definitive Collection,” which was originally $299.99, for $105.99.
The 28-DVD set has all 156 complete episodes and extras.
As some of the commenters on the Amazon site note, the collection was on sale for about $12 less a few months ago, but others say it was listed as a Lightning Deal for $148 six months ago.
At least this price is closer to the lowest price noted. And it could get an early Christmas gift scratched off the list.
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TweetTwitter, Facebook changing shopping, saving
A couple recent economic stories have reminded me how layered and intuitive our online world is — and how many roads lead to social networking sites.
Not only are our friends and family finding us and “friending” us on sites like Facebook and Twitter, but advertisers and tipsters are buddying up to us there as well.
One of the stories from today, July 24, in USA Today talked about some advertising for back-to-school sales is bypassing commercials and even stores’ Web sites and being delivered to individual Twitter and Facebook accounts.
It adds that teens are a primary target of this endeavor.
“Young people are turning to social networks first to make decisions about what to buy for back-to-school. If you’re not there, you’re not reaching them,” says digital guru Charlene Li, founder of the consulting firm Altimeter Group.
Another story today, this one from the Wallet Pop site, about getting info from Twitter and Facebook in a completely different way.
This story takes a look at how you can learn valuable information about a prospective vacation or destination by putting the question out to the world via these social networks.
“Our social networking world … instantly offered us tips ranging from where to find cheap-but-tasty meals in the town we were entering to which entertainment venues were worth their admission prices,” said blogger Nicole Wong.
There are also some deals to be gained if you become a fan of a certain company, site or restaurant on Facebook,
Even for this site, I have been able to find deals on Twitter by following some people known for their bargain-hunting, and been able to tell more people about the deals I find through that mechanism as well.
It all just makes you wonder, given the speedy evolution of the recent past, what the future of shopping has in store.
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TweetKroger reopening renovated Kettering store next week
After almost six months of renovation, the Kroger store at 530 E. Stroop Road in Kettering will open to the public at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 30.
The store has been closed since Feb. 1 to update and convert it into Dayton’s first Fresh Fare by Kroger store.
Located in the Eichelberger Shopping Center at the corner of Stroop and Shroyer Road, the new Kroger will have more perishables, chef prepared meals and cheese from around the world, according to Rachael Betzler, Kroger spokeswoman.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetBig discounts at area garden centers
If you are in the market for flowers, it is a good time to shop.
Spring Hill Nurseries, which has a garden center in Tipp City and an extensive selection online, is having its Hot Summer Sale today, July 24, through Saturday.
The sale is offering 35 percent off sitewide, and has a coupon on the site that will get you $25 off a purchase totaling $50 or more at the garden center, 110 W. Elm St., in Tipp.
Other deals include a One-Cent sale, where you buy one select plant (at a discount) you get the second for a penny.
For more info on Spring Hill, call (937) 667-4079.
At Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek, all annual hanging baskets are $10 (regularly $24.99 and up), and all 8-inch annuals are only $5 (reg. $7.99-$9.99).
Knollwood is at 3766 Dayton-Xenia Road. For more info, call (937) 426-0861.
Also, at North Dayton Garden Center’s site there are coupons for use, including $5 off a Bonsai plant and 25 percent off any flower or garden seed.
Lastly but not leastly, this weekend at Meadow View Growers in New Carlisle, all 4-inch annuals (regularly $4.99 each), herbs (reg. $4.49) and perennial quarts (reg. $5.99) are buy one, get one free.
Also at Meadow View, hanging baskets (reg. $24.99-$29.99) are buy one, get one 50 percent off and you can enter the monthly drawing to win a $25 Meadow View Gift card and be entered to win the grand prize gift card on Nov. 25 for $250.
And Monday, Meadow View’s fountain and pottery clearance sale begins. The items will be 30 percent off.
Meadow View, which also can be found on Facebook, is at 755 N. Dayton Lakeview Road (Ohio 235). For more info, call (937) 845-0093.
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TweetLeapFrog electronic toy recalled
LeapFrog’s My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dog was recalled today, July 23, due to a choking hazard it presents.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the decals on the paws of the toy can be removed and ingested by a child.
The toys were sold by Toys R Us stores nationwide and at at www.toysrus.com, www.leapfrog.com and other retail Web sites this year for about $20.
It is recommended that consumers take the toy away from young children and contact LeapFrog to receive a replacement My Pal Scout with embroidered paws rather than decals.
For more information, call (800) 701-5327 or visit www.leapfrog.com/recall.
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TweetSite has useful bargain tips from readers
Tip Hero is a site that shares good advice from its readers on ways to save money, and you can sign up for a weekly e-mail that offers you links to those tips.
This week’s list had some useful tips from this month, including:
Ways to save on movie tickets.
12 things you shouldn’t buy new.
How to save on cards for many occasions (see comment as well).
10 online shopping tips from MSN Money.
And more.
Also featured this week but written last year is a cheap alternative to a fax machine.
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TweetDo you deserve a Free Chocolate Friday?
I think you do. In fact, I think all of Dayton could use a Free Chocolate Friday.
Mars Snackfood is asking Americans to vote for what city they think most deserves a Free Chocolate Friday, as part of its Mars’ Real Chocolate Relief Act.
The city with the most votes will receive a free candy delivery from NASCAR star Kyle Busch. He has the honor of driving thousands of free M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Dove, and so on, to Dayton — or a less-deserving city — in September.
The contest, which started Wednesday, July 22, runs through Aug. 31.
To take part, visit the Mars site and vote. There is a limit of five votes per IP address, per day.
Dayton is one of 11 Ohio cities in the contest.
As of 2:20 p.m. today, Houston was in the lead, with New York and Chicago fast on its heels. Those cities are bigger, but do they deserve free chocolate more than we do? I think not.
The relief act, by the way, is an inspired effort that Mars kicked off in May to “bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans” via free chocolate, product discounts and coupons.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Contests
TweetNatural gas price at 5-year low; should ease winter bills
After years of winter heating costs rising, there is some relief in sight.
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel announced earlier this week, July 20, that the lower cost of natural gas should make winter heating less expensive.
The OCC noted that natural gas prices are at a five-year low, which is in stark contrast to the situation one year ago when it was approximately $1.12 per hundred cubic feet (Ccf). The price today, they say, is approximately $.37 per Ccf.
“(The OCC) is a strong proponent of safe natural gas delivery to Ohio citizens at the lowest cost option available to them. The counsel advises natural gas consumers to consider all their options wisely prior to making their energy choices for the upcoming winter.”
For more information on all independent suppliers in Ohio, their rate offers, whether the rates are fixed or variable and the contract length, visit the OCC site.
For more information on your utility bills or the OCC, call (877) 742-5622 or visit www.pickocc.org.
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TweetiPods reportedly catching fire — literally
That latest hit song might not be the only thing hot on your iPod.
According to federal records and reported by The Consumerist and Fox News today, July 22, Apple iPod MP3 players have burned users or caught fire more than a dozen times.
The initial report came from a Seattle television station, which said it used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain more than 800 pages of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission documents regarding iPod-related injuries and property damage.
What KIRO-TV reportedly found were that there have been at least 15 separate incidents where iPods overheated, sparked, smoked, caused burns or caught fire.
The CPSC site did not have information on these fires, and a call into the agency has yet to be returned. I will update this post when that information is available.
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Tweet60% off at golf pro shop on Saturday
The Back 9 Pro Shop and Fitting Center in Centerville is having a midsummer closeout sale on clothes and shoes from Puma Golf and Cutter & Buck from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25.
The discounts will be up to 60 percent off.
Back 9 is at 776 Congress Park Drive. For more information on the sale or the shop, call (937) 242-7170 or visit www.back9clubproshop.com.
On the site as well are coupons for half off a club fitting, free fairway club with select purchases, and a host of rebates for buying certain clubs.
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TweetWhich GPS is most worth your money?
According to Consumer Reports, Garmin and TomTom models are the best in the GPS biz.
“Garmin and TomTom GPS models continue to score high and provide the best overall packages in Consumer Reports recent tests of more than 90 GPS units,” the CR site reported Tuesday, July 21.
For more on CR’s findings, as well as why you don’t need to spend hundreds and why now is a good time to shop for a GPS, check out the comprehensive CR posting.
Also, the latest ratings on GPS units and complete test results are available by online subscription at www.ConsumerReports.org.
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TweetBack-to-school sales will check for (weak) economic pulse
With this weekend being the unofficial kickoff to the back-to-school shopping season, news and retail organizations are hitting the books, trying to predict what the usually booming economic season will realistically hold for retailers — and for consumers.
Not surprisingly, most are pessimistic.
The National Retail Federation noted last week, July 14, that a recent survey found that the average family is expected to spend an average of 7.7 percent less than it did in 2008.
That average family, with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is expected to spend $548.72 on school merchandise (down from $594.24 in 2008).
The survey says four out of five Americans (85 percent) have made some changes to back-to-school plans this year as a result of the poor economy.
Another survey was a bit more hopeful. Done by America’s Research Group and reported by Reuters today, July 21, found that 34.4 percent of parents surveyed earlier this month said they planned to spend less this year compared to last year.
The survey led ARG founder and CEO Britt Beemer to not go too much out on a limb and forecast a decline in back-to-school sales, which would follow a 5 percent decline in 2008.
Reuters noted that Beemer said in a news release: “Back-to-school spending will be a minor blip on the radar screen for retailers this year.”
