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April 2009
Defeat on field, in stands for Yankees as they slash ticket prices
I wish I could feel bad for the Yankees and their fans, but I just can’t. My Reds-lovin’ heart is just holding me back.
Although I can’t get too excited — the Reds and the Yankees have identical 11-10 records (which is somehow considered good for the Reds and bad for the Yankees.)
However, what is refreshing is that Wallet Pop noted today, April 30, the new $1.5 billion New York Yankees stadium is off to a rocky start.
Twenty-six home runs were crushed in the first six games of the season — setting a Major League stadium record — but the majority were not hit by Yanks. Physics experts are even reportedly trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the stadium.
Add to that insult, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Yankees are slashing prices on the high-end seats that were embarrassingly empty during the team’s first home game.
According to the WSN:
“The Yankees cut season-ticket prices on some of their premium seats by as much as 50 percent to $1,250 from $2,500 for some seats and to $650 from $1,000 on others. Customers who purchased such season tickets will receive their choice of a refund or a credit.”
Of note as well is that the comparable seats, behind home plate, in Great American Ball Park go for a bargain $230.
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TweetCan your computer catch swine flu?
Apparently so — at least an offshoot electronic strain of the swine flu, according to Consumer Reports.
The consumer watchdog reported Wednesday, April 29, that a new variant of the swine flu is looking to make your computer sick.
E-mail phishers are now sending unsolicited messages using subject lines like “First US swine flu victims” and “Swine flu worldwide” to entice readers to follow harmful links or open malicious attachments.
CR recommends that, if you receive such an e-mail, delete it immediately. McAfee’s Avert Labs Blog has a list of other known subject lines, including ones claiming that Madonna and Salma Hayek have been infected.
Readers with real swine flu questions should visit the FAQ at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And of course, stay healthy and informed by visiting the Consumer Reports Health Blog, which is covering the swine flu daily.
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TweetMacy’s celebrating Mother’s Day
Macy’s is in the midst of Mother’s Day sale that began Wednesday, April 29, and continues through May 7. Mother’s Day is May 10.
Dresses, tops, suits and sandals are marked down up to 50 percent, and there is an additional 15 percent off storewide with the “Macy’s Mother’s Day Sale Savings Pass,” which can be found in today’s Dayton Daily News.
If you shop online, you can qualify for free shipping as well. There is also a gift guide at various price ranges.
If your mom is a fan of Macy’s, now might be a good time to shop.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetUnder Armour Athletic Cups recalled
No one wants any kind of sports injury, but it can be worse when you think you are protected but you are really inviting more trauma.
That is the case with this latest recall from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The CPSC announced Wednesday, April 29, that Under Armour Athletic Cups were being recalled because the cups can break if hit, posing a risk of serious injury hazard to athletes.
Under Armour has received five reports of cups breaking, including an injury involving cuts and bruising.
The equipment was sold at sporting good stores and Under Armour outlets nationwide and at www.underarmour.com from January 2006 through March 2009 for about $15.
The CPSC noted that the recall involves all athletic cups that have the Under Armour logo, including adult, teen, and youth sizes. The cups were sold individually and as part of a set with compression, slider, or jock shorts.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the athletic cup and contact Under Armour for a $20 voucher for use online or at any Under Armour specialty or outlet store.
For more information, contact Under Armour toll-free at (888) 823-0343 or visit www.underarmour.com/productsafety.
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TweetIce cream cone for 31 cents
Baskin-Robbins is having its 31 Cent Scoop Night on Wednesday, April 29, from 5 to 10 p.m.
The nationally beloved ice cream store is offering ice cream cones for 31 cents each in honor of America’s firefighters.
And according to the sweet folks at the Kettering Baskin-Robbins behind Town & Country Shopping Center, all area Baskin-Robbins should be participating in this national campaign.
Enjoy!
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TweetKnow guidelines for door-to-door solicitors
The Ohio Consumers Council put out a good guide this month letting people know the strict guidelines for door-to-door solicitors, specifically where natural gas suppliers are concerned.
The OCC cited the fact that, with more opportunities to choose natural gas suppliers, it is important for consumers to understand the rules that govern what marketers can and cannot do to get consumers’ business.
The group noted that Ohio law clearly defines the code of conduct that natural gas salespersons must follow.
So, if you receive a visit from someone claiming to represent a marketer, he or she should make sure the salesperson has done the following:
Stated that he/she is a representative of the marketer and NOT the utility
Fully explained any documents to be signed, how much it will cost, including tax, and how long the contract will be in effect
Orally explained the right to cancel and has given right-to-cancel forms.
All door-to-door salespeople must show valid photo identification issued by the natural gas supplier. Within three days of receiving a consumer’s signature, the marketer is required to notify the natural gas utility of his/her intention to switch companies.
For more information, call (800) 742-5622 or review the “Comparing Your Energy Choices” fact sheet on the OCC Web site, www.pickocc.org, for up-to-date information about current suppliers and their offers.
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TweetClean metal with less cash, fewer chemicals
A savvy little money-saving site I just found has some good information on how to clean various metals with everyday items.
Frugal Family Life listed these helpful and cash-friendly suggestions earlier this month for cleaning the following metals:
Copper: Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt and rub over copper.
Pewter: Rub with wet cabbage leaves.
Silver: Soak silver pieces in an aluminum foil pan filled with water with 2-3 tablespoons cream of tartar sprinkled into it. Let soak for an hour or until pieces are tarnish free.
Gold: Gently rub a paste made of 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap and 1 tablespoon of baking soda over the pieces to be cleaned. Rinse well.
Aluminum: Place 1 cup of canned or fresh tomato slices and 2 cups of water into a pot making sure to cover aluminum pieces. Simmer for 30 minutes, rinse with cool water and dry.
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TweetMazda, Hyundai, Jeep among recalled cars
There have been a number of vehicle recalls announced recently affecting Hyundai, GM, Mazda and Jeep.
We reported on the GM recall earlier this month, and Consumer Reports put together a little roundup of recent recalls Tuesday, April 28.
Most of the recalls will take place in May. For more information, visit the Consumer Reports site.
The cars affected include:
2010 Mazda3
2001-2003 Hyundai Elantra and 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
2001-2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
1999-2004 Hyundai Sonata and 2001-2004 Hyundai 300/350
2006-2007 Hyundai Accent, Entourage, Sonatas
2007 Hyundai Azera, Elantra, and Santa Fe
2005-2007 Hyundai Tucson
2007-2008 Hyundai Veracruz
1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
2002-2003 Jeep Liberty
2001-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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TweetStick it to the man with Forever Stamps
Stamp prices will go up again May 11. The price of a one-ounce first-class stamp will go from 42 cents each to 44 cents each.
But, there is a way to get around this little price hike if that is your desire. If you want to hold on to that extra change that would otherwise go to the post office, stock up on some Forever Stamps before May 11.
According to the post office: “Customers can use their Forever Stamps — regardless of when purchased — to mail 1-ounce letters after the price change, without the need for additional postage.”
Also of note is the prices of Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including Parcel Post), and Extra Services will also change.
The post office added that prices for mailing services will continue to adjust each May.
Prices for most shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, were adjusted in January and will not change in May.
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TweetMore to consider about buying GM
I talked to Jon Linkov today, April 28, about the consumer aspect of the GM news from Monday. Linkov is the managing editor of the auto department for Consumer Reports.
In light of GM’s decision to close 42 percent of its dealerships, discontinue the Pontiac line and sell or phase out the Hummer, Saab and Saturn brands, I asked Linkov what he thought about the ramifications of buying a GM car.
“If you plan to drive your car just for the life of the loan, it’s not the best time to buy from GM,” he said, adding that the brands that are “tainted” — Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn, Saab — will have a lower resale value due to the incentives and depreciation.
“But if you are looking to hold onto your vehicle — not as an investment — it is a fine time to buy,” said Linkov, and followed that statement by saying that buyers should make sure they buy a car that is known to be reliable.
As far as Pontiac, though, Linkov said: “The Vibe is the only Pontiac we recommend.”
Linkov said there are enough vehicles out there and many for good prices, so you can probably find a car comparable to the GM model you’ve been eying from a company that isn’t in such dire straits.
“You shouldn’t have to lie awake worrying about your car,” he said.
As far as the climate for buying a car in general, Linkov said it is difficult to guess whether the deals will get any better.
“Usually at this time of year, the incentives are gone — between mid-March and Memorial Day. This is due to folks getting tax returns and being able to spend a bit more,” he said.
“But it is totally different this year. The news cycle, the speculation cycle; we just don’t know what will go on.”
Linkov said there is no denying that there hasn’t been a better time to buy a car, but said there is a reason that some cars are so cheap.
“I would caution people not to be so enamored with price. You are going to be stuck with a car for a longer period of time, since fewer people will be changing cars due to costs involved.”
“In fact, in a year or two, I think there is going to be a lack of good used cars. There will be fewer coming off of a lease and coming back in. Used cars that have just 30,000 to 40,000 miles on them will dry up, and you will start seeing more used cars at the 80,000 and 90,000 mark.”
Linkov noted that the demise of the Oldsmobile brand might shed some light on the future of Pontiac, Hummer, Saab and Saturn.
“Automotive News Data showed, even two years after Oldsmobile was defunct, that Olds were still being sold. They did a kind of fire sale, selling them through multi-branded dealers.”
Zinkov said that he didn’t know if Pontiac and the others will have the same fate.
“Buyers can always research the supply of cars online, and watch it as it trickles down,” he said. “But then it becomes, how long do you wait to call before the cars you want are gone?”
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TweetUS Airways adds fee for paying fees
As noted by The Consumerist and The LA Times recently, US Airways has taken a new tack on tacking on fees.
The carrier said Thursday, April 22, it will begin charging passengers an extra $5 per bag to check luggage at the airport rather than online.
US Airways already charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second.
Of note as well is that the Arizona-based airline recently reported that its first-quarter losses shrank, lending hope to the idea that the worst may be over for the industry.
For a look at fees from a variety of airlines, click here and then click at the top of the page to see the PDF. This form was last updated earlier this month.
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TweetExperts: Now is a good time to buy a car
I was talking with Tim Doran, executive director of the Ohio Auto Dealers Association Monday, April 27, about the news at GM.
In the course of that conversation, he said: “There has never been a better time for people to buy a car — there have never been better incentives, fuel-efficiency, reliability, interest rates, rebates. It’s almost felony stupid some of the offers that are available.”
And added of the timing: “It may get worse, but it won’t get better.”
Now, I know Doran might have somewhat of a vested interest in folks buying cars, but he is just echoing the sentiment of many I have come across of late.
Jeff Bartlett, the deputy online editor for autos at Consumer Reports, noted in February that it might be best to buy before summer sets in.
“Rest assured, this won’t be the last time great deals are offered, but it is certainly a sweet spot for anyone currently considering buying a new or used car.”
And last week, Mint.com provided a list of 7 reasons why now is a good time to buy a car.
Their reasons include the huge discounts and rebates available, the low sales tax, the government backing and future inflation.
So if you have been thinking about buying a car, get out there and take a look at your options. But don’t wait too long.
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TweetFDA and CDC: Avoid raw alfalfa sprouts
According to reports, consumers should avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts until further notice.
A warning was issued jointly by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control today, April 27, noting that the sprouts have been linked to salmonella cases in several states.
Officials believe that tainted seeds, sold nationwide, may be the cause of the outbreak.
Other types of sprouts have not been implicated.
The 31 cases of salmonella reported have been in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia, and the outbreak has been noted since mid-March, the FDA said.
No deaths have been reported.
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TweetToys R Us: Drop-side cribs too dangerous
Citing the many recalls in the last five years, Toys R Us is getting out of the drop-side crib business.
According to Consumer Reports, the children’s store giant has stopped ordering drop-side cribs because of safety concerns.
Five infant deaths have been associated with faulty cribs, and drop-side models figured in many of the recalls in which missing or loose hardware caused the drop-side to separate from the crib, creating a gap in which a baby can become trapped or strangle.
The decision reportedly comes as new safety standards for cribs are being considered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Consumer Reports noted:
As we’ve written before, although cribs are regulated by the CPSC, there are no federally mandated crib durability test requirements. In a meeting at the CPSC yesterday, crib makers and consumer safety advocates, including Don Mays, senior director of product safety for Consumer Reports, began discussions on how to improve the safety of cribs.