The back-to-school season, it is noted, is typically seen as a precursor for holiday spending.
The Wall Street Journal story was less dire, and focused more on the fact that retailers are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the back-to-school shopping season for clues that customers aren’t turned off by the slim selections in stores.
And the WSJ actually cites an estimate that is not in the red.
“U.S. back-to-school spending is expected to hit $38.3 billion, up 0.6 percent from 2008, according to an estimate by the International Council of Shopping Centers. That would be a slight improvement from last year, when sales were flat compared to 2007.”
I just hope the WSJ is the best prognosticator.
But at least there was one confirmed bright spot as noted by our experts: Electronics.
The NRF wrote that personal laptops and desktop computers increasingly affordable for most families, and spending on electronics and computer equipment is expected to increase 11 percent.
What about you? Do you expect to spend more or less for back-to-school than you did last year?
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TweetMeijer donating to local families in need
Meijer announced Monday, July 20, that it will provide 100 free gift cards worth $10 to each of its 189 stores as part of the store’s Simply Give program.
The gift cards will be donated to local food banks or food pantries for families who need additional assistance.
“As unemployment has risen, there are a greater number of people relying on our local food banks,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the retailer.
Meijer’s Simply Give food pantry donation program that has generated more than a half million dollars in groceries to local food banks since November.
There are seven Meijer stores in the Greater Dayton area, so that means $7,000 coming our way for needy families.
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TweetRestaurant deals abound as competition heats up
What has been the best product of the recession? Competition, and the resulting price drops.
And Restaurants, which rise and fall on the wealth of our nation, have been major players in this fight for consumers’ thinning funds.
As a result, they have been coming out with not only great coupons and specials — had you seen this many two-for-one deals a year ago? — but making price decreases on menu items as well.
Here are a few of the incredible deals, most of which have come about in the last year at area restaurants:
Two-for-one coupons
TGIFridays is the leader of this pack, offering a coupon through much of this summer offering a free entree with the purchase of another entree. The coupon has been extended and expires July 31.
Friday’s, as noted by Wallet Pop, also has value menu items starting at $5.
And another update for Friday’s is its BYOB deal — “bring your own buddy” — that offers $5 off the price of the entree of every “buddy” a diner brings to the restaurant, up to 10 “buddies.” This offer is good through Aug. 31.
Ruby Tuesday has had periodic BOGO coupons online, as well as ones in the newspaper.
Ruby Tuesday also has lunches and dinners starting at $5.99.
These kinds of coupons aren’t always for entrees, either. Ben & Jerry’s is having buy one sundae, get one free Mondays.
Other freebies
As our food writer Mark Fisher noted earlier today, Tumbleweed Southwest Grill is having a creative promotion right now, offering a free large chile con queso and chips appetizer when you present ANY restaurant coupon.
Not only are they bringing in business to their place, but they are cutting down the reasons to eat elsewhere with this one.
Tumbleweed, it should be noted, also has specials depending on the day of the week — Margarita Mondays with the drinks for 99 cents, Fajita Tuesdays with fajitas for $9.99, etc.
McDonald’s is on that weekly plan as well, having Free Mocha Mondays.
And there are many others which have had one-day freebie specials, including Sonic, Long John Silver’s, Tim Hortons, etc.
Menu price drops
Chili’s has launched its three-course meal for two for $20, following (and adding a dessert to) Applebee’s popular two for $20 promotion.
Earlier this year, Chili’s offered a value menu featuring seven items for under $10.
Outback Steakhouse has its 15 Meals for Under $15.
Logan’s Roadhouse has two full meals for $13.99 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Restaurant News noted that P.F. Chang’s had a Chang’s for Two for $39.95.
Lone Star Steakhouse has two meals for $19.99, and kids eat free on Tuesdays. (More on kids’ deals below.)
Also, Bob Evans has their 30 meals for $5.99 or less.
In the world of faster food, Pizza Hut debuted its big eat, tiny price value menu with prices between $5 and $6, and Quizno’s has introduced subs from $3 to $5, as well as Flatbread Sammies for $2.
KFC offers a “complete meal” — drink, entree and side — for $5, and has a link to printable coupons on its site.
And Subway, which was just named the No. 1 franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, has long had their $5 footlong promotion (sorry if I planted that tune in your head!) on select subs.
Web sites
A story about restaurant discounts would not be complete without a nod to our old friends at Restaurant.com, which sells restaurant gift cards for drastic price reductions, and the reminder to look up your chosen restaurant and the word “coupon” before you go out — you may just find a discount out there.
If you have kids, also of note is the My Kids Eat Free site and the Kids Meal Deals site, both noting area restaurants that offer free and discounted kids meals.
Bottom line is, there are more restaurant deals out there every day — you just have to keep your eyes and ears open.
And if I have missed any deals that you know about, let us all know below. Eating out doesn’t have to be pricey.
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TweetKohl’s one-day sale (you guessed it) Wednesday
Kohl’s, which seems to enjoy having Wednesday sales, will be having a one-day blowout this Wednesday, July 22.
Among the items on big sale are swimwear (50-60 percent off) dresses and skirts (35-50 percent off), shoes and sandals (50-60 percent off), select bras (40 percent off) and clothes for kids on their way back-to-school for up to 60 percent off.
Speaking of back-to-school, backpacks are 20 percent to 50 percent off as well.
The store notes it is the “last day to take an extra 15 percent to 30 percent off everything” if you use your Kohl’s card in the store or online. Also, card holders should have been mailed extra savings passes this week.
And, on Kohls’ clearance items, you can get up to 80 percent off.
Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetMattresses on sale at Morris, JCPenney, Sears
Mattresses seem to be the focus of many great sales these days, making me think that maybe it is a good time to upgrade my 11-year-old queen bed for a king.
Among those having mattress sales this week:
Morris Home Furnishings and Ashley Furniture HomeStore are having a trade-in sale on Sealy Posturepedic mattresses through July 28. (Thanks go to Deals Team star Karen Baird for this update.)
The trade-in values are $50 for twin, $75 for full, $100 for queen and $150 for king.
Over at Sears, select mattresses are 50 percent off through Saturday, July 25. If you pay with a Sears card, get an extra 10 percent off. The Sears deal also has a 30-day comfort guarantee, price match guarantee and free delivery and haul-away up to $75.
JCPenney has Sealy, Serta, Simmons and other mattresses for 40 percent to 50 percent off, in addition to its semi-annual home sale.
The home sale has bedding, furniture, housewares, home decor and more for 40 percent to 60 percent off.
But see for yourself. Depending on what style you want, you could get in a very good deal this week.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Deals Team reports, Savings
TweetKids’ hoodies from Meijer recalled
NewsInferno reported Friday, July 17, that children’s hooded jackets made by EMH Associates Inc., of New York have been recalled because of an entrapment hazard.
The hoodies were sold at Meijer stores nationwide in July 2008 for about $15.
According to U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the jackets have a drawstring around the waist which can pose an entrapment hazard to children.
Consumers are advised to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts, or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to EMH Associates Inc. for a full refund.
For more information, call collect to (212) 575-4311 or visit www.meijer.com.
This is one of the latest recalls involving hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings.
NewsInferno reported that from January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 nonfatal entanglement incidents involving drawstrings on children’s clothing.
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TweetParents must be vigilant due to crib recalls
We have featured many crib recalls on this site this year, but Children’s Medical Center in Dayton noted today, July 20, that there have been almost 2.5 million crib, bassinet and play yard recalls since the beginning of 2009.
Due to that alarming number, the hospital and Safe Kids Greater Dayton advise all parents to regularly check children’s products against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list to keep the sleeping environment as safe as possible.
Parents of babies and toddlers should also do two things immediately:
Check www.recalls.gov to make sure your child’s crib, bassinet or play yard has not been recalled.
Sign up for the CPSC’s e-mail list to be alerted to new recalls as they are announced.
If a parent or caregiver is going to use a second-hand crib from a friend, relative or yard sale, these groups encourage them to first check and see if that model has been recalled for safety reasons.
Dayton Children’s noted the following recalls that have been issued this year:
January 6, 2009 - Jardine Cribs - 56,450 units
January 13, 2009 - Stork Craft Baby Cribs - 535,000 units
January 15, 2009 - Fisher-Price Simplicity Rainforest Portable Play Yards - 200,000 units
April 2, 2009 - SunKids Convertible Cribs - 1,900 units
April 7, 2009 - Simplicity Play Yards - 25,000 units
April 30, 2009- Jardine Cribs - 96,000 units
May 13, 2009 - Eddie Bauer Play Yards with Rocking Bassinets - 71,000 units
June 9, 2009 - LaJobi Drop-Side Cribs - 2,900 units
June 9, 2009 - LaJobi Drop-Side Cribs - 2,000 units
July 2, 2009 - Simplicity Drop-Side Cribs - 400,000 units
July 8, 2009 - Kolcraft Play Yards - 1,000,000 units
“By paying attention to product recalls and following these tips we can reduce the No. 1 killer of children in the Miami Valley, unsafe sleep practices,” according to Jessica Saunders, Safe Kids Greater Dayton Coordinator.
For information on product recalls as well as tips on crib and sleep safety from Safe Kids USA, visit www.usa.safekids.org and click on “product recalls.”
For more children’s health and safety information, visit www.childrensdayton.org.
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TweetBuy one sundae, get one free today at Ben & Jerry’s
Thanks to the Moms Love Shopping site for letting us know about this deal at Ben & Jerry’s — buy one sundae, get one free Mondays.