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TweetBest grocery deals for week of April 26
Here are this week’s best coupon/ad deals at area stores from our good buddy Andrea Deckard, an area shopper who runs the blog called Mommy Snacks.
If you click on the name of each store you will see a comprehensive sale list for that store and the coupon matches listed for each item on sale. This list can save you time and money in your search for savings.
Also of note this week is the debut of some delicious corn on the cob for cheap. Meijer and Kroger (with card) both have sweet corn on the cob for $.19 each. One reporter here at the paper said that she bought a bunch of corn at Meijer for a weekend party and it was a hit.
Here are Andrea’s best deals:
FREE after ECB Garnier Hair Care
FREE Bayer Breeze2 Glucose Meter
$.99 after coupons/ECB Schick Intuition Razor
FREE after coupons/RR Suave or Dove Hair Care
FREE Ecotrin Aspirin- visit Mommy Snacks for a Printable Coupon
FREE Gum Dental Care
$.49 Eggo Waffles
$.50 Yo-Plus Yogurt
$.50 Colgate Toothpaste
$.70 Kellogg’s Pop Tarts
$.75 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats
$.67 Colgate Toothbrush
$.49 Kraft Mayo — visit Mommy Snacks for a Printable Coupon
$.49 Kashi Waffles
FREE Lysol Disinfectant Spray
$.50 Mac & Cheese Crackers
$.61 Duncan Hines Cake Mix — visit Mommy Snacks for a Rebate on this item
$1 Spray & Wash Stain Remover
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TweetHere’s the Deal: Time for you to fly?
Now’s the time to book that trip.
“I haven’t seen prices this low for quite a few years,” said Brenda Lawson, office manager of the AAA South location.
Airlines have realized that they have to drop their fares to get people to fly.” But those deals may be winding down. As Business Weeks Justin Bachman noted this month, “Cheap fares could be fleeting. If you’re planning a trip in 2009, there may be no better time than now to buy it.”
There are two clear routes to finding the best travel deals: using a travel agent and searching online.
The benefits of a travel agent are that you have someone searching for you to get the best deal, and there is someone who is responsible if there has been an error in booking or alteration to your trip.
The best parts about searching on the Web are the instant access to current cheap fares, and the wealth of information available.
The most comprehensive travel site I have found is FareCompare.com.
The site provides the usual online services, and posts rules for various airlines, lists top deals from your local airport and has tips for saving money while traveling.
The biggest perk to this site, however, is the personal touch provided by the site’s CEO, Rick Seaney.
Seaney writes a blog for the site, called FareCompare Labs, that examines travel trends and reports on the most current bargains and deals, giving you the sense that you are getting an insider’s look at the industry.
For instance, it will tell you the cheapest days to fly (Wednesday), the cheapest days to book (Tuesday and Saturday) and the cheapest time to fly (typically the first flight out in the morning).
This week, Seaney posted these “smart buying tips” for the current climate: If flying to Europe, shop now and book by mid- to late May. If flying domestic: If you see coast-to-coast flights below $300 round-trip total, buy now.
So, if you can, go ahead and lock in your fares.
As Bachman said: “I suspect that bargain fares won’t last.”
Readers’ favorite garden center: Meadow View
Many readers commented on our Dayton Daily News Web site regarding last week’s Here’s the Deal column about area garden centers.
Readers weighed in on their experiences with the centers mentioned in the article and, in the accompanying garden center poll, noted a couple great places that were not mentioned, including Andy’s Garden Center in Troy and Grandma’s Gardens, just south of Centerville.
Grandma’s Gardens, in fact, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and offering deals each weekend. This Friday through Sunday is the Flat-out Fantastic Flat Sale, selling impatiens and begonias for $11.99 per flat of 48 plants with no limit.
The top garden center among our pollsters, among those featured and not last week, was Meadow View Growers in New Carlisle.
“Typically, because we are located in Clark County, some people tend to relegate us to the Springfield area,” said Ellen Finke-McCarthy, who works at Meadow View. “But I live in Huber Heights.” ” Reader Sandy Coleman was among the readers who voted for Meadow View.
“They have the largest and healthiest selection of plants that I have ever found,” Coleman said.
Stevie Mathewson added: “They have beautiful plants and a staff that actually know what they’re talking about.”
Finke-McCarthy said that virtually all of the center’s plants are grown in its 134,000 square feet of greenhouse space. The garden center is at 755 N. Dayton Lakeview Road (Ohio 235).
This weekend, April 25-26, Meadow View is holding its 25th Anniversary Open House. All fiber hanging baskets are $25 (regularly $29.99), and perennial quarts are five for $25 (regularly $5.99 each) in honor of the celebration.
Other specials will continue throughout the week.
Meadow View also is taking applications to win a garden makeover valued at $2,000 from May 1-16.
The contest is open to all homeowners within 20 miles of Meadow View, which extends to the south end of Dayton. The winner will be announced May 28.
For more information on Meadow View, call (937) 845-0093 or visit www.meadowview.com.
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TweetPrint out resumes and fax them for free
In an effort to help the job seeker, Office Depot is offering to print out up to 25 resumes for free and fax them for free to up to five domestic numbers through May 30.
This takes the concept of last month’s FedEx Office deal, offering to print out 25 resumes for free for a day, and ups the ante.
There are more than 1,100 Office Depot locations nationwide, and 4 in the Dayton area.
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TweetWays to get discontinued makeup, perfume
My mom used to always have this problem — as soon as she found a perfume she loved, it was discontinued.
Fortunately, there are now ways to hunt down that canceled or hard-to-find cosmetic or perfume so we won’t have to start looking for a new favorite so often.
ShopSmart; magazine has a great article in their May 2009 edition called “When your beauty favorite goes bye-bye” and it takes a look at the routes you can take to find your favorite products.
The magazine notes that the first step should be to call the brand’s customer service department to see if there is any leftover inventory for purchase.
Then, there are Web sites to visit to find what you need.
Estee Lauder has a Gone But Not Forgotten program that addresses items discontinued within the last 24 months.
Almay, Revlon and Ultima II products can be found at www.cosmeticsandmore.com.
Some sites, such as Lancome-usa.com and Clinique.com feature online alerts.
There also are sites, such as discount.makeup.com, makeupalley.com and the Fragrance Foundation that provide information (often at a discount, too) on discontinued and hard-to-find items.
And there are many more. For more information, check out the ShopSmart; article online or in the magazine this month.
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TweetGood deals, bad deals at dollar stores
This week, MSN Money put together a little look at the growing dollar store industry, noting that, not surprisingly, sales at the stores have surged of late.
The number of dollar stores has grown nearly 50 percent since 2001, according to market research firm Nielsen.
However, MSN notes that not all discounted merchandise are bargains at these stores and examines 5 items that are good deals (including household cleaners, spices and gift wrap) and 5 that are duds (like medications, toothpaste and batteries.)
The site also has a video of some items that may even cost more at the dollar store.
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TweetMost Walmarts to cut out fabric sales
According to Kelly Cheeseman, a manager of media relations at the Walmart corporate office, many Walmarts across the country are undergoing a remodel and converting their fabrics and crafts departments into what they are calling Celebrations Centers.
The Celebrations Centers focus on gifts for holidays and include many craft items, such as yarn, thread and sewing machines — but they would no longer carry cut fabric.
The remodels have been going on since 2007, and many Walmarts are in various stages of conversion.
In the Dayton area, most Walmarts still sell fabric, but have plans to make the conversion.
Among those that still sell cut fabric are the Walmarts in Moraine (Dorothy Lane), Beavercreek, Sugarcreek Twp., Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Xenia, Troy and Piqua.
Those that have made the conversion already and no longer sell fabric are the Miller Lane location in Dayton and the Englewood location on Hoke Road.
A representative at the Englewood store said they switched over in October and had big sales on fabric — “We went from 20 to 50 to 70 percent off.”
The next area Walmart slated for the change is the Moraine store on West Dorothy Lane, which should be remodeled in May or June, so watch for big sales at that location in the near future.
Two area stores noted that they plan to continue to sell fabric. They are the Sugarcreek and Miamisburg outlets.
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Tweet5 products not to buy for your baby
The Consumer Reports Safety Blog put out a helpful guide noting some items being sold for babies that have found to present safety risks:
Bedside and other co-sleeping devices: Sleeping with a baby in an adult bed can be dangerous. The new bassinet-like devices designed to go in between parents or alongside an adult bed don’t necessarily make co-sleeping with a baby safer.
One popular Simplicity bedside sleeper/bassinet was recalled after two babies died from strangling or suffocating when they slipped through an opening in the frame.
Currently, safety standards don’t exist for either co-sleepers or bedside sleepers. Until they do, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib.
Baby bath seats: Each year, an average of 10 babies drown while using baby bath seats.
Nearly all of those deaths occurred when a parent or caregiver left the baby unattended momentarily. The problem is that these seats, intended to make it easier to hold the baby in the bathtub, can give parents a false sense of security.
It’s better to use an infant bathtub for bathing and never, even for a second, leave the baby beyond arm’s reach.
Sleep positioners: These devices are intended to keep infants on their back in a secure sleeping position.
But the youngest infants, for whom these are designed, are not able to roll over from their backs on their own, which makes this product unnecessary.
The soft foam can pose a suffocation hazard and Consumer Reports’ medical experts don’t recommend them.
Crib bumper pads: Designed to prevent bumps and bruises, crib bumpers can create their own hazards. One study found 27 cases of infant death involving bumper pads or similarly padded bassinets.
Most of the deaths occurred when the infant became wedged between the bumper and another object or when the infant’s face was against the bumper.
And since bumper pads cannot be safety secured to cribs with solid end panels and should not be used with toddlers who can stand, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Sling carriers: Over the past five years, at least four babies died and there have been many reports of serious injury associated with the use of sling-type carriers.
The incidents include skull fractures, head injuries, contusions and abrasions. Most occurred when the child fell out of the sling.
No safety standards exist for slings. Skip the sling and opt for other types of infant carriers, which have safer track records.
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TweetBig sales, garden events this weekend
This weekend is looking better and better.
Not only is the weather supposed to be beautiful, but there are a number of area sales and events in the area to keep you busy indoors and out.
Macy’s is having its “something extra sale” this weekend, with some of the deals starting today, April 24, and continuing through Sunday.
But Macy’s biggest deals can be found Saturday, and you can “shop for a cause.” If you donate $5, you get two offers — $5 off a $15 purchase or more and an all-day shopping pass for 20 percent off.
All donations will go to the National Park Service and local participating organizations that conserve and protect our environment.
Elder-Beerman is having its “biggest sale of the season” through Monday, offering up to 20 percent off coupons (which can be found in today’s Dayton Daily News) on top of already big discounts of up to 60 percent off.
And Sears is having its Super Saturday, marking down Craftsman lawn and garden and outdoor storage items as well as 20 percent off all Kenmore Elite and Kenmore appliances.
Sears also will have 9 a.m. to noon doorbusters offering 50 percent off items throughout the store.
As far as garden centers, Meadow View Growers in New Carlisle is having its 25th Anniversary Open House from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday offering specials each day. On Saturday there also will be food and entertainment.
And Grandma’s Gardens also is celebrating an anniversary — its 30th — with specials all year.
This weekend is their Flat-out Fantastic Flat Sale on impatiens and begonias. They are just $11.99 per flat of 48 plants. No limit.
Have a great weekend!
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TweetDomino’s picks bad time to battle Pizza Hut
Holy starch, Batman.
Domino’s recently launched a hearty new menu choice, “Bread Bowl Pasta,” to compete with Pizza Hut’s successful Pasta Hut campaign, according to AOL Food.
The problem, other than the carb-tastic ramifications of penne pasta with alfredo sauce being served in thick bread, is that Domino’s has served up this new idea just a couple days after a pair of its employees were arrested on charges of tampering with food at work.
A YouTube video allegedly shows these two employees doing unsavory things to food, including sticking what appears to be a piece of cheese up a nose and placing it on a sandwich order, although they claim they did not serve that to a customer.
The whole chain of events makes you wonder if the Domino’s execs considered delaying the new product launch, hoping the recent events would blow over.
Or maybe the Bread Bowl Pastas are just too good to withhold from the world any longer.
You be the judge.
The Bread Bowl Pastas are available in six flavors: chicken carbonara, Italian sausage marinara, chicken alfredo, pasta primavera, three cheese mac-n-cheese and a “build your own” pasta. The build-your-own option lets diners choose up to three ingredients from Domino’s pizza toppings.
Prices will range from $5.99 to $7.99 and are available without the bread bowl for a dollar less. For a limited time, those who buy the pasta online can get $1 off their order.
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TweetBuy one, get one for 88 cents on clothes, sandals at J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney is in the midst of its “lowest prices of the spring” sale and, when I went out to the store at the Dayton Mall today, I found there are still plenty of great deals to be found.
The sale started Sunday, April 19, and continues through Saturday.
The biggest deal of the sale is many items that are buy one, get one for 88 cents — these items include shoes, clothes, sunglasses and home decor.
Among other discounts are little kids’ Okie Dokie tops and shorts for $3.99, Brazil cotton towels for $4.88 and Messages from the Heart Beary Cute Bears, (which are, I can attest, Beary Cute) marked down to $19.99 (from $29.99) with a blanket and $8.99 (from $12.99) without.
At any rate, the sale is worth your time. Local J.C. Penney stores are at the Dayton Mall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.
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TweetFuture of cars getting electric fast
Just this morning, a colleague said to me after a brief chat about recent technological advances: “We really are living in the Jetsons age — except for the hover cars.”
We might not be ready to hover, but, according to experts at The Future of the Automobile at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 22, there are many more electric cars in our future — and sooner than you might think.
Consumer Reports has put together a list of the highlights of the show, and I put together some highlights of those highlights.
They are:
As many as half the cars sold in 2020 will be electric cars, hybrids, or plug-in hybrids.
Batteries are still much too expensive and have limited longevity. While engineers are working on these issues, costs will not come down significantly until enough electric cars are sold to bring greater efficiencies from mass production.
Since the gasoline engine in plug-in hybrids (in which only the electric motor is attached to the wheels) only acts as a generator, they don’t need advanced technology and should be much cheaper than the engines available today.
The future of cars with 7.0-liter V8 engines will be in museums.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetSportsPlay playgrounds recalled for lead
Wednesday, April 22, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled SportsPlay Equipment playgrounds because they violate the lead paint standard.
According to the CPSC, the handrails and posts on the playgrounds contain high levels of lead paint, which can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
The recall involves the Tot Town Fun Center, Tot Town Castle Fun Center, Tea Cup Merry Go Round, 8’ Web Climber, Rope Wall, Four Panel Circular Aztec Climber and Three Panel Aztec Climber.
SportsPlay dealers sold the playgrounds nationwide from January 2003 through December 2007 for between $1,300 and $5,500.
Consumers should stop using the playground immediately if the painted parts have chipped off. Consumers with the recalled playgrounds have been directly contacted regarding this recall and will receive free replacement parts.
For more information, contact SportsPlay at (800) 727-8180, e-mail customerservice@sportsplayinc.com or visit www.sportsplayinc.com.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetRetailMeNot offering printable coupons
As noted by Wallet Pop this morning, April 23, the coupon site RetailMeNot is now offering printable coupons.
The site is well-known for its coupon searching capabilities, but now it has launched RetailMeNot Printable, which provides a searchable index of “90,000 local and national coupons for grocery items, restaurants and other small businesses.”
The biggest benefit of a site that offers a comprehensive search and printable coupons is its convenience.
As Wallet Pop notes:
“RetailMeNot’s printable coupon service … could quickly become a hassle-free place to get local coupons. Best of all you won’t have to wade through the 50 offers in your Valpak mailer to find the three coupons that you’ll use.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetRex coupon could save $400 Saturday
Rex appliance stores, which recently announced they were closing, will hold a four-hour double coupon special on Saturday, April 25.
And these aren’t small amounts that the store is doubling. The coupons that can be doubled are in today’s Dayton Daily News, and they can get you anywhere from 10 percent off to $200 off select merchandise.
The coupons will be doubled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.
Rex has stores at 2750A N. Fairfield in Beavercreek, 2875 Needmore in Dayton, on Ohio 741 across from the Dayton Mall, on Ohio 41 in Troy and others in Springfield, Middletown and Richmond.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetElder-Beerman closing jewelry departments
According to Elder-Beerman representatives at the Mall at Fairfield Commons, all Elder-Beerman stores are closing their jewelry departments, and liquidation sales have begun.
Finlay Enterprises, the jewelry vendor that works by Elder-Beerman, announced its plan to exit the department store end of its business.
Check your ads and local stores for some good deals.
I had also heard that Macy’s was closing its fine jewelry department, but that is NOT true. Although that is the case at some stores nationwide, in the Dayton area the Macy’s stores are just switching vendors. Many Macy’s had employed Finlay as well.
And the good news for area shoppers is that the Dayton Mall and Fairfield Commons Macy’s also are undergoing liquidation to clear out the inventory before the new vendor arrives.
Jacque Clark, who works in the fine jewelry department at the Dayton Mall Macy’s, said the store has gem stones for 60 percent off and gold and silver for 70 percent off through Saturday, April 25.
Clark added that there will be a variety of sales through June, so watch for great deals.
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TweetKohl’s has ‘lowest prices of season’
Kohl’s kicked off a sale today that lasts through the end of the month that claims to have its “lowest prices of the season” — which as you likely know, for Kohl’s, is saying something.
Among the deals listed are up to 55 percent off knit tops for the family, Bonus Buys of up to 65 percent off men’s and women’s clothes through April 28 and discounts on shorts, jewelry, baby apparel, shoes and more.
The store also is offering Kohl’s Cash of $10 for every $50 you spend.
The sale is in the store and online, where you can also check out the ad for yourself.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
Tweet4 biggest environmental scams
Think you are doing the Earth a favor buying “green”? Not always. Like with all other purchases, it pays to be a knowledgeable consumer.
So, in honor of our dear Earth Day today, April 22, here is a list of the four biggest environmental scams as featured by the site The Big Money.
James Ledbetter is the editor of The Big Money. Previously, he was deputy managing editor of CNN Money and Fortune.com.
The site singles out Clorox Green Works, Gas-Saving Magnets, Sephora’s Natural Standards and “Green” hand sanitizers, and explains why those are not the environmentally friendly companies you might think:
Clorox “Green Works” Products: Several Green Works products contain corn-based ethanol, which the environmental community has targeted for being neither cost effective nor eco-friendly.
Many items also include sodium lauryl sulfate, which has long been criticized by the scientific community for its not-so-natural effects. A few of the wares in the line also contain synthetic dyes.
The site says that Clorox should be applauded, though, clearly labels all ingredients on the products and on its Web site, and altering their bathroom cleaner to meet EPA standards.
Gas-Saving Magnets: These products promise to help you reduce your gas consumption through the use of a super powerful Neodymium Rare Earth magnet, and the Web site promises gas mileage increases of up to 20 percent.
The downside? It does not work. At all.
Sephora’s “Natural Standards”: Riding the green cosmetics wave, Sephora claims that products sold in their stores that bear a green seal meet “high internal standards” with “the purest, most efficacious ingredients Mother Nature has to offer.”
Big Money notes that, under the guise of the Food and Drug Administration not regulating the term “natural,” dozens of products Sephora considers “naturally beautiful” contain high levels of harmful chemicals and cancer-causing agents, according to the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database.
“Green” hand sanitizers: The hand sanitizer industry has invited dozens of allegations of chemical dangers and poisoning, making it one of the most under-the-radar health hazards out there. Children, in particular, are susceptible because they’re more likely to ingest the alcohol-based substance.
Their problem is that many green hand sanitizers still have alcohol in their formula — just like their standard counterparts, which hardly makes them a safe or green option.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that people stick to soap and water for safe disinfecting.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Scams to watch out for
TweetFavorite fast food? Still McDonald’s
Experian Simmons, a company that researches consumer-related issues, recently released a five-year study on the fast-food industry and found that, when it comes to McDonald’s, we’re still lovin’ it.
McDonald’s continues to be the most frequented fast-food restaurant, with Burger King coming in at No. 2.
Subway has been climbing the ranks, though, while Taco Bell and Wendy’s have been losing a little ground in the last couple years.
The study included more fringe fast-foodies such as Panera Bread, Chipotle and Pizza Hut, and noted that Chipotle, Panera and Jamba Juice (which has no listed sites in Ohio) have made big strides in the last few years.
The top 10 on their list for 2008 were, in this order:
McDonald’s
Burger King
Subway
Taco Bell
Wendy’s
KFC
Pizza Hut
Arby’s
Other
Dairy Queen
Do you agree with their rankings? What is your favorite fast-food restaurant?
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetEarth Day freebies and free ice cream
Andrea Deckard at Mommy Snacks has compiled a great list of freebies being offered in honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.
Included in the freebie list are goodies from the Disney Store, Pottery Barn Kids, Aveeno and Reynold’s Wrap.
Also, Ben and Jerry’s is having its annual and unrelated Free Cone Day today as a way to thank its customers and celebrate 31 years of business.
But note, the Brown Street location in Dayton is the only area Ben and Jerry’s participating — the Web site lists that the West Carrollton, Huber Heights and Beavercreek sites are not taking part.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetGet best grocery deals for week of April 19
Here is Andrea Deckard’s weekly list of great savings found using area stores’ weekly ads and coupons.
Andrea, who authors the Mommy Snacks blog, adds that “some of the deals this week are so great that it would be a good idea to buy coupons on Ebay and clipping services to stock up at this price!”
Click on each store name to see a comprehensive sale list for that store. You will also find the coupon matches listed for each item on sale.
Save time and money as you clip the coupons to receive the money-saving prices listed below:
FREE after ECB Edge Shave Gel
FREE L’oreal Eye Make-Up
$.13 after coupons/ECB Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste
FREE after RR Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel
$.25 after coupons/RR Mitchum Deodorant
$3 after coupons/RR Aveeno Hair Care — visit Mommy Snacks.net for a Printable Coupon
$.20 Powerade Sports Drink
$.30 Pillsbury Brownie Mix
$.50 Lawry’s Marinades
$.47 Eggo Waffles
$.50 Yoplait Yogurt — visit Mommy Snacks.net for a Printable Coupon
$.50 Electrasol Dishwasher Detergent
FREE Kraft Easy Mac Cups
FREE Dry Idea Deodorant — visit Mommy Snacks.net for a Printable Coupon
FREE Johnsons Baby Ear Swabs
FREE Vitamin Water
$.99 Aveeno Bath Packets — visit Mommy Snacks.net for a Printable Coupon
$.98 Freschetta PizzAmore
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals
TweetTips about insurance when renting a car
Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, issued a report today, April 20, that included tips for Ohio drivers when it comes to purchasing rental car insurance.
According to research by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, many people purchase insurance at the rental counter without knowing whether their existing auto policies or credit card benefits already cover their needs.
Hudson had the following advice for car renters:
Ask your insurance agent: Are there any situations in which my existing auto policy would not cover a rental car?
Ask your credit card company: What are the limitations on rental car coverage?
Review your auto insurance policy or call your insurance agent before you reach the rental car counter.
If your current policy doesn’t offer coverage for a rental car, see if an insurance rider can be added for a small fee.
Many credit cards include some level of collision and theft protection. In most cases, these benefits are secondary to your personal auto insurance or the car rental company’s insurance, meaning the credit card company will only pay claims after other insurance coverage has been exhausted.
The department recommends you call your credit card company and ask about benefits.
If you lack personal auto insurance and your credit card does not provide benefits, it might be wise to purchase the liability insurance and collision damage waiver at the car rental counter.
Keep in mind that if it is a longer-term rental (for example for a week, a month or more), there might be limitations on the coverage your existing auto insurance policy provides.
Check with your insurance company or agent for details.
If you don’t own a car, you might want to consider purchasing a nonowner auto insurance policy, because it provides benefits in addition to coverage for a rental car.
When traveling on business, a personal auto policy will generally not apply, so check with your employer for guidance.
If you are unclear about the car rental insurance options, or are concerned that a rental company is misrepresenting information, check with your state insurance department.
For more information on car rental insurance, visit the department’s Web site.
Consumers with questions about insurance also can call the Ohio Department of Insurance at (800) 686-1526.
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TweetCat toys saving City Council money
This is one of those simple, money-saving ideas that I am putting up on the blog more to remind us all to think outside the box financially than to save on this specific item.
And it’s kind of cute.
The Wallet Pop Web site passed along an item this weekend from the Seattle Times about the Seattle City Council finding a way to save on their laser pointers used for PowerPoint presentations during council meetings.
Turns out the laser pointers generally cost around $30 at office-supply stores, and folks at the council had a bad habit of losing the pointers.