The offer runs through Aug. 31, and the worker at the Dayton-area Ben & Jerry’s (the only free-standing Ben & Jerry’s shop in the area, and the only one participating in this deal) said you don’t even need to bring in the coupon.
“Just come in and let us know you heard about the promotion.”
The Dayton location is at 1934 Brown St.
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TweetYour mug could be used in Facebook ads
Talk about pushing the little blue e-mail envelope.
Facebook, which ruffled more than a few feathers earlier this year when it tried to gain ownership of users’ material even after users deleted their accounts, is now making news for users’ pictures ending up in its ads.
According to a blog post by Wallet Pop on Friday, July 17:
“By default, Facebook users have been opted into a new Facebook Ads program which places your image in select advertisements …”
It is good to note, however, since the initial post of this story, Wallet Pop source Cheryl Miller said Sunday that the fault is not with Facebook, but with a third-party app developer: “likely the quiz app,” she said.
But regardless of who is at fault, Facebook users should make sure to opt out of this little clause. For details on how to do that, see Miller’s post and scroll down to the line that starts, “If you don’t want to show up in your friends’ FaceBook ads …”
Otherwise, the next “Hot Single” mug you check out could be your own.
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TweetWalmart, Staples has back-to-school for cheap
The Deal-Seeking Mom noted Sunday, July 19, that Walmart is getting in gear for back to school.
Among the deals at Walmart this week:
Crayola Crayons (24-ct.), $0.15
Elmers Glue or Elmers Glue Sticks, $0.15
Black and White Composition Notebooks, $0.35
For a complete list, see the deal-seeking site.
And right on the heels of last week’s dollar deals, Staples is offering huge deals if you join the Staples Rewards Program between July 19-25.
According to Money Saving Methods, by joining the program you can claim the following back to school deals:
Buy a backpack, get 100% of the cost back in Staples Rewards (like getting it free!)
And Mechanical Pencils, Black Gel Pens and Retractable Highlighers are free after easy rebate.
For more info and to sign up, see Money Saving Methods.
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TweetBoy, 11, selling toys to raise money
As Zach McGuire of Toledo told CNN: “You can’t live in toys, or eat toys. Even though they are fun, you don’t need them.”
The 11-year-old, who has a history of helping raise money for others, reportedly is now selling his toys to raise money for his family.
Zach’s dad is a licensed contractor, who has been out of work since December.
For more and to see a video about Zach’s efforts, visit the CNN site.
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TweetBack-to-school sales great for stockpiling
Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks, in her winning weekly roundup of coupon/ad deals, notes today, July 20, that store promotions are a great time to stockpile.
“And, now with back-to-school sales starting there are some great sales!” she said.
“You can get a FREE backpack at Meijer if just buy $10 in select products,” Deckard said. “When you combine the Kellogg’s Back to School $10 rebate that you are eligible for when you buy 10 select Kellogg’s products, you can get a super deal on food and a backpack!”
Also on the back-to-school front, we will have many area deals this week and next week on this blog, as well as in next Sunday’s Here’s the Deal column.
Deckard said to check the complete listing for the Meijer sale this week for a great savings scenario.
These deals and others for the week of July 19-25 include the following. For more deals, click on the name of the store below.
TONS of FREE School items only valid until Tuesday
Money-Maker of $5 on Johnson & Johnson Products. See by Mommy Snacks for scenario.
FREE Kodak Picture Movie DVD after ECB
FREE Tylenol Arthritis after coupons/ECB
FREE Excedrin Pain Relief after coupons/RR. Stop by Mommy Snacks for scenario and coupon matches.
$.69 Hefty One-Zip Bags. These will surely be on the School Supply List.
$.99 Bic Disposable Razors
$.75 Ball Park Hot Dogs
$.75 Pillsbury Simply Cookies
$1 Yo-Plus Yogurt. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
The Buy 10 items get $5 off Promotion is continuing this week. Many deals listed at Mommy Snacks.
FREE Eclipse Gum
$.50 Crest Toothpaste
$.25 Santa Cruz Lemonade
FREE Kashi Cereal Cups. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
FREE Morningstar Farms Products
$1 Total for Select Razors after coupons/Gift Card.
FREE Nestle Water. Mommy Snacks has a printable coupon
FREE Hefty Trash Bags
$.50 Angel Soft Toilet Paper
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals, Savings
TweetFree doughnut at Tim Hortons, free pastry at Starbucks Tuesday
July 21 will be a good day if you like free breakfast treats.
From 6 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, all locations of Tim Hortons will be giving away a free blueberry doughnut to every customer.
The promotion is Tim Hortons’ way to welcome “a quintessential taste of summer, blueberry, to its baked goods.”
I tried both versions of the restaurant’s blueberry doughnut — one cake and one iced with a blueberry frosting and jelly center. Both were delicious, but I think the cake was my favorite.
But, whichever you choose, that free doughnut should go well with a good cup of coffee, which Tim Hortons reportedly has. Voters in our online poll last month chose Tim Hortons coffee as best in town.
Tim Hortons notes that in addition to doughnuts, the breakfast menu includes Timbits (much like doughnut holes), muffins, bagels and danishes.
Also, at Starbucks between the store’s opening and 10:30 a.m., customers can get a free pastry with the purchase of a beverage.
For the Starbucks deal, you have to print out the coupon or download it to your hand-held device.
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TweetHere’s the Deal: Hot summer deals
After the Fourth of July, the summer starts pulling up the tent stakes and looking for where it parked its car.
This is especially true from a retail perspective, when clearing out the inventory for the next season and getting ready for back-to-school shoppers combines to fuel a perfect thunderstorm of savings.
And now is that time. Today, July 19, we are taking a look at some of the closeout savings to be found as summer merchandise gets moved out, and next Sunday we will dive into the various avenues to the best back-to-school deals.
Leading off our sizzling summer sales is Watson’s, which refers to itself on its Web site as a toy store for adults, is in the midst of a Great American Half-off Sale.
The store on East Whipp Road has up to half off on spas, pools, outdoor furniture and outdoor fireplaces. Watson’s also is advertising a complete pool package for $888.
Half off is the benchmark for Travelocity, as well. The online airfare, hotel and car rental site is having its Summer of Possibilities Sale, offering savings of up to 50 percent off compared to last year.
HHgregg and Toys R Us are both going with the theme of Christmas in July.
At HHgregg, the merchandise isn’t necessarily summer-oriented, but the deal is the requisite temperature — hot.
The area furniture store has a three-piece Frigidaire kitchen package — with refrigerator, stove and dishwasher — for $897. The store’s luggage is up to 75 percent off.
HHgregg does have some good summer bargains this week, though, with discounts on its grills and air-conditioners.
Fellow early Christmas celebrant Toys R Us has big sales on toys, some of which are great for summer fun. The Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House (complete with Hannah doll) has been marked down by $100, and is now $79.99. You’ve got to love when the amount saved exceeds the amount you pay.
Also summery and cheaper is Power Wheels Barbie and Kawasaki L’il Trail Riders, with battery and charger, for $59.99. The kid vehicles were originally $99.99.
And for the bigger kids, scooters are marked down 25 percent.
Kmart has all tables and camp chairs on sale, as well as 20 percent off all seasonal lawn games. The store also has marked down pools, inflatables and other related water toys and gear 25 percent.
Bikes are on sale as well at Kmart, with 26-inch Schwinn and Mongoose Estes models for adults being sold for $50 to $70 off, making them each $119.
Sears is all about the summer sale, selling all outdoor furniture and decor for 30 percent off, and sporting price drops on grills, tents, canopies and lawn mowers.
The Home Depot has lowered its prices on grills, mowers and patio sets, marking down the outdoor furniture 25 percent.
The home improvement store also has an offer to save up to $5,000 instantly on special order kitchen cabinets, but one has to wonder how much you really have to spend to save that amount.
Flagstone pieces for creating a natural stone wall have been marked down to $1.98 each, from their original $2.58, at Home Depot.
At Lowe’s home improvement stores, the big seasonal closeout items right now are the flowers, with perennials (including day lilies) as low as $2 and some annuals between 50 cents and $1.
Lowe’s also has assorted outdoor chairs and tables on “yellow tag” special, with large seasonal markdowns.
Macy’s is in the midst of its aptly named Hot Summer Sale, marking down “our best brands” of clothes for kids, women and men from 50 percent to 85 percent.
The sale, which started Wednesday and continues through July 22, also has sandals for 50 percent off.
At Kohl’s, all flip-flops and sunglasses are 50 percent off, as are shorts and T-shirts for men and boys. The bargain bevy also features 55 percent to 60 percent off select sandals for men and women, and up to 70 percent off sandals for juniors.
Dresses and “dressy bottoms” are 30 percent to 50 percent off as well at Kohl’s, and swimwear is marked down up to 60 percent off.
Target has the lowest prices I found on graphic T-shirts this week, with its “Weekly Wow,” being the shirts for $5 each.
The Spuds McKenzie-friendly store also has shorts and shirts on sale, and has a Coleman 10-foot-by-15-foot tent that sleeps eight on special for $119, as opposed to its usual $159.99.
And if you are ready to look ahead to fall, Jo-Ann Fabrics has you covered. The store has Autumn Inspirations — which are decor, floral and other seasonal ornamental pieces — for 25 percent off.
Of seasonal note as well, is that Jo-Ann’s Spring Inspirations are 60 percent off.
There are also some sales this week that have little to do with the time of year, but are worthy of mention.
JCPenney is having its “biggest furniture and mattress sale of the season” this week, with 40 percent to 50 percent off all motion, modular and leather sectionals, among others.
And JCPenney mattresses are 50 percent to 60 percent off.
It is good to remember, too, that if you think you will need something for next summer — a new swimsuit, lawn furniture, etc. — it is best to get it now while it is on discount.
So, get out there and shop while the sales are sizzling. Because, before you know it, the summer savings of 2009 will be but a sunny memory.
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TweetDo you consider costs when making meals?
ShopSmart; magazine and Consumer Reports had a great post this week, revealing the results of ShopSmart’s recent cooking and shopping survey.
The primary finding? That most women are overlook the biggest place for savings — their own kitchens.
“Even though less expensive meals are just a few tweaks away, only 29 percent of women say they budget or estimate how much a weekday dinner will cost, and one in 10 women flat out refuse to eat leftovers,” the site notes.
I agree with that leftovers comment — isn’t that what husbands are for? But I am among those who try to estimate the amount of the meals to some degree.
Other interesting notes from the survey, conducted via telephone across the country in April, is that:
On average, women spend 45 minutes cooking a weekday dinner and 31 minutes eating it. (depressing)
38 percent of women are cooking at home more often and 35 percent are preparing less expensive meals more often due to the economy. (understandable)
And women who do at least half their household’s grocery shopping report they spend, on average, $115 per week on groceries — which is only a dollar less than the average in November 2007. (which is most interesting when you remember that they likely bought less back then since they were eating out more, so shoppers are probably doing more bargain shopping these days)
For a complete look at this survey, as well as some of ShopSmart’s tips on creative ways to cut food costs, visit the CR site.
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TweetEvenflo toy telephones, kids’ sweatshirts recalled
Evenflo Switch-A-Roo Telephone Toys and more children’s sweatshirts have been recalled due to the hazards they present.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the telephone toys Thursday, July 16, because the mirror decal attached to the toy can peel away, posing a potential choking hazard.
The recall involves Evenflo Switch-A-Roos made between October 2008 and June 2009. The model number is 6391911.
The toys were sold at various stores nationwide, including Toys R Us, for about $8.
For more information, call (800) 233-5921 or visit safety.evenflo.com.
As for the sweatshirts, the most recent ones cited were only sold in California and Nevada, but there are continually recalls of children’s hooded sweatshirts, due to the drawstring posing a choking hazard.
So, it just bears noting that you may not want to buy any children’s hooded sweatshirt with a drawstring unless it has been designed to be safe.
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TweetYou can eat healthy on a budget
Eating healthy has a bad reputation as being expensive. Sure, the ground chuck is cheaper than the ground sirloin and organic foods are, by and large, more pricey.
But About.com had a great list this week on ways to eat healthy on a budget, including tips such as using frozen veggies and beans instead of meat.
And I liked their doable advice so much, I took a gander online at some other great sources of not only information, but cheap and healthy information.
So here are some more tips from MSNBC, The Early Show, Get Rich Slowly (which has some great tips for college students), and Trusted MD.
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TweetThinking of getting an iPhone? Know the costs
When you are thinking about getting any cell phone, the costs of the plan are important to be aware of.
When you are thinking of getting a smart phone, such as an iPhone, knowing the costs involved can be even more crucial, since amounts involved easily reach the thousands.
Just so you get an idea of what you are getting into, various Web sites offer costs and comparisons of the iPhone and other smart phones on the market.
BillShrink.com is one such site. In June, it did a comprehensive comparison of the new generation of Smart Phones, and examined the iPhone 3GS, the Palm Pre and the Android G1.
In addition to looking at the services the phones provide, storage capacity and other factors, the site also noted plan costs.
By their deduction, the iPhone 3G is listed as costing an average of $2,839 for a year (and that is much more than the other two).
Another site looking into this is PC World. That site had an item just Wednesday, July 15, that said the iPhone will cost an average of $160 per month — or “as much as a car payment.”
But the site noted that, after two years, the plans generally even themselves out.
“We found that, among the most popular smart phones on the market today, there isn’t a big difference in the total cost of ownership (device, service contract, and so on) over two years — they all come in at around $3,800.”
But that bears repeating — $3,800.
At any rate, just know that the iPhone, although cool and handy, does come at a cost.
If it fits into your budget, that’s great. But if it doesn’t, it is better to know that before you sign on the dotted line.
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TweetValue City Furniture up to 70% off
Value City Furniture, which has area stores in Centerville and Beavercreek, is having what it calls “our inventory blowout sale,” and it is in its final days.
Furniture savings are between 30 percent and 70 percent storewide, and there are many sofas and dining room sets for $299 to $499.
Value City also advertises that it has guaranteed lowest prices — “If you find a lower price, we’ll double the difference.”
And, if you have any qualms about the store’s quality, it is good to note that it did get an “A” on the Better Business Bureau rating.
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TweetTop 5 tips from area bargain hunters
Since I am lucky enough to work with expert deal-spotters every day and am privy to the information they have to offer, I thought it would be nice to share some of their best money-saving tips with readers.
So, I asked local bargain bloggers Erin Chase of $5 Dinners, Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks and Carrie Koors of Money Saving Methods to share their five top tips for finding the best deals, and searched out other expert sources across the Web for their best tips.
Carrie titled her list of money-saving tips “Sales Shopping Successfully,” and noted that “the key is not buying things just because they are on sale.” See her site for her list.
Andrea called hers “Grocery Shopping Tips to Save More,” and noted that these tips have helped her save money beyond even savvy coupon shopping. She also has a “Beginners Guide to Saving.”
And Erin of $5 Dinners had these tips about grocery shopping:
1. Use Cash! Take only the amount of money you wish to spend into the grocery store. Leave credit cards at home! This will force you to stick to your list and evaluate your “need” for impulse buys!
2. Markdowns! Ask the department managers where to find products that are marked down for quick sale. Common markdown items include fresh breads from the bakery, fresh meats, even milk. Plan to use those products immediately, or freeze them for future use.
3. Never Pay Retail! Make it a personal goal to never pay full price for products in the store. Making your shopping list based on what is on sale each week, and use the coupons that you have available. Carefully planning of your purchases will help you achieve the goal to never pay full price.
4. Scan your Receipt! Area grocery stores will refund the full price of the product if you are over charged. Quickly scan your receipt as your stroll away from the cashier to see if you were over charged for any products.
5. Go Green and Save! Use reusable grocery bags. Some area grocers will give you a credit for using your own bags, and not plastic bags. Although its just a few pennies per bag, it adds up over the weeks and months of grocery shopping.
And, just for fun, I threw in my own tips. My top five are:
Never make a big purchase without researching it online. Not only do sales fluctuate, but it is invaluable to know the average going rate for the item you wish to buy.
Set up an account, such as Google Reader, that includes all the sites you want information from on a daily basis. My favorites are The Consumerist, Wallet Pop and Wise Bread.
Start Facebook and Twitter accounts that feed you current deals from sources and companies you frequent.
Clip coupons. It sounds simple, but the savings add up. Check the ads regularly and only cut out the coupons for items you need or regularly purchase.
Separate your needs from your wants. Do you need that new dress or do you want it? How many times do you have to eat out in a week? Don’t make purchases, even the small ones, without giving them some thought.
Some others from around the Web that have bargain shopping tips are: The Simple Dollar, About.com, Bankrate.com, Lifehacker.com, MSN Money, Ezine @rticles, Consumer Savvy Tips, Wallet Pop and, of course, Consumer Reports (the CR list is geared toward parents, but can be of use to all).
What about you? What tips do you have for bargain shopping?
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TweetGameStop site offers discounted family fun
GameStop, one of the primary video game merchandisers in the area and online, recently initiated its Family Night In program and Web site.
At the GameStop site there are suggestions about how families can have fun together this summer and not spend too much money.
Also, GameStop is offering a 20 percent bonus video game trade-in credit on summer Tuesdays to be applied toward certain Family Night In games.
The site is running a sweepstakes that will award 100 families across the country a free dinner. Ten families per week will receive a $25 gift card to be redeemed at a restaurant of their choice, a Baskin-Robbins Brownie a la Mode ice cream cake and four TWIX Caramel Cookie Bars.
And there will be coupons for $3 off any Baskin-Robbins cake purchase of $15 or more to all customers making purchases on summer Tuesdays while supplies last, or those who enter the Family Night In sweepstakes online.
If your kids, like mine, or you are already GameStop devotees, any and all discounts such as these are welcomed.
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TweetFree lasagna, ice cream, drink and more
Mommy Snacks put together a handy roundup Wednesday, July 15, of some great freebies and discounts at area restaurants.
Some of these deals require you to sign up or become a Facebook fan, but they are big, tasty bargains nonetheless.
The restaurants involved are Spaghetti Warehouse, Starbucks, Sonic, Baskin-Robbins and more.
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TweetNestle starting to make more cookie dough
After the massive recall and subsequent cleanup last month, Nestle has begun to make its beloved toll house cookie dough again, according to Consumer Reports.
However, the previous recall of 47 varieties of dough made on June 19 remains in effect.
The Centers for Disease Control reported that 76 people from 31 states had been infected with E. coli, and 35 people were hospitalized, including 11 with a serious complication. Fortunately, no one has died.
What remains to be seen is how this recall will affect consumers’ trust of Nestle cookie dough and what impact this recall will have on Nestle’s future.