So somebody pointed out that there are laser light toys for cat owners for about $5 that do the same job. You point the laser, and the cat plays with the beam of light.
Now the council is saving 83 percent on laser pointers.
Although, Wallet Pop notes that you can save even more if you just use your finger.
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TweetUpdate on expanding pistachio recall
The Food & Drug Administration issued an update this morning, April 20, on the ongoing pistachio recall linked to the outbreak of salmonella at the Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella plant in California.
The FDA and the California Department of Public Health inspection indicates the presence of salmonella in critical areas of the facility and the potential for cross-contamination between raw and roasted products, and therefore expanded the recall.
The FDA recommends that consumers not eat pistachios or food products containing them (such as pistachio bakery goods and pistachio ice cream) until they can determine that the products do not contain pistachios recalled by Setton.
And, as previously noted, the FDA is advising wholesalers, retailers, and operators of restaurants and food service establishments not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.
The following pistachio recalls are new since our last report Thursday.
For a complete list and more information on these recalls, visit the FDA Web site at www.fda.gov.
The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg Recalls Pistachios
Raja Foods Recalls Swad Brand Raw Pistachios and Roasted Salted Natural Pistachios
Kamdar Plaza Inc. Recalls Raw Pistachio Kernels and Roasted and Salted Pistachios
NUTS ON CLARK Recalls Roasted and Salted in Shell California Pistachios
Ross Nut Co. Recalls Roasted Salted In-shell Pistachios
NOW Foods Recalls Pistachios
Staples Recalls Pistachio Products
Janzen Farms Recalls Roasted, Salted Pistachios in the Shell
Ricci & Company of Chicago Recalls Pistachio Products
Osage Pecan Co. Recalls Roasted And Salted In-Shell Pistachios
The Swiss Colony Inc. Recalls Certain Products Containing In-Shell Pistachios
Island Snacks Recalls Chile Lemon Pistachios
R.U. Nuts Company Recalls Roasted Salted Pistachios (Risk Limited Distribution to Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa)
There also are a couple stragglers from the peanut butter product recall. They are Andronico’s Market Recalls, which is recalling its “All Natural Peanut Butter”, and Klein Bros. Holdings, Ltd., Snack and Packaged Nut Division recalling Arroyo Seco Trail Mixes.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetArea BOGO deals for this week
I just stumbled on an interesting site for those of us looking for area buy-one-get-one-free deals.
The site is called BOGOfetcher.com and offers that if you plug in your city, state and e-mail address that you will get a weekly list of the BOGO offers in your area.
I don’t love the sites that ask for your e-mail address, but signed up and they gave me an instant list of some deals for this week.
So, the good news for you is, if you don’t want the site e-mailing you, know that I will put what they send to me up on this site each week.
The site also offers tips for saving on groceries as well.
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TweetDiscounted CFL bulbs at area retailers
Dayton Power & Light announced this morning, April 20, that discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are now offered in local Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Walmart and Dollar Tree stores thanks to the first of several energy efficiency programs DP&L plans to introduce this year.
According to the power company, the discounts average $1.30 off the retail price and range from 75 cents to $2.50 per bulb, depending on the type of CFL. No coupon or rebate form is required.
“Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs offers customers one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to save money and energy,” said Scott Kelly, senior vice president of Service Operations for DP&L.
Compact fluorescent lights generally save $30 over the life of the bulb.
DP&L reports that if every household in Ohio replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, the annual energy cost savings would be $31 million, because CFLs use 75 percent less energy, produce significantly less heat and last 10 times longer.
A complete list of participating retailers is available by calling a toll-free hot line at (866) 668-9581 or by visiting www.dpandl.com/save. The phone number and site provide general information about CFLs, how to choose the right bulb and proper CFL disposal.
“This lighting program will play a critical role in helping us meet Ohio’s energy efficiency goals,” said Kelly. “Programs like this are good for our customers, are important in helping us meet future energy needs and are environmentally smart.”
One of the state’s energy efficiency targets is to reduce electricity consumption by 22 percent by the end of 2025.
Customers can keep up-to-date on new programs, events, as well as energy-saving tips and offers from DP&L on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DPLEnergySaving.
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TweetLocal woman on Rachael Ray Tuesday
It has been a heady year for Centerville’s Erin Chase.
The mom of two started her own successful blog (5dollardinners.com) in September, won a free year’s worth of groceries from Walmart on New Year’s Eve and, on Tuesday, April 21, she will be featured on The Rachael Ray Show.
“It’s been crazy,” said Chase, who filmed the episode April 8 in New York.
Chase is being featured for the many tips she offers to families who are trying to feed their families healthy meals on a strict budget. She said she had a great time with Ray. “She was fabulous.”
The show airs in the Dayton area at noon on Ch. 22.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Dayton Daily News.
Permalink | Comments (18) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetHere’s the Deal: How do garden centers stack up?
With this weekend being the unofficial kickoff to the gardening season and with Earth Day coming up on Wednesday, April 22, it seemed like a good time to check out some local garden centers and see what you can get for your own hard-earned green.
Cheapest
The garden centers at Meijer and Walmart stores have a fair selection, dedicating an entire section of their extensive superstores to the effort, and usually offer the least expensive plants.
Walmart is generally cheaper than Meijer, and currently has perennials on sale for $4, geraniums for $2 and Bonnie vegetables for $3.50 to $5 per pot. Meijer’s perennials were listed at $5 last week and had a variety of pansies on sale for $4 per six pack.
The biggest detraction: Employees were unprepared to answer even the most basic questions about the merchandise.
Competitive
The Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement stores both have a good selection, good customer service and competitive prices.
Josh Baker, president of the Dayton-based Baker’s Property Maintenance Inc. landscaping business, said his company uses The Home Depot for its supplies because the price and selection are right.
“We come to Home Depot even for our own flowers at home,” Baker said, adding that the convenience of the store is a big draw.
Dave Lewis, manager of the Fairborn Lowe’s, said that he feels his store can offer as good a deal as area nurseries.
“We probably have a bigger selection of mulch than many nurseries,” he said. “They may be able to get more unique flowers, but they can’t beat us on price.”
Current sales include a Home Depot perennials deal for $5.97, while Lowe’s perennials are just a penny more at $5.98.
The Home Depot also will be selling its Bonnie vegetable plants for 50 percent off this weekend, while Lowe’s is having a sale on cobble stones, portage stones and shrubs this week.
Experience
There also is a host of nurseries in the area that are dedicated to the garden business, and that experience can be a value.
“Our prices may run higher, but we have a knowledgeable staff,” said Kathy Matousch, the assistant manager at the Siebenthaler’s in Centerville.
Matousch said Siebenthaler’s, which also has a retail location in Beavercreek, employs master gardeners, degreed horticulturalists and Ohio certified nursery techs.
“And the most distinctive thing about our stores are that we are locally grown,” she said.
Pete Kossoudji, the owner and founder of the North Dayton Garden Center, agreed that the slightly higher prices at his store are worth it. “We try to give people personal attention, service,” he said.
North Dayton has an acre of greenhouses and half million vegetable plants, according to Kossoudji, who said the center is famous for its Neighbor Beater tomatoes.
“They taste like a tomato used to taste,” he said, adding that buyers come from as far away as Indianapolis and Louisville to get the plants.
Siebenthaler’s has perennials starting at $5.99 and annuals, such as pansies, for as low as $1.99.
North Dayton has pansies for $3.95, and assorted annuals for $6.95, and has “thrifty gardener coupons” on their Web site at www.northdaytongarden.com. Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek has perennials that start at $6.49 per quart, and the center’s daylilies are on sale, marked down from $12.99 to $9.99, while supplies last.
Jo-Ann Littlefield, the perennial manager at Knollwood, said the nursery has a unique selection of plants and plant materials, such as their woodland wildflowers and hostas — “things you won’t be able to find in a big box store.”
So it comes down to what is most valuable to you — price, selection or service — when picking a garden center.
But one thing is for sure: You have many sweet-smelling choices in the Miami Valley.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Sunday columns
TweetPoll: Vote for your favorite area garden center
In this week’s Here’s the Deal column, I gave my thoughts on where to go to get the best deals at a variety of Dayton-area garden centers.
But I know there are many gardeners out there who have their favorites as well. So, if you have a minute, let us know which area nursery is your favorite in the Miami Valley with our poll below.
And, if your favorite is not represented, please choose “other” and let us know which site is your favorite in the comments area.
Thanks, and happy gardening!
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Talking point
TweetBuying generic drugs big cash saver
According to a recent report from the AARP, prescription medication costs jumped nearly 9 percent in 2008 — all while many of our incomes took a hit.
The good news is, generic drugs can be a great, cost-saving alternative. This week, Consumer Reports took a look at the benefits of making that switch.
For example, as noted by CR, the brand-name allergy drug Claritin costs up to $37 a month. Its generic version, Loratadine, costs less than $12. Both drugs are available without a prescription.
CR added that generics can save consumers an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion a year.
So check with your doctor to see if there is a good generic alternative to your current prescription medication. The change may save you a great deal of money.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetPaying bills online saves
I’m not a huge technology junkie, but there is one Internet-based operation I have come to rely upon and absolutely love — Internet banking.
Most banks now offer customers the ability to pay bills, manage accounts, receive statements, transfer funds and apply for loans, all from the comfort of wherever their computers happen to reside.
One of the nicest features is access to my accounts whenever I need it. If I remember I need to pay my American Express bill at 11 p.m., I can log on and the funds will be delivered in no more than two business days.
You can also keep the majority of your money in a savings account and instantly transfer only what you need to cover your bills, further reducing the temptation to spend.
By paying online, you can ensure delivery and save money while you pay your bills. On May 11, the price to mail a first-class letter via the U.S. Postal Service will increase by 2 cents to 44 cents. So, if you mail, oh, let’s say 15 bills per month, you can save almost $80 in a year.
And I can think of lots of things to do with $80 that will make me much happier than mailing bills.
Personal checks are expensive — a reasonable estimate is about $15 per 200 — so cutting your use of paper checks is another savings. Out of the approximately 225 payments I’ve made from my checking account in the past six months, only about 50 have been actual paper checks. That’s a cost savings nearly equal to the cost of a box of checks and less paper heading to a landfill.
Using a debit card for in-store purchases can also cut your check costs. One point of caution: be sure retailers process your transactions as credit even though you are using a debit card. Many banks will charge the same transaction fee on debit purchases that they do on out-of-network ATM transactions. Don’t pay the bank for letting you use your own money.
Even though Internet banking is a plus, users need to be mindful of the less-than-honest people out there trying to take advantage.
The biggest concern for many people, both users and nonusers, is theft. To safeguard your information, never share passwords or account information with anyone.
Watch out for fraudulent e-mails — commonly known as phishing — that appear to be from a legitimate bank requesting any personal information. It is not a common practice for banks to seek information from clients via e-mail, so don’t hesitate to contact your bank with any questions.
And, banks have security measures in place to keep potential problems to a minimum. I recently tried to access a credit card account online, but realized I had forgotten my password.
I was locked out of the account and received an e-mail telling me someone had unsuccessfully attempted to gain access to my account. I was thrilled at the security and only a little embarrassed that the potential hacker was me and my failing memory.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Helpful information, Savings
TweetCloseout sale at Whispering Winds; everything at least half off
Whispering Winds Creations is having its final sale today and Saturday, April 17-18.
The store at 6139 Dog Leg Road in Dayton is closing after 28 years, although it may reopen at a later date at another location, according to owner Sandy Nickley.
“Everything must go,” said Nickley, adding that everything in the store is on sale for at least half off.
The store sells gift baskets, home and floral decor, furnishings, Mariposa platters and much more. Display pieces and antiques also will be sold.
“We just want to thank our customers,” Nickley said. “Our customers became our friends. We look forward to the future.”
Whispering Winds Creations will be open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetFree Dunkin’ Donuts coffee pack, dog treats
If you like Dunkin’ Donuts coffee or if you have been meaning to try it, this first offer is for you.
Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free sample of their coffee grounds delivered to your door for your home-brewing pleasure. You just need to visit the site and fill out their little form.
Then, submit and, as the site notes: “begin unbearable anticipation.”
It looks like the Dunkin’ Dark blend is already sold out, but the original blend is still available.
Another freebie worth noting today is that the Walmart site is giving away free samples of Better Than Ears dog treats.
The coffee and the dog treat offers are both available while supplies last.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetBally, Everlast among fitness balls recalled
Fitness balls made by Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit were recalled Thursday, April 16, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The balls, made by EB Brands of Yonkers, N.Y., when overinflated, can unexpectedly burst while in use, causing the user to fall to the floor.