Already it has caused those who eat the dough raw — which Consumer Reports tallies as 39 percent of respondents to a recent survey — to re-evaluate that practice.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information, Recalls
TweetHome Again full of hidden gems
Thanks to the readers who turned me on to Home Again General Store.
It’s a hidden gem, located at 1115 N. Bechtle Ave. in the Park Shopping Center Plaza.
The store features what it calls “preloved” items, including furniture, housewares, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, record albums, small electronics and a host of other interesting stuff.
Owner Jon Mabry has been quietly hawking, among other things, beautiful Depression glass, 20th century modern furniture, Boyd’s Bears and Longaberger baskets there for three years.
“I think people don’t tell their friends,” he said, “because they want to keep this their secret.”
This is not a place to dump your junk. Mabry and his four employees are particular about what they’ll put on the store shelves.
Home Again works like this: You bring in a couple of bins of stuff you want to get rid of, the staff culls through it and decides what they’ll take.
Anything they want, they buy outright. Sellers can take cash or opt for store credit, which garners 5 percent more than any cash offer.
Mabry also hits auctions and liquidation sales for unique items to add to his inventory. He has frequent customers from West Virginia, Iowa and Kentucky and there are dealers who regularly stop in to see what he has on hand.
“We’ve sort of become the dealer’s dealer,” he said.
Something of a decorating expert in his own right, Mabry owned Elmwood Place, a 1861 Georgian Revival farmhouse in Union County, that was featured in House Trends magazine. He also sits on the board of the Ohio Governor’s Mansion and secured the china and glassware currently being used by Ohio’s first family.
When I stopped in, he had a beautiful pair of vintage end tables from the late 1950s for $14.99 each, tons of Fiestaware in all colors and framed art ranging from $2 to $20. Prices are already great and if an item goes on clearance, it’s 60 percent off the original price.
“We mark new clearance every two months or so, but most things don’t hang around that long. Our average turnover is about 30 days,” he said.
The store offers layaway and 24-hour holds.
The tastiest aspect of the store is its stash of vintage candy. Mabry’s favorites are Bottle Caps, and he stocks one of my all-time favorites, Zagnut bars. He also has a cooler filled with every flavor of Stewart’s sodas.
“We have sort of a cult following. It’s been a wild three years,” he said.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Helpful information, Savings
TweetGas prices continue to drop
USA Today had a story Tuesday, July 14, about how gasoline prices have dropped for the fourth straight week.
The story cites falling crude oil prices, that make up more than half the cost of making gasoline, for the decrease in prices.
The national price for regular unleaded gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Department, declined 8.4 cents over the last week to $2.53 per gallon, down $1.59 from a year ago when gasoline stood at a record $4.11 a gallon.
Around these parts, the handy site DaytonGasPrices.com notes today’s average prices in Dayton ($2.32), are less than yesterday’s ($2.34), which are less than one week ago ($2.45), which are less than one month ago ($2.66), which are much less than one year ago ($4.02) — so you gotta like that.
And, just in case you were curious like me, the lowest area price for gas in the last 36 hours is reported to be at the Quick Mart at 1902 W. Second St. and Ottawa Drive in Xenia. The Quick Mart is said to be selling gas for $2.16 per gallon.
Three other Xenia locations are close behind — the BP at W. Main and Church; the Speedway at that same intersection, W. Main and Church; and the Murphy USA station at 50 Hospitality Drive near Business U.S. 35.
According to the site, those three were selling gas for $2.18 as of this post.
Note, as well, that the gas price site is continually updated.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetE-B has fine jewelry on final clearance; one-day online sale today
Elder-Beerman, which has been phasing out its fine jewelry department, is apparently in the final stages of that transition.
The department store notes that its entire stock is 70 percent to 80 percent off — which includes diamonds, precious gems and gold.
The store also notes that Bulova, Seiko, Citizen and other famous maker watches are at least 40 percent to 50 percent off.
If you haven’t yet, check out the store’s inventory. With a liquidation such as this, you are bound to snag a great deal.
To find the store nearest you, visit E-B’s site.
Also, if you want to shop online, the E-B site is having a one-day sale of savings between 50 percent and 60 percent.
Just use the checkout code of “SNR1DAYJL15.” Also, there is free shipping on orders of $99 or more.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetEarth-friendly Simple shoes 50% to 85% off
I am always in the market for cute gym shoes (or tennis shoes, or sneakers, or whatever you choose to call them), and I am all for doing what I can to save the Earth.
So, that’s why this sale at the Simple shoes Web site caught my eye today, July 15.
Simple sells shoes and bags made from recycled and sustainable materials, but the closest store to us is in Columbus.
Fortunately, there are plenty of styles to choose from online, with many discounted from 50 percent to 85 percent off, as DealNews alerts us to today.
And, amid their green efforts, it is cool to see that the folks over at Simple shoes like to have fun, as evidenced by the names of some products, such as bags called “The Combover” or “The Sleeve Me Alone” and kids’ shoes called “Noodle” and “Weebit.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetUp to 85% off at Macy’s this week
As the summer (at least from a retail point of view) winds down, the sales on summer clothes are heating up.
In this Sunday’s Here’s the Deal column in the Dayton Daily News, I am going to take a look at some of the great sales to take advantage of before shorts and sandals go away for the season.
One such sale that started today, July 15, is Macy’s Hot Summer Sale. The store is marking down “our best brands” of clothes for kids, women and men from 50 percent to 85 percent, and has sandals on sale for 50 percent off.
It is always good to remember, though, about a store such as Macy’s that has higher prices to begin with, that even with these huge discounts that you may not get the bargain-basement prices that you may find at stores like Walmart and Kohl’s.
However, often a store like Macy’s has better quality items, and that is where you find the value in a sale like this.
The Macy’s sale is in stores through July 22. There are Macy’s at the Dayton Mall, the Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Upper Valley Mall in Springfield.
Online, Macy’s is offering 99 cent shipping on their summer clearance items.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetGet free entree at Ruby Tuesday
In today’s Dayton Daily News, Page A2, there is a coupon to buy one, get one entree free at Ruby Tuesday.
The coupon is good today, July 15, through July 30.
In addition to their great burgers, which even come with a guarantee — “Don’t like it? We’ll replace it” — the restaurant has Lobster Ravioli, Shrimp Scampi and Steak, Fork-Tender Ribs and much more.
There are area Ruby Tuesday restaurants in Centerville, Vandalia and Troy.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetCheck out this book bargain
While discussing this column with a friend recently, he asked if I’d ever been to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
I admitted the few times I’d been there had been disappointing — it was a lot of work to dig through the dreck to find a few items to carry home. Most often I left empty-handed.
“You need to go back and have another look,” he told me. “They have an amazing selection of books there.”
Skeptically, I took his advice and discovered he was right.
The store, 1510 Upper Valley Pike, has more books than you can imagine. I don’t feel like I’m taking a risk here when I tell you Ollie’s has more books than either local chain bookstore.
The book section is shelved by category, so it’s easy to shop.
The day I browsed, there were coffee table and gift books, mostly under $15, featuring artists Cezanne, Picasso and Manet. Other gift books included a Martin Luther King Jr. photo essay and an illustrated version of David McCullough’s “1776.”
The children’s section is huge.
I found educational books, picture books, activity books and kits, coloring and sticker books, fiction and inspirational titles. Marlo Thomas’s “Thanks and Giving,” the follow-up to her wildly successful “Free To Be You and Me,” was $3.99, which included a CD featuring Sheryl Crow and Billy Crystal, among others.
Famous names from children’s literature found on the shelves included Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Harry Potter and Curious George.
A generous inspirational section, filled with soft and hard-cover books including Bibles, were mostly under $8.
I thumbed through titles from Billy Graham and saw a few copies of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life.” A tiny volume of photos accompanied by poem-like text from U2’s Bono recounting his experiences in Africa was tucked away with a $2.99 sticker on it.
Other categories include history, sports, decorating, gardening, fiction and travel. There is a special section dedicated to the “For Dummies” series.
I used up an entire lunch hour digging through the tomes, walking out with five, which for me shows great restraint.
I had to grab the Bono book (beautiful and heartfelt). I found an interesting book on science and faith to share with my older son and snagged cookbooks by favorites Tish Boyle and Nick Malgieri.
I paid 89 cents for “The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches,” a translated French novel that sells on Amazon.com for $21.95.
I spent less than $24.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Helpful information, Savings
Tweet6 money talks to have before you say “I do”
One of the biggest stressors on marriage is financial. And, as U.S. News and World Report reminds us this week, it pays to know how similarly you and your intended spouse view money before you make that fateful trip down the aisle.
In the story, 6 money talks to have before you marry, the site takes a look at the topics that can have the biggest impact on your future as a couple.
Included in their suggestions are discussions about credit history, financial goals and where you each stand on needy family members.
I know my husband and I would have benefited from this advice. We would still have gotten married (I’m pretty sure, anyway), but it would have helped us have a game plan in place.
Also of note on the U.S. News and World Report site is How to Manage Money in Marriage.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff, Helpful information
TweetDo dollar stores save the most money?
The Blogging for Change site I just came across had an interesting feature today, July 14, about what items are truly bargains at dollar stores, and ones that aren’t the deal you may expect.
The site talks about how dollar stores have helped revive the economy, but also have come under fire for selling unsafe goods.
As I have mentioned before, I am not a big dollar store fan due mostly to their many recalled kids’ products. But there are deals to be found, especially with cleaning products and gift wrap.
Also on this theme, The Consumerist referred readers to a guide put out by its sister publication ShopSmart;) magazine, about how to find the biggest bargains at dollar stores.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetEconomy affecting MLB attendance?
In honor of the All-Star Game today, July 14, CNBC put together an in-depth look at the status of Major League Baseball’s attendance for the struggling financial year that is 2009.
As of the halfway point for this year’s season, attendance is down 5.5 percent compared to last year’s figures.
Interestingly, our Cincinnati Reds end up the closest to a push in the findings of Darren Rovell, the CNBC sports business reporter. Attendance at Great American Ball Park is noted as down just 0.10 percent.
At first I thought this might be attributed to our team’s hovering somewhere around .500 for most of the season, but that likely isn’t the case.
As noted by Rovell, the Kansas City Royals have seen the second largest bump in attendance and are 14 games under .500, while the Tampa Bay Rays, who made it to the World Series and are still in the chase to make the playoffs, are only up 11 percent from their measly attendance at this point last year.
For the complete attendance list and more fun facts, visit CNBC.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetStaples having Dollar Deals for back-to-school
In one of the first back-to-school sales of the season, Staples is offering Dollar Deals on some common school needs — scissors, highlighters, staplers and more.
There are also many deals at the $2 price mark, such as pens and dry erase markers.
The sale is online and in the stores, and it will run through Saturday, July 18.
On this site, we will kick off our week of back-to-school savings days on July 26, and cover where to get the best prices on school supplies, backpacks and lunchboxes, clothes, dorm room needs and more.
Sales that occur before that week will be posted here per their expiration date.
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TweetReminder: Get your free fish taco today
Earlier this month, our food writer Mark Fisher had a post about free fish tacos being offered at Long John Silver’s, and today, July 14, is the day.
As Fisher notes, the seafood chain will give away samples of its new menu item from its opening until 2:30 p.m.
For more on finding a store near you or information about this giveaway, see his post from July 2.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetForget where you parked? Try an antenna topper
While I hate to admit it, I have hit the age where I occasionally forget where I’ve parked.
Fortunately, if my children are in tow (and after no shortage of ribbing), they lead us back to the momentarily lost “getaway van,” as they call my nearly decade-old minivan.
I started keeping an antenna topper — the little foam balls with smiley faces, etc. — on the van to make it easier to find and discovered it’s an inexpensive way to have some fun and express personality or make a statement.
For around $2 or $3 with some up to around $10, your vehicle can sport Spiderman, Domokun, a flaming 8-ball (or a flaming eyeball), Frankenstein or a favorite professional sports team.
Area Walmart stores normally carry toppers and you can sometimes find them at auto parts stores, but online stores offer seemingly endless options.
Most Web sites charge a very reasonable shipping fee; some even ship for free with a minimum order.
If you have a retractable antenna, all is not lost — most Web sites sell an adapter for a few bucks.
A topper spring stand can turn a topper into a dashboard decoration while a bike stub will allow you to attach a topper to the handlebars of your bicycle. Both are available online.
And, you can get creative. Hang it from your review mirror. Hook the topper on a backpack, bag or keychain.
Some Web sites have fundraising programs, so if you are affiliated with a group that normally sells candy or the usual kitsch, the prospect of buying something unique can be a great way to entice people to support your group.
Some companies offer logo toppers, so you can sell your group and fun, all at the same time.
Find antenna toppers online:
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Good ideas, Helpful information
TweetFree photos frame this week’s best deals
Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks said this week’s list of area coupon/ad deals is flashing on free photos.
“Do you have pictures to develop from all the summer fun you are having?” Deckard asks. “Well, getting free pictures are just like getting free groceries!”
Deckard notes that there are many places you can get free photo prints online.
“Right now, Walgreens has a Buy 25 Prints get 25 Free deal. When you pick these up at the store, you get free shipping too!”
Here are her other top deals from area stores this week. Click on the store name to get an expanded list about that store.
So MANY Free after ECB Items until Tuesday, July 14. See Mommy Snacks for complete list.
FREE Head & Shoulders after coupons/ECB
FREE Tylenol Arthritis after coupons/ECB
Get 4 L’oreal Cleansers for $10 after coupons/RR. Stop by Mommy Snacks for the lowdown and coupon matches.
Get 2 Bottles of Coppertone Suncreen for $2 after coupons/RR
FREE Listerine Mouthwash after coupons/RR
$.55 Aunt Millie’s Bread
$.30 Kellogg’s Cereal — Stop by Mommy Snacks for facts on Kellogg’s Back to School Rebate.
$.50 Kraft salad Dressing
The Buy 10 items get $5 off promotion is going on.
FREE Playtex Gloves
$1 Colgate or Aquafresh Toothpaste
$.50 Daisy Sour Cream
$.99 Electrasol Powerball Tabs
$.88 Kellogg’s Mini Wheats
Keebler Cookies Gift Card Offer
$.63 Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Cups w/printable coupon
FREE Dove Deodorant
FREE Reach Dental Floss
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals
TweetFire-friendly smoke alarms, tea kettles recalled
One type of Kidde smoke alarm was recalled last week because they can fail to warn you of a fire — a malfunction you really don’t want in a smoke alarm.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc. warned consumers last week that one model — the Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms — can acquire an electrostatic discharge that can damage the unit and cause it not to warn consumers of a fire.
The firm reportedly has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.
Consumers should contact Kidde immediately at (877) 524-2086 or www.kidde.com to receive a free replacement smoke alarm.
Also recalled recently were Copco Harmony Tea Kettles sold by Wilton Industries Inc.
According to the CPSC, the lid on the tea kettle can come loose during handling, posing a burn hazard to the consumer.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using these tea kettles.
The CPSC said if the consumer has a stainless tea kettle, contact Wilton for a free replacement lid. If the consumer has an enamel tea kettle, contact Wilton for a free replacement tea kettle or a refund.
For more information on the tea kettles, call (800) 794-5866 or visit www.copco.com.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetHow do you like to search? Bing or Google?
Finding a good search engine can save you time, which in turn can save you money.
Consumer Reports had an interesting item last week about the opportunity to compare the new search engine Bing to the veteran big dog Google, side by side.
I am a longtime Google user, but Bing has me thinking. I like the fact that when search my own name on Bing, it doesn’t ask me if I mean something else like Google does. And, I actually show up front and center, as opposed to with Google.
However, when I typed in anything about deals, bargains or prices, they were relatively comparable, although slightly different.
So maybe it pays to use both.
What do you think? Which do you prefer? Has Bing made a better mouse trap?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetEven greater discount on restaurant gift certificates today
I have written about the monster discounts offered at Restaurant.com before, but my good friend Sharyn Boyle alerted me to a way to save additional money on the site’s restaurant gift cards.
The site, which usually sells its $25 restaurant gift cards for $10 and its $10 restaurant gift cards for $3, has a deal through today, July 13, to get 70 percent off. That makes the $25 gift cards $3, and the $10 gift cards 90 cents.
You can’t get much more of a discount on dining out than that.
To get the deal, you enter the code “SEVENTY”.
Boyle added that Restaurant.com restocks their gift certificates at the beginning of the month, so now is the time to buy for the best selection.
“Just be sure to read the fine print, as many places exclude alcoholic beverages, weekends and other things,” she said.
Also, as our illustrious and supposedly vacationing food writer Mark Fisher just pointed out to me, one of the restaurants listed — Mary Ann’s on North Ludlow — closed several months ago. So we recommend that you don’t buy that one.
Finally, if you’re a MyPoints.com member, you can go to that site to get to the Restaurants.com deal and earn 6 points per dollar spent at Restaurants.com.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetFreebies for this week, including how to score free gift cards
As they say, the best things in life are free — and why shouldn’t that include cereal, paper towels and iTunes songs?
Money Saving Methods posted a list Wednesday, July 8, of current freebies and included other links to find more bang for your lack of buck.
Also, over at MSN Money, blogger Donna Freedman has a highly informative piece of how to take advantage of those e-mails and pop-ups that advertise free gift cards.
It takes time a little — both in time spent and in getting the cards — but as Freedman notes:
“Small steps leading to (eventual) big rewards. For example, my daughter, her fiancé and I saved points for about 18 months, and the cards we redeemed paid for most of the food at their wedding reception.”
And, just to round out our freebie fun for Friday, there are more goods for nothing at Shop4Freebies.com, AbsurdlyCoolFreebie Finder and good old About.com’s freebies blog.
One more to add, as an astute reader notes, is the Free Mocha Monday promotion at McDonald’s. For more information, see Mark Fisher’s taste blog.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetReaders share savings from first half of 2009; do you have a similar story to share?
For many folks, the most challenging part about saving money is that it can take time — time to cut coupons, time to search Web sites, time to scour ads, time to set budgets, time to alter habits, etc.
But saving money can take as much or as little time as you want. If you find a system that is easy and works for you, it can pay off — literally.
A couple of Dayton Daily News readers recently shared how their simple use of coupons and watching for sales has led to big savings for the first six months of 2009.
The first is one of our Deals Team members, Karen Baird.
Baird, a copy editor, has been keeping track of her grocery expenditures for a few years and said from January to June, she has seen her biggest savings overall.
“For the first half of 2009, I’ve saved $542.51,” she said. “That’s $175.32 ahead of this time last year, when I’d only saved $367.19 by the end of June.”