EB Brands has received 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting, including reports of a fracture, and multiple bruises, according to the CPSC.
The fitness balls were sold at department stores and fitness retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009 for between $15 and $30.
Consumers should contact EB Brands to receive a copy of the updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball.
For additional information, contact EB Brands at (800) 624-5671 or visit www.ebbrands.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetOutlet mall sets job fair; site lists many ways to work from home
The outlet mall set to open in Monroe in August announced Thursday, April 16, that it will hold a job fair June 9.
At least 18 tenants have reportedly agreed to be a part of the mall, including adidas, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Gap Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth and Tommy Hilfiger.
In all, there will be 100 outlet stores at the Warren County site.
Also, About.com made note of several ways you can work from home in industries such as health care, entertainment and information technology.
The site provides a long list of contacts that can get you started in a new, home-based career.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Employment
TweetMore info on bargains, baby items for cheap
Another new bargains blog I learned about today is More With Less Today. It is written by a woman named Lori in Southern California, and offers a wide array of tips that are relevant to consumers everywhere.
I will refer to her site when there are good deals and information, such as a post I found from last month.
The post had to do with getting and exchanging baby goods. The site is called SwapBabyGoods.com, and lists clothes, toys, accessories, car seats and more at discounted prices.
To take part, the swap site instructs:
List an item or find an item
Receive offers or contact other swappers
Discuss and finalize the details of your swap
Ship item
Leave feedback
These sites are worth a gander.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Good ideas
TweetSuperior Nut and Candy pistachios recalled
In nutty recall news, the link to the peanut butter recalls from the home page of the Food & Drug Administration has finally been downgraded from the centerpiece of the site after more than three months.
It is now merely “In the spotlight.” That’s gotta be a good sign.
As far as the pistachio recall, there are just a handful to share today, April 16.
The complete list can be found at the FDA site, but the most recent recalls are:
Zenobia Co. Recalls California Pistachios
Superior Nut and Candy Recalls Products Containing Pistachios
Nassau Candy Recalls Pistachio Products
Indian Groceries & Spices Inc Recalls Raw Pistachio Kernels
Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace Stores Conducts Pistachio Recall in Michigan
In-Room Plus Inc And In-Room West Inc. Recalls In-Shell Roasted Salted Pistachios And Pistachio Berry Granola (Energy Boost)
Hines Nut Co. Recalls Roasted and Salted Inshell Pistachio Nuts
Azar Nut Co. Recalls Raw Pistachios
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TweetGet $20 for spending $200 at Fairfield mall
If you are planning on spending at least $200, you might think of spending those dollars at the Mall at Fairfield Commons this week — it could get you an extra $20.
If shoppers bring their same-day receipts from April 13-19 to Guest Services at the mall and those receipts total at least $200, shoppers will earn a $20 gift card.
This offer is while supplies last, so don’t put it off if you can.
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TweetGood ideas to save on birthday presents
It appears that we are in the middle of birthday party season, as the weather warms and weekends fill with celebrations of the births of every kid you ever met.
And that means not only a lot of time, but a great deal of money spent on presents.
So, ShopSmart;), another great source of bargain shopping advice, put together this list of tips for buying birthday gifts for kids:
You don’t need to purchase a gift the day you receive an invitation. Wait for a day of a big sale and plan to make that big multiple-gift-shopping day.
Look for online coupons.
Don’t purchase gifts that are strictly for a boy or strictly for a girl. For a toddler, those giant puzzles are wonderful, as are books. You can purchase several and parse them out as needed for a boy or a girl.
For a child who is approaching 7 or 8 years old, you can buy science kits, cooking kits, or educational toys.
Talk to your local toy store and find out if they will give you a discount if you purchase in quantity. I was able to secure a discount when purchasing several gifts of the same type from a small merchant.
Avoid no-name toys. If a toy doesn’t have a manufacturer name and model number, don’t bother. If it is later recalled, it may be difficult or impossible to check.
And most important: Remember to keep safety in mind when buying a child’s gift of any type.
One I would add is, don’t be afraid to regift. My sons have gotten presents that they liked, but then never opened. Save those and it makes a nice gift for someone else.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetGoing to Palm Beach? Get extra night for $19
According to a CBS station in Florida, Palm Beach County will mark its 100th anniversary with a countywide “1909 Founders Package.”
Depending on the property, the package allows guests who stay two, three or four nights and get an additional night for only $19.09 through December.
“As far as anniversaries go, 100 years is a proud milestone,” stated Jorge Pesquera, president & CEO, Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are thrilled that over 40 hotels, B&Bs and even iconic resorts like The Breakers and Boca Raton Resort & Club have all joined together to offer the 1909 Founders Package and promotions to honor the year Palm Beach County was founded.”
Check that site for a sampling of properties offering the package rates (scroll to the bottom).
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TweetMore sites offering huge deals of the day
In another post that can be categorized as “retailers need us, so they are willing to bend even lower to meet our current economic needs” (although that is a long category), it appears that many are offering more yummy enticements to get us to check out their sites.
The tasty flavor of the day? Sites that offer a “deal-a-day” or a “giveaway-a-day.”
Amazon is one that has been doing this for a while, with their Gold Box Deal of the Day, but the crowd is thickening.
Diamond Shark, a jewelry retailer, features one fine jewelry piece each day that is hugely marked down.
Diamond Shark’s “Diamond Deal of the Day” offers everything from fine rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and watches — the same ones you can reportedly find at national brand-name jewelry stores.
Today’s deal, April 15, which has a literal clock running as I write, is the Accutron by Bulova 26R145 Masella Collection Swiss Made Genuine Diamond Dial & Bezel Ladies Watch.
The site lists the retail price as $995, but they are selling it for $197 and free shipping.
I did a quick online search and found the watch listed at $995 and on sale anywhere from $865.65 to $593.99. So it looks like a good deal at the Shark.
Another retailer getting into the act is Lucky Magazine Online, which offers its readers prizes, available online, and in the next few weeks, will be reportedly launching a dedicated “Giveaway A Day” section.
They also have a button on the site for free stuff.
And another, Madberries, has probably the most creative approach — giving shoppers the chance to straight-out win fashion, beauty, home and living items.
The site is a product of Bauer Publishing, the parent company of InTouch Weekly and Life & Style Weekly.
Shoppers just fill out their name, e-mail address and date of birth to enter themselves in a drawing for their item of choice. I think I am going to throw my hat in the ring for a little pink Apple iPod Shuffle on there.
To find more sites that offer deals of the day, just Google “deal of the day.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information
TweetFree ice cream sundae from Friendly’s
Need another best friend? No? Need a sundae?
Friendly’s, known as much for their ice cream as for all their other menu options combined, is offering a free three-scoop sundae to folks as part of their Best Friends of Friendly’s club.
In addition to the sundae, “best friends” can get birthday offers for them and their family, information on special events, announcements of new products and new menu items, newsletters and other information.
If you want to take part, just fill out the form on the site.
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TweetTips from the Great Depression
As the adage goes — those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
One of the benefits of having lived through the Great Depression is learning from it. So BillShrink put together 16 great tips learned during the Great Depression that can be employed today.
Those tips include:
Avoid debt like the plague.
Use less energy.
Keep or start a garden.
Don’t pay others for what you can do for free.
Pretend you’re worse off than you are.
And, my favorite, awaken your inner bargain-hunter.
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TweetMenards has men’s polo shirts for $2.99
Judy Wick, one of our veteran Deals Teamers, reports that there is a good selection of men’s (or unisex) polo shirts for $2.99 after rebate at Menards in Tipp City. They carry the shirts up to up to size 2XL.
The polo shirts are originally $12.99, but there is a $10 mail-in rebate through Sunday, April 19.
Judy said the color selection is excellent, with “bright colors of gold, orange, red, royal blue, plus black, white, white w/black and white checked collar, tan, navy, spruce green, all weights including a red pique.”
Menards is at 75 Weller Drive in Tipp City.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Deals Team reports
TweetJ.C. Penney preview sale starts today
J.C. Penney is having its “lowest prices of the spring” sale on Friday, April 17, and the store is so excited about these markdowns that it is having two full days of preview before the sale, starting today.
Some of the prices you will find are $8.99 for all men’s novelty T-shirts, girls’ and boys’ Arizona preschool tops for $6.99, juniors’ outfits for less than $30 and the grand pooba — buy one item, get one for 88 cents on clothes, pillows, drapes and much more.
But wait, that apparently is not all. J.C. Penney also is having what they call “super hot buys” on appliances, luggage, dishware and many other items for the home while supplies last.
For example, there is a Cooks George Foreman 10-burger grill that is originally $99.99, that has been marked down to $38.88.
So maybe you do need two days to preview it all.
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TweetPizza Hut giving a free pizza to all John and Sarah Connors on May 21
Sure, you weren’t the ones being chased by cyborgs or actively trying to save the world, but if you share your name with fictional characters who do that sort of thing, you can be honored with a free pizza from Pizza Hut.
In celebration of the new Terminator movie, “Terminator Salvation,” Pizza Hut is giving away a free medium one-topping pizza to anyone named John Connor or Sarah Connor on May 21. Make sure you bring your ID.
Also, anyone named anything can enter to attend the world premier of “Terminator Salvation,” (with one guest) followed by an after-party and a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios.
You can enter on the Pizza Hut Web site through May 4.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetGM recalls nearly 1.5 million sedans
According to CNN today, April 14, the possibility of engine fires has prompted General Motors to recall nearly 1.5 million mid- and full-size passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall Monday.
The vehicles involved are 1997-2003 Buick Regals; 1998-2003 Chevrolet Luminas, Monte Carlos and Impalas; 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues; and 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
The company recommends a change in the bracket that holds spark-plug wires, which will be done free of charge. Reichard Buick Pontiac in Dayton recommends calling your local GM service department for more details on how and where to get that change made.
Owners and dealers affected by the new recall will be notified by letter next month with details.
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Tweet$4.99 DVD sale at Best Buy
In its “daily best deal” Buxr, a deal-spotting Web site, notes this morning, April 14, that Best Buy is having a DVD sale on 42 titles, including “Batman Begins,” “The 40-year-old Virgin,” “Lars and the Real Girl” and many more.
The sale runs through Saturday.
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TweetTips to avoid IRS-related scams
As the Wednesday, April 15, tax deadline hovers ominously, Consumer Reports alerts readers that there are some scammers taking advantage of this last-minute frenzy.
So, before you hurry to answer any IRS-related question, make sure you are dealing with the actual Internal Revenue Service.
Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:
The IRS will never contact you via e-mail or phone to ask for your personal tax information.
Do not respond to voicemails, purportedly from an IRS employee, asking you to fill in some “holes” in your tax return.
The IRS won’t ask for PIN numbers or security codes for your bank or credit cards.
Beware of any e-mails that appear to come from the “IRS” saying that you’ve earned a refund, that you’re under audit, or that your response is requested for a survey. (Send those suspicious e-mails instead to phishing@irs.gov.)
If you are filing electronically, here are some other tips from the real IRS:
Make sure your security software is fully installed and up to date.
Check that you have a two-way firewall running.
Use a unique log-in name and password for your account.
Install a free anti-phishing toolbar, such as McAfee Site Advisor.
For more information, visit the IRS Web site.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Scams to watch out for
TweetIce cream, candy with pistachios among recalls
Here are the latest pistachio recalls associated with the salmonella outbreak at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. in California, and a few more peanut butter product recalls linked to the salmonella outbreak at the Peanut Corp. of America in Georgia.
For complete lists of both recalls and the latest information, visit the Food and Drug Administration Web site.