The single Miamisburg resident said she primarily shops at Meijer, and all these figures are based on her visits to that store.
Baird said that 90 percent to 95 percent of the coupons she uses come from the Sunday Dayton Daily News, and that she watches for items on sale at a variety of stores.
Another Miamisburg resident, Michelle Reed, also excels at watching for sales and saving money.
In fact, the married mother of two said she keeps track of the regular prices of things she buys so she can know when she spots a good sale.
“I literally have a little notebook,” she said, laughing. “It’s all alphabetized and everything.”
Reed, who is a homemaker who homeschools her teens, said she prefers to shop for groceries at Walmart — “It is the cheapest,” she said.
She also tallied her savings for the first six months of this year. Her total: $1,800.
“This doesn’t include coupons from fast food or anything,” she said, adding that those figures are about 95 percent grocery savings and some clothing purchases.
Reed said she gets 90 percent of her coupons from the Sunday paper, and buys the rest online.
“Mostly from eBay,” she said. “But now I found Kuntry Klippers and buy many from there.”
Reed noted that the site (www.kuntryklippers.com) is operated out of Centerville.
“They are fabulous. And shipping is fast and free.”
Baird said she does not go out of her way to search coupon sites online, but gets e-mails from Betty Crocker and Kraft Foods that alert her to some coupons she can print from their sites.
“When you break out coupon savings on its own, I’ve saved $103.25 this year by using coupons for an average savings of $17.26 per month,” Baird said. “This includes double coupons, which Meijer offers.”
Reed said, in addition to her grocery savings, she also gets great deals at Speedway and Walgreens.
“I have my Speedy MasterCard and Speedy Rewards card. I can’t tell you how many free sodas I’ve gotten or how many free sandwiches my kids have eaten,” she said.
Both Reed and Baird said they find that the time to do this fits into their schedules and is well worth it.
“I don’t understand why people think this (way of saving money) is such a new thing,” Reed said. “I have been doing it for years.”
Baird added: “I think I’ve been competing with myself more than anything. I just want to see how much I can save.”
What about you? Do you have similar savings from this frugal year to share?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Talking point
TweetLowe’s, Home Depot offer season-ending deals
Lowe’s home improvement stores are having a Sidewalk Clearance Event today, July 9, through Monday.
The sale is in stores and online.
The store has season-ending deals on outdoor power equipment, including gas grills for 10 percent to 20 percent off and patio furniture for 30 percent off, among other deals.
Portable fans, major appliances, laundry care products, paint and garden chemicals also are marked down.
Not to be outdone, Home Depot has its patio furniture on big sale, with some sets up to 50 percent off.
The associate I talked to at the Centerville/Sugarcreek store also said they were setting up for the store’s season-ending sale, which should start tonight or tomorrow.
Check back with Home Depot for more details.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetIt’s bad when even seasonings get salmonella
The Food and Drug Administration reported this week that it has issued a recall of three Kroger seasonings due to the possibility that they may be tainted with salmonella.
The Kroger Popcorn Seasoning Movie Theater Butter Flavored, Kroger Popcorn Seasoning White Cheddar Flavored and Kroger Fat Free Butter Flavored Sprinkles were named in the FDA report.
Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported at this time.
For more info, call Kroger at (800) 632-6900 or visit www.kroger.com/recalls.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
Tweet1 million play yards recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Wednesday, July 8, that Kolcraft, Carter’s, Sesame Street, Jeep, Contours, Care Bear and Eric Carle play yards have been recalled.
The play yards, which can fail to latch properly, were all distributed by Kolcraft Enterprises.
The CPSC said the firm has received 347 reports of sides of the play yard collapsing unexpectedly, resulting in 21 injuries to young children, including bumps, scrapes, bruises and one concussion.
The play yards were sold at Babies R Us, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Target and other stores nationwide and Internet retailers from January 2000 through January 2009 for between $50 and $160.
The CPSC recommends consumers immediately stop using the play yard and contact Kolcraft for a free repair kit at (866) 594-4208 or www.kolcraft.com.
Of note as well, according to the CPSC, is that some of the models of the play yards involved in this recall were recalled in September 2007 due to a strangulation hazard posed by the changing table, which resulted in the death of a 10-month-old child.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetGreat ways to save money on your wedding
The Go Frugal Blog from FreeShipping put together an awesome list today, July 7, of 63 ways real brides and grooms save money.
They break it down into dress and accessories, flowers, decorations and more, and have lots of creative, budget-friendly suggestions.
Other sites with good money-saving ideas for brides and grooms include CheapChicWeddings.com, About.com, WeddingsAffordable.com, and more.
Just Google some combination of “weddings for cheap” and you will get lots of great ideas.
In this Internet age, making any big purchase without doing some easy research is just not a good financial move.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetOakley outlet store offering 90% off
I am not too familiar with the Oakley Vault outlet store, but our trusted friends over at Wise Bread listed the store’s sale today, July 7, among its best deals.
And I feel the need to pass along just about any sale I come across that has what appear to be quality goods for 90 percent off.
Their sale prices start at around $5, and shipping is free if you spend more than $100.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetSears debuts buyer protection program
Similar to the deals offered by some carmakers in the past year, Sears has come out with its own program that aims to protect consumers if they lose their job.
As it says on the Sears site, the Sears Buyer Protection Program works as follows:
“Use your Sears card to buy major home appliance purchases totaling over $399 and you are automatically protected. Your entire purchase is protected, including any service agreements, installation and delivery charges at no cost to you.
“Simply make a qualifying purchase with your Sears card and if you lose your full-time job after 60 days and up to one year from date of purchase, one-twelfth of your entire purchase price will be credited to your account each month until you are back at work or your appliance is paid off.”
But, as Consumer Reports noted about this offer, credit cards can be more risky propositions than cash, due to changing terms and rates.
Their experts also advised shoppers to:
Use a service like PriceGrabber.com to find the lowest price on an item.
Check the appliance manufacturer’s site for rebates and other incentives.
Look for federal, state, and utility incentives for energy-efficient appliances.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetWhat are the best paying jobs for women?
Forbes had an interesting list of the top-paying jobs for women recently.
Not surprisingly, reporter/blogger isn’t among them.
The information is reportedly based on a U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau 2008 analysis. Forbes said it ranked women’s median weekly earnings as full-time wage and salary workers.
For a slide show of the top 10 jobs per salary and more info on each occupation (including the education each job requires, what the job entails and how much women get paid compared to their male counterparts), visit the Forbes site.
Here is their list in a nutshell:
No. 1: Pharmacists. Women’s median yearly earnings: $85,644
No. 2: Chief Executives. Women’s median yearly earnings: $83,356
No. 3: Lawyers. Women’s median yearly earnings: $78,468
No. 4: Computer Software Engineers. Women’s median yearly earnings: $70,252
No. 5: Computer and Information Systems Managers. Women’s median yearly earnings: $65,520
No. 6: Physicians and Surgeons. Women’s median yearly earnings: $63,960
No. 7: Management Analysts. Women’s median yearly earnings: $59,228
No. 8: Human Resource Managers. Women’s median yearly earnings: $59,124
No. 9: Speech-language Pathologists. Women’s median yearly earnings: $58,448
No. 10: Computer Scientists and System Analysts. Women’s median yearly earnings: $56,264
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetKids can bowl free this summer
A friend of mine mentioned this program at a barbecue this weekend, adding that it has been a great addition to her kids’ summer activities.
The program is called Kids Bowl Free and allows children to bowl up to two games per day for free at participating bowling alleys. There is an initial, one-time cost of a family pass that starts at $23.95.
How it works is parents register directly on the bowling center page. Once you register, you purchase the family pass. The family pass allows for 2 games per person, per day.
The pass covers up to four adult family members.
For complete rules, visit the Kids Bowl Free site.
In the Dayton area, participating bowling alleys include Poelking-Woodman Lanes in Kettering; Poelking Lanes South in Centerville; Beaver-Vu Bowl in Beavercreek; Poelking-Century Lanes in New Carlisle; Aero Lanes in Fairborn; Poelking Marian Lanes in Huber Heights; and Capri Lanes, Pla-Mor Lanes and Poelking Lanes in Dayton.
A little further out, alleys include Victory Lanes in Springfield, Royal Z Lanes in Wilmington, Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney and Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
Tweet10 bank fees to watch out for
The Wall Street Journal advised us this weekend (July 4, to be exact) to be wary of financial institutions that increasingly impose new fees and charges.
As WSJ writer Jennifer Waters warned:
Banks and credit-card companies have gone on the offensive in advance of new consumer protections the Obama administration is asking Congress to enact. For many consumers, that could mean an unexpected financial sting.
For a more in-depth look at each of these fees to watch, see the complete synopsis on the WSJ site.
Here is the list of 10 fees to keep a close eye on:
Checking account
ATM
Overdraft
Deposit returned
Tellers
Inquiries
Closing accounts
Currency conversions
Credit cards
Annual membership
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetInflatable baby floats recalled due to drowning hazard
Many varieties of Aqua-Leisure inflatable baby floats were recalled late last week.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the leg straps in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into or under the water, posing a risk of drowning.
There have been 31 reports of float seats tearing, causing children to fall into or under the water, according to the CPSC. No injuries have been reported.
For a detailed list of the products involved, visit the CPSC site.
The baby floats were sold at mass merchandise retailers nationwide, including Target, Toys R Us, Walmart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware, and Bed, Bath & Beyond from December 2002 through June 2009 for between $8 and $15.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the baby floats and contact Aqua-Leisure for a full refund.