The latest pistachio recalls are:
House Of Flavors Recalls Ice Cream
Bezzerides Co. Recalls Art’s California Pistachios
Flanigan Farms Recalls Pistachios
Aurora Products Inc. Recalls Certain Pistachio Products
Everson Distributing Co., Inc. Recalls Watta Munch Natural Pistachios
Freshdirect Recalls Pistachio Products
Eastern Lamejun Bakers Recalls Pistachio Nuts
Bremner Food Group Recalls Shurfine, Stop & Shop, Giant And First Choice Brand Roasted And Salted Pistachios
Lake Champlain Chocolates Recalls Products Containing Pistachios
Albanese Confectionery Group Inc. Recalls Pistachio Products Made With Setton Pistachios
Top Food & Drug and Haggen Food and Pharmacy Stores Recall Pistachios
Rocky Mountain Foods Inc. Recalls Whole Foods Markets Roasted Salted In-shell Pistachios, Roasted Chili Lemon Pistachios, and Raw Pistachio Kernels
Diamond Foods Recalls In-Shell Pistachio Items
Barnard Nut Co. Recalls Pistachio Products
Eillien’s Candies Inc. Recalls Pistachio Products
Hickory Harvest Foods and I M Good Snacks Recalls All Pistachios
Ann’s House of Nuts Recalls Products Containing Inshell Pistachios
QSP Recalls Pleasantville Farms 7.5 oz Pistachio’s Containing Pistachios
Ashdon Farms Recalls Girl Scouts Pistachios Containing Pistachios (not ones distributed in Ohio)
The latest peanut butter product recalls are:
Andronico’s Market Recalls “All Natural Peanut Butter”
Klein Bros. Holdings, Ltd., Snack and Packaged Nut Division is conducting a nationwide Recall of the Arroyo Seco Trail Mixes
WOW Cafe and Wingery Recalled Three Lots of WOW Thai Peanut Wing Sauce and Dressing
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
Tweet112 tips for saving money
Earlier this year, I compiled a list of 50 ways to save money, and now the Consumerist has gone ahead and compiled a list of 112 ways to save money.
There may be a little crossover between these two lists but, regardless, you are bound to find many great ways to cut costs from both.
Some of the highlights of the Consumerist’s list are:
Host a swap party with friends.
Don’t buy kids’ clothes new.
Get “The Tightwad Gazette” by Amy Dacyczyn from your local public library.
Eat eggs.
Buy food on Fridays (resist the need to eat out).
Get ink on eBay.
Tell your kids, “No!”
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TweetFree Mother’s Day cards with photos
Since we are now less than a month away from Mother’s Day, Carrie of Money Saving Methods has a link on her site to a Kodak deal that can get you two free Mother’s Day cards (mom and mom-in-law, maybe?) with photos.
We will also have a story in the Dayton Daily News early next month with lots of ways to get your mom great presents for great prices.
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TweetSale on kitchens, free workshops at IKEA
It is a little bit of a hike down I-75 to the IKEA in West Chester, but it can be worth it for what you get for your money — especially when the store is having sales.
For instance, if you are considering redoing your kitchen, the store’s current sale is for you.
Right now through May 3 the international superstore is having a sale of 10 percent off your entire IKEA kitchen purchase (minimum $2,500).
If you add who major appliances valued at $199 each or higher, you can save 15 percent on your kitchen purchase.
If you add three major appliances valued at $199 each or higher, you can save 20 percent on your kitchen purchase.
And you can save 20 percent on all Grundtal integrated lighting.
The store also is holding free kitchen-related workshops this month:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays: How To Install An IKEA kitchen
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays: How to select and save money on a granite, quartz or acrylic countertop with IKEA
The workshops are held in the kitchens department and are held every half-hour.
Other current IKEA sales include:
Through April 17: Karlstad sofa in Rannebo black/white, originally $549 — sale $450
April 20-24: Hemnes twin bed frame in Black-brown, originally $229 — sale $140
April 27 through May 1: Sixten black chair, originally $49.99 — sale $39.99
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetWays the supermarket can save you money
Consumer Reports will release their grocery store savings tips in its May issue, and it will include supermarket ratings.
Until then, the Consumerist notes some ways that Consumer Reports found that supermarkets are helping consumers save cash.
So here are six ways they advise to use the supermarket to save cash:
Choose Store Brands: Look, it’s the same as the name brand stuff, only 25 percent cheaper on average.
Use Your Bonus Card: Yes, stores will track your purchases, but in exchange for that data gold mining, they’re going to shower you with exclusive discounts.
Another bonus is that, during some of these food recalls, many stores (such as Dorothy Lane Market and Sam’s Club) will contact consumers who purchased the recalled products by using their bonus card information.
Look For Extended Sales: Some weekly sales now run for more than a month.
Clip Coupons: There are more ways than ever to get coupons, and more mechanisms telling you how you can use the coupons in concert with ads to get the most for your money.
Look For Double Coupons: Compound your savings by doubling or tripling a coupon’s value.
Make A Shopping List: Shopping lists are always the single best way to save when you shop. Make a list and stick to it. If a paper list is too much work, consider automating your purchases by buying online.
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TweetTop deals at area stores this week
Here is our weekly roundup of some of the very best deals from area stores this week, as compiled by Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks.
Using the weekly ads with coupons, you can get the following values at …
Betty Crocker Frosting for 33 cents
Sun Chips (small size at checkouts) FREE
Welch’s AquaJuice B1G1 FREE $2 each
Kotex LightDays Pads FREE
Maybelline Cosmetics B1G1 FREE
Colgate Toothpaste (assorted varieties) B1G1 FREE
$3.50 Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler: $2 to $4 after coupons and ECBs!
Perdue Chicken 40 percent off
Quaker Rice Cakes FREE
Suave Deodorant FREE
$1/pound grapes OR apples
$6 Pepsi 24-pack: Buy 3 get a 12-pack FREE
$6/pound Healthy Ones Deli Turkey, Chicken or Ham; get 1-pound packages and get them FREE!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals
TweetHere’s the Deal: Schools offer discount services
How much do you pay to get your hair cut and colored? Around $100? $150?
How would you like to pay $27, and have that service guaranteed?
That is the price and quality you can expect at Carousel Beauty College, which is among the many schools in the area that provide services at a great discount to help train their students.
Some of the local services offered through schools include automotive maintenance, massages, pet grooming, floral arrangement and cosmetology.
Carousel, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is among the schools that doubles as a full-service salon.
Gloria Boehm, the manager of the Kettering and Huber Heights locations, said her students are fully supervised by licensed instructors and the school has a pass rate of 100 percent.
“We are definitely an affordable salon,” Boehm said. “And all services are fully guaranteed.”
Those services include hair cuts ($7), hair color ($20), permanents ($35), manicures ($4.75 to $6.50), pedicures ($18 to $25), massages (around $30) and facials ($25).
Boehm added that the Kettering salon will expand April 28. The facility will move just a couple doors down into a 10,000-square-foot facility at 3076 Woodman Drive.
To schedule an appointment, call (937) 298-5752 for Kettering and (937) 233-8818 for Huber Heights.
Another salon/school is Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, which has facilities in Vandalia and Centerville. Creative Images has comparable prices to Carousel and has a 20 percent off sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call (937) 454-1200 or (937) 433-1944.
Discounted massages are available in the area as well. The Schools for Medical Massage in Kettering charges $33 for a 50- to 55-minute general massage, and Serenity (a division of Miami-Jacobs Career College) has massages for between $20 and $35, and body treatments for $45 at its facilities in Dayton and Springboro.
Call the Schools for Medical Massage at (937) 294-2006, and Serenity at (937) 449-8282 and (937) 806-1013.
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center also offers many discounted services to the public, according to MVCTC public information coordinator Kelly Herzog.
Herzog said that architectural and engineering drawings, and rapid prototyping of small parts are offered by some of the trade and industry programs. Prices are determined per case.
“We can provide routine maintenance on motorcycles and automobiles, rebuild automotive engines (engine must be out of vehicle), and some light collision repair and repainting (we do not work on rust),” Herzog added, noting that the school also offers pet grooming and cosmetology services.
However, Herzog said that many services are only available from September through April.
“All available services are booked through the end of the year already,” she said, but “interested individuals can inquire again in September, after we have completed our safety training.”
The school also is having a Spring Flower Sale from April 27 to May 15, or while supplies last.
Flats of 36 plants are among the offerings, and they will be sold for $10. For more information on the MVCTC services, call (937) 837-7781 or visit www.mvctc.com.
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TweetHow to get the biggest flea market bargains
About.com had an interesting article this week about how to get the most out of your flea-market buck.
Here are their tips:
Dress the Part: Vendors often use your clothing to determine how much they think you can afford to spend. Don’t be the overdressed person that’s offered an overdressed price.
Shop Early in the Season: For the best deals at an outdoor flea market, the beginning of the season is the time to shop because vendors are loaded down with fresh inventory.
Arrive Early or Come Late: Hoping to score a real treasure? Then, hit the flea market as soon as it opens. Hoping to score the best price? Then, go late in the day when the vendors know they have two choices: sell it or haul it home.
Barter: Haggling is an accepted and expected practice at flea markets.
Group Your Purchases: See several items in a booth that you’d like to buy? Then, negotiate a price for the group. Bulk sales deserve bulk prices.
Dig: Often the best deals are at the messiest booths. Sift through boxes and piles of junk, and you may find a rare gem at a junk pile price.
Share Your Wish List: Vendors often bring extra merchandise to restock their booths throughout the day, and they could have what you’re looking for on their truck or be able to point you to a section of their booth that you’ve overlooked.
Don’t Act Too Interested: Save the victory dance for home (or at least until after the sale is complete), otherwise you may dance yourself right into a higher price. Practice your poker face.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetNew to the auction block: Food
The recession may have trampled some of our career aspirations, but fear not — American ingenuity is alive and well.
Case in point: Food auctions.
It appears that organizations across the country are holding auctions in which they are selling grocery store items to the highest bidders.
According to a story by the Associated Press:
The popularity of the auctions — which sell leftover or damaged goods from supermarkets, distribution centers and restaurant suppliers — comes at a time when people are stretching their grocery budgets by using more coupons, buying inferior cuts of meat and choosing store brands over national brands.
The news service said the increased interest has fueled growth in the auctions, which can be found in at least nine states from Oklahoma to New York — including Ohio.
Steve Schleeter runs a grocery auction in St. Mary and he told AP that some regulars said they now do most of their shopping at the auction and only go to the store for milk and lunch meat. He estimates his customers can knock 50 percent off their grocery bills.
I haven’t found auctions in the Miami Valley yet, but can spread the word if I find any.
If you know of any local food auctions, let me know!
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetHarry and David among pistachio recalls
Say it ain’t so, pistachios! I thought you were better than your peanut colleagues.
The pistachio recall due to a salmonella outbreak at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. in California is growing, and is beginning to taste a little too much like the recent peanut butter recall that has been ongoing since Jan. 10.
The FDA is advising wholesalers, retailers, and operators of restaurants and food service establishments not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.
Fortunately, unlike the peanut butter recall that sickened 700 and was linked to the deaths of nine, the pistachio recall has not been linked to any illnesses. So maybe the pistachio folks are a little more on top of things than their peanut counterparts.
The latest recalls as of today, April 10, affect such well-known brands as Harry and David and Wegmans Food Markets.
For the complete list of pistachio recalls and peanut butter product recalls, visit the FDA Web site.
Here are the latest on the pistachio front:
Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc. recalls Garlic Flavored Pistachio and Jalapeno Flavored Pistachio Items
Powers Candy and Nut C. recalls Powers Snack Time Pistachios
Harry And David recalls Pistachio Nut Food Items: Caramels And Clusters, Ksar Pistachios, And Marrakesh Pistachios
Sahale Snacks Inc. recalls Ksar Pistachio Nut Blend and Marrakesh Pistachio Nut Blend
Wegmans Food Markets recalls Three Patisserie Products Made with Pistachio Nuts
Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co. recalls In Shell Roasted and Salted Pistachios
Renfroe Pecan Co. recalls Nationwide Pistachios
Marathon Ventures Inc. recalls Roasted, Salted In-Shell Pistachios
Ann’s House of Nuts recalls Products Containing Pistachios
Astor Chocolate Corp. recalls products containing in shell and Shelled Pistachios
John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. expands recall to Include Raw Shelled Pistachio Products and Products Containing Raw Shelled Pistachios
Sendik’s Food Markets expands recall on Pistachios
Gurley’s Foods Inc. recalls Mountain Country Brand Garlic Pistachios
Kanan Enterprises recalls Red Pistachios and Garlic Onion Pistachios
Trophy Nut Co. recalls In-Shell Roasted and Salted Pistachio
Sendik’s Food Markets recalls Pistachios
The Illinois Nut & Candy Co. recalls Pistachios and Passover Mixed Nuts and Bark Containing Pistachos
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetFree DVD perfect for your little princess
If you have a child who loves princesses, this freebie is for you.
Fisher-Price is giving away a DVD of their “Precious Places, Episode 1: The Princesses Save the Ball.”
You must be 18 or older to order the DVD, and the offer is only good while supplies last. There is a limit of one per household.