For more information, call (866) 807-3998 or visit www.aqualeisure.com.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetDrugstores highlighted in this week’s deals
Here is our weekly list of coupon/ad deals compiled by savvy shopper Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks. Sorry we didn’t have one here last week — I was on vacation.
Andrea recommends hitting the drugstores this week for great deals.
“There are several great deals this week at CVS,” she said. “If you are interested in learning the policies and ECB program for CVS, please read my Top 5 Tips to Play CVS!”
Here are the top three coupon/ad deals at area stores for the week of July 5-11. For more deals from a specific store, click on the store names below.
$2 Money Maker on Post Cereal after coupons/ECB. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
FREE Febreze Noticeables after coupons/ECB
$.50 Head & Shoulders Shampoo after coupons/ECB
$.75 Fudge Stripes Cookies after coupons/RR. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
$.40 Starbucks Ice Cream
There are more Register Reward offers, too.
$.75 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
$1 Special K Cereal — Mommy Snacks has a printable coupon.
$1 Frosted Mini Wheats
$.50 Thomas’ English Muffins
$.89 Pringles
$.99 Aussie Hair Care. Mommy Snacks has coupon details.
$.50 Kashi Cereal Bars. Stop by Mommy Snacks for a printable coupon.
$.25 Bounty Paper Towel Single Roll
$1.99 Air Wick i-Motion Starter Kit
$.21 Trident Gum. Click for a printable coupon.
$.53 Sure Deodorant for Men
$.94 Eggo Bake Shoppe
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TweetHere’s the Deal: Cheap summer toys
At this point in the summer, it’s still hot, it’s getting stickier and the kids are really getting bored.
You know what might help? A little trip to the store to get some cool new cheap toys.
To find out what the Dayton area has to offer, I visited a few stores known for a combination of good prices and toy selection — Target, Meijer, Walmart and Toys R Us — and searched out a variety of fun toys that can be purchased for less than $25.
Many of these items can be found at all of these stores as well as others — such as water guns, inflatable pool toys and bubble makers — but they often carry different versions. And, as we all know, that some toys are inherently cooler than others.
So here is what I found. The prices may vary slightly due to sales, but these figures should be very close to what you can expect.
Water toys
Sprinklers are everywhere right now and can be fun for all ages. Meijer has Dora, Nemo and SpongeBob sprinklers for $10 to $15.
Slip and slides also are age-old summertime favorites. Meijer has the Speed Blast Slip and Slide, which is fast and comes with an inflatable board for sensitive bellies, for $17.99.
Target and Walmart have the Wham-O Splash Factory Water Slide, which has a tunnel that ensures you get soaked, for $25.
Pool inflatables are between $2 and $10 at Target, and small inflatable pools are around $10.
Walmart has a 6-foot-by-15-foot snapset pool for $15.
Water guns (for those of us who allow play guns) are a classic way to cool off and get your friends to join you (whether they want to or not).
They cost as low as $1 at the dollar store and $1.99 for a pack of four at Meijer. Target has a four-pack of Micro Morpher Water Blasters for $6.
For bigger kids and bigger fun, Meijer also has the Super Soaker for $14.99, and Target has a Transformers Super Soaker for $20.
Water balloon lovers can get pack of 500 Water Bombs with Two Faucet Fillers by Imperial for $5 at Walmart. But, as with all water balloons, make sure you pick up the pieces of broken balloons when you are done if you have small children or pets.
Various pool toy-pedoes, including ones that look like a little shark coming after you, cost $10 at Walmart, while diving rings are $5.
Goggles are as low as $1.99 at Toys R Us.
Subskates, I found out, are skateboards you ride underwater. Toys R Us has subskate boards for around $15, and you can get a Tony Hawk version for $24.99 at Target. Beach or sandbox
Tonka trucks are great for sidewalks, sandboxes and parks during these warmer months. Toys R Us has their Tonka Mighty Blaze Dump Truck for $22.99.
Buckets and shovels can be found at most stores, and are among the little sand and water fun items at the front of most Target stores in their See Spot Save sections for between $1 and $2.50.
Target also has butterfly and dinosaur sand mold sets for around $6. Toys R Us has a Sizzlin’ Cool Sand and Water Wheel, a 10-piece set of digging and pouring fun, for $4.99.
Sports equipment
Almost all sports can be played at this time of year, but you can increase the summer fun with a Geyser Football for $9.99 at Meijer. You dip the Geyser ball in water and douse whoever dares to catch it.
Each of these stores had an assortment of balls and Frisbees for anywhere from $2 to $20.
Toys R Us has an XXL 10-pin Bowling Set, with extra-large balls and pins, for $24.99.
Most bicycles are out of this price range, but Walmart has Tough Trikes by Fisher Price for ages 2-5, in Barbie and Go Diego Go styles for $22.
Kids’ fishing poles are at Toys R Us for around $17 in kid-friendly Spiderman, Barbie, Star Wars and Cars fashions.
Toys R Us also has My First Skates for little ones learning to roller skate for $24.99.
Hula Hoops and jump ropes are also good for a hop and a wiggle, and can be found at all these stores for around $5.
Outdoorsy fun
Kites are great for breezy summer days and can be found many stores in many styles. At Meijer they start at $1.49 and at Target they are $2.99 to $6.99.
Toys R Us has a great Planet Earth Explorer Kit (listed for ages 5-10) for $14.98 that includes a tent, binoculars, compass, flashlight, magnifying glass, map and activity book.
The toy store also has twist and fold pop up tents for $20 to $25.
Target has Play Wonder’s Fun Roller, a 44-inch inflatable you get rolled around in, for $20.
Bubbles, which can be enjoyed year-round, are most fun for parents in the summer since they are kept outside.
There are many forms of bubble-makers for kids, from the simple blow-on-the-stick kind to full-fledged bubble rockets.
Funrise Gazillion Bubbles, which blows like a gazillion bubbles, sells for between $15 and $20 at Meijer.
Sidewalk chalk comes in lots of shapes and sizes, and Walmart has Crayola Outdoor Ultimate Coloring Kit, including chalks and stencils, for $10.
Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars are fun to play with outside when the weather is warm.
At Walmart, you can get a set of five Matchbox cars for $4.97.
Bugs are in their element in the summertime, and there are many forms of inexpensive bug catchers and nets to choose from.
Meijer has a Little Tikes Summer Adventures Bug Box for $6.99, and a Little Tikes L’il Adventures Bug Park (complete with swing and teeter-totter for the more spoiled bugs) for $15.
At Target, you can get a Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum, which is more my kind of live bug pickup, for $15.
And at Toys R Us, you can get a Backyard Safari Butterfly Set for $20.
A telescope is great for nighttime adventures, and Toys R Us has a 50mm Land and Sky Telescope from Education Science for $20.
For kids who want to lounge around a little, Toys R Us has an Adirondock chair set and umbrella for $20, and kids’ folding chairs in many cartoon styles for $15 to $25.
For the littlest of summer-lovers, Toys R Us also has an outdoor Infant to Toddler Swing by Fisher Price for $24.99.
So get out there and enjoy.
Believe it or not, these summer days will soon be gone.
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TweetHappy Fourth of July! Now, who wants to go Christmas shopping?
The Go Frugal Blog had a post last week about 5 Ways to Save for Holiday Shopping — and they weren’t talking about Independence Day.
At first I was taken aback at the prospect of tinsel and O Tannenbaum in July, but the site makes some good points about how a little early planning can save you money and time come the Christmas and Hanukkah holiday season.
Some of their tips include setting a budget, watching for sales and stocking up on gifts now before you are blinded by the twinkling lights and shopping frenzy that is December.
At any rate, it is something to think about while you sit around the barbecue today enjoying the sunshine in your T-shirt and shorts.
Happy Fourth of July!
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TweetTips aplenty for shopping on eBay
Tip Hero, which says it serves up fresh money-saving tips daily with more 1,000 tips shared by readers to date, had a post last week on tips for shopping on eBay.
Among them were advice not to buy insurance on low-value items, look for experienced sellers and research using the advance-search tool and scan through completed auctions.
About.com also weighed in on this topic, and offered their eBay tips broken down by what you are shopping for: tickets, antiques, computers, furniture, etc.
And Shoestring, a site that says it offers the good life for less, expands this topic to include tips on shopping at consignment stores, Etsy and eBay.
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TweetRoads likely to be clearer for Fourth of July
As noted last week by USA Today, due to the weakened economy, travel is expected to be light for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
This is despite the fact that gas prices have been falling.
The story noted that AAA expects 37.1 million travelers, or 12 percent of the U.S. population, to take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this year, which is a decrease of 1.9 percent from last year.
Interestingly, though, AAA said air travel is expected to increase by 4.9 percent this year because of declining airfares and pent up demand for vacations.
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TweetFree USAF Band of Flight concert tonight
The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will be performing for free at 7 p.m. today, July 1, at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering.
USAF Band of Flight commander, Major R. Michael Mench, is making his Fraze stage debut with this performance.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is home to the USAF Band of Flight, according to Fraze officials. The band travels nearly 70,000 miles and presents almost 500 performances every year.
Since its founding in 1942, the band reportedly has performed for presidents and vice presidents, visiting heads of state, cabinet officers, members of congress and millions of American and foreign citizens.
It should be a great concert, and a stellar precursor to the Fourth of July events coming up this weekend.
Enjoy!
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