Fisher-Price said the video is intended for ages 3 and older.
Allow 12-14 weeks for delivery.
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TweetWeekly list of freebies includes perfume, bag
Carrie Koors over at Money Saving Methods posted her weekly list of freebies, and it includes items such as shampoo, GoodNites, perfume and a tote bag.
To see a complete list and the list to the freebies, which was compiled with the help of Bekah at Motherhood Moment, is available on the Money Saving Methods site.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetAG warns of medical plan scam
If someone named Thomas J. Sullivan of Turnersville, N.J., is trying to sell you insurance products, just say “No.”
The Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson issued a cease and desist order against Sullivan and eight companies Wednesday, April 8, for selling insurance products without a license.
Phony insurance plans are a serious problem, according to Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, who warned Ohioans to watch out for worthless medical products.
The department’s order prohibits Sullivan or any of the following businesses from selling any insurance products in the state of Ohio:
National Trade Business Alliance of America
National Trade Business Association
National Transportation Benefits Alliance Association
National Alliance of Associations
Alliance Association Health
Healthcare Alliance
National Alliance Healthcare
Affinity Health Plans
A department investigation revealed that neither Sullivan nor any of the businesses have a license to sell insurance products in Ohio.
The investigation also revealed that the conduct of Sullivan and the businesses have caused substantial and material harm to citizens of Ohio.
Cordray advised Ohioans to contact the Department of Insurance before signing onto any health insurance policy or purchase.
“An offer for discount health insurance may not be what it appears,” said Cordray. “Unfortunately, scam artists have an uncanny ability to take advantage of consumers, even weaseling their way into the realm of health insurance. Before signing any document or issuing payment it’s vital that we read the fine print and research the company or salesperson.”
Cordray encouraged Ohioans to ask questions before buying any medical product and to contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and local Area Agencies on Aging for help finding appropriate insurance plans.
To file a complaint about a phony medical plan, or for more information on how to avoid fraud, visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or call (800) 282-0515.
Ohioans who believe an agent is committing fraud or misconduct should call the department’s fraud hot line at (800) 686-1527.
Information about agent fraud and misconduct can be found on the department’s Web site at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Scams to watch out for
TweetUse coupons, sales to save big at Target
If you hit upon the right sales, Target is a great place to shop. It has good merchandise, good prices and many ways to save.
To that end, Wallet Pop and the Deal Seeking Mom put together a list of some coupon combinations at Target this week that can get you some great deals.
Among the items you can get on discount are Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate for 99 cents a bag and ALL brand detergent for as little as $1.99.
Check it out!
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TweetShoes sold at Walmart recalled
Women’s high-heeled shoes and CARS Fleece Clog Children’s Shoes were both the subject of recalls this week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Both types of shoes are sold exclusively at Walmart.
The women’s shoes, made by Joyfair Footwear of Taipei, Taiwan, have heels that can easily detach, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
The shoes are sling-back, pointed-toe shoes sold under the George brand. The shoes were sold in three colors, black, gray and purple, and in sizes 5.5 to 11.
The CARS fleece clogs, made by Pagoda International Footwear Ltd. of Hong Kong, have four decorative wheels that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
The shoe is a red plastic molded clog with fleece lining and is designed to resemble a car. They were sold in infant sizes 4 to 6 and toddler sizes 7 to 11.
Customers should return these shoes to the nearest Walmart store for a full refund.
For more information, call Walmart at (800) 925-6278 or visit www.walmartstores.com.
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TweetWhere to find creme eggs (not Cadbury)?
Judy Wick of the Deals Team asked if anyone in the Dayton area knew of a good place to get creme-filled eggs that are not Cadbury and not from Esther Price.
If anyone knows of a place, please leave a comment and let Judy know.
Thanks!
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Tweet$200 Rex coupon in today’s DDN
Rex appliance store is having an Easter coupon savings sale, and has multiple coupons in the Dayton Daily News today, April 10, on Page A18.
The coupons include:
$200 off a single item that costs at least $1,999
$150 off an item from $1,499 to $1,998
$100 off an item from $999 to $1,498
$80 off an item from $799 to $998
$50 off an item from $499 to $798
Rex stores are located on North Fairfield Road in Beavercreek and on Ohio 741 across from the Dayton Mall.
The store is closed on Easter Sunday.
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TweetFree gallons of milk with cereal at Meijer
Savvy Deals Teamer Karen Baird just let me know that Meijer is running a promotion for free gallons of milk when you buy Kellogg’s cereal.
She said that when she bought four boxes of Special K on Monday, April 6, (Special K is on sale this week, as well) that she got a coupon at the checkout for a free gallon of milk.
Karen said the milk deal works like this:
3 boxes of cereal = 1 free gallon of milk
5 boxes of cereal = 2 free gallons of milk
7 boxes of cereal = 3 free gallons of milk
All free milk coupons are good on any brand, any flavor, up to $4.69 per gallon. All items must be purchased in one shopping order.
Karen said the offer is good until Sunday, April 12, and that the coupon she got Monday doesn’t expire until April 20.
“I suspect the coupons are good for two weeks after the date of issue,” she said.
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TweetTips to save on food, education, utilities, etc.
U.S. News and World Report put together links to their money saving posts from the past year or so into one convenient page called Smart Money-Saving Tips You Need Now.
Included in the collection are Enjoying The Good Life on a Budget, 9 Extreme Ways to Save, 7 Keys to Smart Bartering, 10 Ways to Cut Your Fuel Costs, 8 Ways to Cut Back Without Sacrificing, How You Can Find Free Money for College and much, much more.
If you are looking for ways to cut costs, this page is a great source of information.
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TweetMore pistachios, products recalled
More pistachio recalls to report today, April 8, related to the salmonella outbreak at the Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. plant in Terra Bella, Calif.
The Food & Drug Administration and the California Department of Public Health are continuing to investigate the salmonella contamination in pistachios and pistachio products.
Setton Pistachio is voluntarily expanding its recall of roasted pistachios to include all lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios that were produced from nuts harvested in 2008.
The firm is also recalling those raw shelled pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale, according to the FDA.
The complete list of recalls can be found at the FDA Web site. Here are the latest, as of today:
Dekalb Farmer’s Market recalls Pistachios
Anton-Argires Inc. recalls Argires Brand IN THE SHELL Red, Natural Salted, Natural Roasted (Unsalted), Chili Limon Flavored, and Habanero Flavored Pistachios
Tillamook Country Smoker recalls Pistachios
John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. expands recall of Archer Farms Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios
John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. expands recall of Fisher Brand Bulk Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios
IFS recalls Pistachios
Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market recalls Fresh & Easy Chili Lemon Flavored Pistachios
Instore Distributors Inc. DBA 21st Century Snack Foods Inc. recalls its Pistachio Products
Energy Club recalls In-Shell Pistachios
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TweetFree stuff at Bath & Body, Victoria’s Secret
The Deal Seeking Mom has some coupons on her site for the following freebies you can get at Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret and Aerie, which is part of American Eagle.
Among the free items are a Signature Collection Body Care Item, Naturally Mini Body Lotion, Abigail Body Mist and pink cotton undies.
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TweetWill Circuit City be back? Do we care?
The Consumerist Web site wrote today, April 8, that Circuit City has put an interesting note on their now defunct Web site:
Circuit City would like to thank the millions of customers who have shopped with us during the past 60 years. Unfortunately, we announced on January 16, 2009, that we are closing our stores. CircuitCity.com is also temporarily closed, although we anticipate the website will reopen in the coming weeks. Please check back for updates.
Are there plans in the works to reopen a Web-only store? And more importantly, given the store’s recent demise without dignity, do we want it to come back?
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TweetAngel Food provides grocery relief to all
Angel Food Ministries, a nonprofit and nondenominational organization, provides grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States — including the Dayton area.
The group provides a wonderful service — food to anyone who needs it at a discounted price. And everyone qualifies — there are no applications to fill out or qualifications to meet.
To take part, you just call a local host site (listed below) and get started. You can also order online.
Each month, the Angel Food site has the menu, and what boxes are available for what price. The menu changes each month.
The Signature Box is the primary offering, and is said to include enough food for a family of four for a week or a senior citizen for a month. The food in the box, valued at up to $75, is available for $30.
Other offerings include a Senior/Convenience Box, which has 10 balanced, fully cooked meals that you just heat and serve for $28. There is an Allergen-free Box for $25, a new Fish and Shrimp Seafood Box for $35, and more.
Becky Mahle helps with the program at Vandalia Nazarene Church, where she is secretary. She said the program has taken off since its launch in September.
“We had 77 (participants) when we started, and now we have 280,” Mahle said. “And it is really a mix of people. Those down on their luck and those trying to stretch their money further.”
Mahle said that if you order online you have to pay by credit card, and if you order in person you can pay with food stamps or cash.
“It is great that you can use food stamps — it really makes them go further.”
Mahle said that the churches put the boxes together, and that the food is delivered to the church about a week or two after ordering.
She said that the program allowed the church to help out needy families at Christmas time as well, since they ordered some extra boxes.
“It is just a great big community outreach program,” Mahle said.
There are 18 local hosts within 20 miles of downtown Dayton. They are:
Sycamore Ridge Community Church in Brookville; (937) 833-6306
Centerville Christian Fellowship in Centerville; (937) 435-4594
Living Hope Church of the Nazarene in Centerville; (937) 433-2773
Maranatha Christian Fellowship in Dayton; (937) 279-0913
Eternal Joy MCC in Dayton; (937) 254-2087 x2
Revival Center Ministries in Dayton; (937) 263-5226
Maple Avenue Church of God in Fairborn; (937) 878-5459
Franklin First Church of God Inc in Franklin; (937) 746-5172
Germantown UMC in Germantown; (937) 855-2102
Potsdam Church of the Brethren in Potsdam; (937) 947-1625 or (937) 877-6041
Agape Family Worship in Riverside; (937) 233-3804 or (937) 520-3077
Paradox Church in Springboro; (937) 694-4932
Bridgeway Church of the Nazarene in Springboro; (937) 748-8726
Changing Lives Now Ministries Inc. in Springfield; (937) 605-1066 or (937) 323-6396
Safe Harbor Ministries, UPCI, in Troy; (937) 451-1986 or (937) 773-1096
Vandalia Nazarene Church in Vandalia; (937) 890-1841
West Carrollton Nazarene Church in West Carrollton; (937) 859-8928
Xenia Christian Center in Xenia; (937) 372-7678
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TweetLocal woman touts coupon sharing sites
Amy Barr of Harrison Twp. called in to share one of her favorite strategies for saving money — utilizing coupon sharing groups online.
She said participants can use the sites for just about everything — trading packets of coupons, finding rebates, creating wish lists and getting other items at a discount that you might not be able to find in the area.
Amy’s favorite coupon sites are the All-American Coupon Train, Our Coupon Cafe and a local one — the Dayton coupon sharing component of the Free Cycle Web site. Free Cycle is all about reusing and sharing things to help the environment.
Amy noted that it is good to have the local Dayton group, and it is helpful to take part in the nationwide ones as well.
“Different areas of the country have different coupons due to the (varying) costs of living,” she said.
Amy, who said she learned to use coupons and save money from her mom, saves $100 to $200 per week on average. Her favorite grocery stores are Kroger and Meijer, and she said she shops at both of them every week to get the best deals.
She added that she does a great deal of stocking up.
“Recently Cub (Food) had a 10 for $10 sale on tuna, and I had 26 coupons. … I ended up getting them for free,” she said, adding that the items her family doesn’t need are donated to the food pantry.
Most of the sites add that they are not only places for sharing coupons, but also places for sharing tips and friendship.
If it sounds like something you would be interested in, take a look.
Thanks for the tip, Amy!
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TweetAttorney general warns of e-mail scam
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is warning Ohioans about a new scam. Cordray’s office released this information today, April 7.
Cordray said the scam involves someone assuming the name and e-mail address of a victim’s real friend to make their message appear legitimate.
How the scam works: The scammer sends an e-mail that appears to be sent by the friend and asks for a favor: a wire transfer of almost $2,000 to help her return home from traveling abroad.
In the message, the “friend” says she is traveling in England for a seminar. She says she was robbed and needs money to pay her hotel bills and come back home. She promises to pay back any money she borrows.
In reality, the message is not from the friend at all and any money sent will go to the scammer.
Tips to avoid this type of scam: If you receive a request to wire transfer money to another country, be careful. Many victims of e-mail scams, foreign lottery scams and advance fee loan scams are instructed to send money via wire transfer because wire transferring is fast and transfer agents are available in most communities.
Plus, wire transferred funds can be picked up in many locations, including foreign countries.
Also, don’t send personal information, such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers, via e-mail. If you’re asked for this information in an e-mail, don’t respond and don’t click on links in the message.
Take your time. If a message tells you to “act now” or keep the transaction a secret, be skeptical. Don’t be pressured into making a rash decision.
Report and then delete suspicious e-mails. OnGuard Online, a program maintained by the Federal Trade Commission, encourages consumers to check spam e-mails for scams and to forward suspicious messages to the appropriate authorities* before deleting them.
If you receive suspicious e-mails, forward them to the FTC at spam@uce.gov and file a complaint with Attorney General Cordray’s Office by logging on to www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0515.
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TweetNew feature: Best grocery deals for week
Our local shopping/blogging expert Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks makes it her business to scout out the best grocery deals in the area, and she has volunteered to pass that knowledge on to our Dayton Daily News readers as well.
Her savvy offerings will be frequently featured on this blog and will have their own category — “Andrea’s best deals.”
Here is her selection for this week, April 5-11, in which she highlights the best grocery prices you can find in the area and use with coupons to get the most for your money. If you click on the store names, you will find more deals for this week.
$1.50 Hershey’s Easter Candy
Huggies ECB Deal: Buy $25, get a $10 ECB
FREE Toothpaste
Maybelline Cosmetics buy one get one FREE
Hershey’s Easter Candy: $5 Walgreens Rebate on 4 Bags
$1.50 Schick Disposable Razors
$.50 Knorr Sides
$1 Dannon Yogurt
Buy 3 Procter and Gamble Products, receive $3 off Instantly at the register
FREE French’s Mustard
$.50 Daisy Sour Cream
$.79 Suave Deodorant
FREE Vitamin Water
$4 Dunkin Donuts Coffee
$.50 Pop-Secret Popcorn
$1 Air-Wick I-motion Air Freshener
FREE Glucerna Cereal
FREE Johnsons Buddies Soap
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TweetGabriel Brothers in midst of outdoor sale
Deals Team spotter Cea Cohen Elliott reports a great outdoor sale going on right now at Gabriel Brothers in Beavercreek.
Cea said that planters, cushions, outdoor figures, pots and potting soil can be purchased at a discount.
She also noted that the store has some new Ann Taylor Loft specials to offer, including items that are 2 for $10 and 2 for $18.
Also, Gabe’s has “Lots of great summer clothing for the whole family. They still have some Earth Shoes left for $24.99, which is a great price.”
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TweetToys R Us has selection of toys for $1-$3
The deal I was chasing at Toys R Us has to do with what you can get at its local stores in Beavercreek and Miamisburg.
According to Toys R Us representative Jennifer Albano, our two mall-area stores have joined the national chain’s campaign called “$1-$2-$3 Fun!” which features shops in the front of its stores that help parents provide more affordable fun for their kids.
The campaign features about 100 items for $1, $2 or $3, with themes such as dinosaurs, games and fun toys, princess dress up, musical instruments, art supplies and party favors. The selection also would work well for birthday party goodie bags.
Featured themes and products will be refreshed periodically, according to the company.
Toys R Us also seems to be getting on the rewards band wagon, and has offerings to customers through Rewards R Us, a complimentary loyalty membership programs.
Rewards R Us offers for spring 2009 include:
Diaper Rewards, in which members can earn one free value box of Pampers diapers when nine Pampers value boxes are purchased OR one free value box of Huggies diapers when nine Huggies value boxes are purchased.
Formula Rewards, in which members can earn one free Nestle Good Start case of 32-oz. ready-to-feed formula for every nine Good Start 32-oz. ready-to-feed cases purchased OR one free can of Good Start powder formula 24-oz. or larger when nine cans of Good Start powder formula 24-oz. or larger are purchased.
American Greetings offer, which began this month, in which members can earn a certificate for one free greeting card when five cards are purchased.
At any rate, it is great that Toys R Us, which can be expensive, is broadening its retail base.
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Tweet‘Hot Deals’ at Toys R Us site
I was just looking into another Toys R Us deal, and stumbled upon this aspect of the toy store’s Web site that will save you big cash.
The “Hot Deals” touted on the site include up to 50 percent off many board games, buy one get one half off on all Thomas Wooden Engines, buy one get one half off all LEGO sets and many more.
If you are in the market for a toy — especially a pricier one — always check to see if it is marked down before you pay full price.
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TweetKroger Lite Mayo recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced late last week, April 3, that the Kroger Co. is recalling some of its Kroger Lite Mayo due to possible salmonella contamination.
The recalled mayo is packaged in 32-ounce plastic jars and contains a “Sell by” date of SEP-25-09. It was sold in Kroger stores in Southwestern Ohio, including Dayton.
The product’s UPC is 11110 66090.
The FDA is advising consumers to return their Kroger Lite May to a store for a full refund or replacement and to call Kroger toll free at (800) 632-6900 or visit www.kroger.com/recalls with any questions.
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TweetSalmonella goes nuts in first quarter of 2009
The peanut butter-related recalls associated with the salmonella outbreak at the Peanut Corp. of America in Georgia are still trickling in, nearly three months after the outbreak began.
Add to that the more recent pistachio recalls due to salmonella contamination at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. in California, and you get the idea that 2009 has just not been good for nut lovers.
However, while the peanut butter recall has sickened 700 and been linked to the deaths of nine people, fortunately no illnesses have been reported in the pistachio recall.
To learn the latest recalls both outbreaks, visit www.fda.gov.
The latest peanut butter recalls for April are Lamb’s Markets, which recalled Bulk Peanuts and Trail Mixes, and Country Aire Inc., which recalled Raw Redskin Peanuts.
On the more recent recall front, a pistachio growers group has set up a Web site to distinguish products affected by the recall. That site www.pistachiorecall.org.
Here are the pistachios and pistachio products recalled — included are Kroger shelled pistachios, Planters Back to Nature pistachios and Frito-Lay pistachios:
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. recalls Pistachios
Anton-Argires Inc. recalls Salted Pistachio Kernels & Its Deluxe Mixed Nuts (Roasted And/Or Salted)
Setton International Foods Inc. recalls Several Lots of Pistachio Kernel Products
John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. recalls Four Varieties of Archer Farms Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios
Nature Kist Snacks recalls In-Shell Pistachio Nuts
Harry and David recalls a Pistachio Nut Candy, Mendiants
Chukar Cherry Co. recalls Products Containing Pistachios
Eillien’s Candies Inc. recalls Dry Roasted Pistachio Kernels
Pine River Pre-Pack Inc. recalls Deluxe Mixed Nuts with Peanuts
Ciao Bella recalls Gelato Pistachio Single Serve Cups
Fritz Co. Inc. recalls products
Publix Issues recalls Pistachios
Kroger recalls Shelled Pistachios
Whole Foods Market recalls In-Shell Pistachio Nuts
Kar Nut recalls Pistachio Products
John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc. recalls Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios
Kraft Foods recalls Planters and Back to Nature Products Containing Pistachio Nuts
Frito-Lay recalls In-Shell Pistachio Nuts
The Georgia Nut Co. recalls Certain Snack Products Containing Shelled Pistachio Nuts
Back to Nature Foods Co. recalls Nantucket Blend Trail Mix Containing Pistachio Nuts
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TweetDear Easter Bunny: Please skip Kinder eggs
Consumer Reports has issued its annual warning about the Kinder Surprise egg, a candy egg with a toy inside that has been banned in the U.S. since 1997.
The Consumer Reports Safety Blog notes that the product is considered a choking hazard, but some gray-market importers still make it available to retailers across the country.
Their blog also notes the addition of edible Easter basket grass this year, but advises that kids may be confused about what is good to eat, and what isn’t.
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TweetGet a free medium McCafe at McDonald’s
It is a classic way to start the day — a newspaper and a good cup of coffee.
On Wednesday, April 8, there will be a coupon on the bottom of the Dayton Daily News and the Springfield News Sun front pages that will get you a free medium McCafe at Miami Valley and Richmond, Ind., McDonald’s. The coupon will be good through May 10.
Their are many varieties of McCafe to choose from. My favorite is the Hot Mocha, nonfat milk, with whipped cream on top.
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TweetKohl’s, Macy’s having big sales Wednesday
Wednesday, April 8, area Kohl’s and Macy’s are having huge one-day sales on a variety of merchandise.
Kohl’s is marking clothes, shoes, bags, towels, jewelry and more down 40 percent to 60 percent and taking an extra 15 percent off for senior citizens.
Macy’s is having what they are calling their “lowest prices of the season” and “their biggest one-day sale” — which is good because the store is usually a little pricey for my tastes.
Macy’s is taking an extra 50 percent off fashion clearance items that are already reduced 40 percent to 75 percent.
The store also has up to 50 percent off shoes, up to 80 percent off jewelry, and sales on sheets, luggage and more.
And, Macy’s is offering a free Clinique 7-piece gift, valued at $50, with any $21.50 Clinique purchase.
Macy’s also has a coupon in today’s paper (in the insert) that can get you $10 off a $25 purchase either Wednesday or today, which is the preview day.
On Wednesday, Kohl’s will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Macy’s will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Both of these sales are well worth a look.
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TweetSenior Citizens’ Day at Stein Mart
Today, April 6, is Senior Citizens’ Day at Stein Mart. The Kettering store is offering an extra 20 percent off Red Dot and clearance items for shoppers who are age 55 and older and bring in the coupon found on Page A9 of today’s Dayton Daily News.
The store, which is in Town & Country Shopping Center in Kettering, opened at 10 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.
For more information, call Stein Mart at (937) 643-0043.
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TweetWant to save money? Hands off the merchandise
Time had an interesting story Friday, April 3, about a shopping habit that can lead you down the road of overspending.
And how do you break that habit? Don’t touch the merchandise.
Time reports that, according to a study to be published in the Journal of Consumer Research, consumers who touch products are more likely to buy those items — and some may even pay more for an item.
The study said the motivation traces back to what behavioral economists have labeled the “endowment effect.” This phenomenon posits that consumers value a product more once they own it, and that touching an item gives them a sense of ownership.
The study noted that those who touched items reported statistically significant higher levels of perceived ownership, and that they were also willing to pay more to purchase the products.
I think this is an interesting study, but think the results could be a bit skewed. I know I don’t touch an item unless I have a strong interest in buying it in the first place. I certainly wouldn’t buy most items I hadn’t touched.
At any rate, it is an interesting idea — if you truly want to just window shop, just put your hands in your pockets and try to imagine there is an actual window between you and the merchandise.
You might have less fun shopping, but you should have more cash when the day is done.
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TweetWhich video game system is best for you (and your pocketbook)?
About.com took a look at the three top video game systems to find out what you get for your money. They examined Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and wrote their top five reasons to buy each system.
Only you know what you want out of a system, but seeing the top five reasons to buy can help you determine which is best for you and your family.
I checked at pricegrabber.com to compare prices for each system, and put those prices in parentheses.
Benefits of Xbox (from around $200 to $500):
You Won’t Find Better Games
You Can Play Friends Online and Download Demos
Its ‘Achievements’ Will Keep You Motivated (Achievements are goals programmed into each and every Xbox 360 game that reward you with points when you complete them.)
The Xbox Streams Videos and Music
Parents Can Control What Their Kids Do
Benefits of PlayStation 3 ($250 to $400):
The PS3 Has Hi-Def/Blu-ray
The PS3 Is Ready Out of the Box, Cheaper to Own
The PS3 Has Great Games To Satisfy the Mainstream and the More Discerning Gamer
The PS3 Has Lots of Multimedia and Non-gaming Features
Online Gaming Is Free and Easy
Benefits of Wii ($173 to $250):
The Controls Are Intuitive Everyone Loves It
It’s Nintendo
The Games Are Less Expensive
It’s Family Friendly
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TweetCoupon tricks can save you hundreds
Woman’s World magazine has asked a panel of shopping experts to give them tips on saving money.
Among them are three coupon tricks that they say will save you hundreds of dollars at the grocery store.
They are:
Search for coupons at the beginning of the month. Companies often release their best coupons then. Check circulars and couponing Web sites. So, when you turn that calendar page, check your newspaper inserts.
Ask for a price match. Many grocery stores will match their competitors prices on sale items that you see in ads. Just ask at customer service.
Area Meijer stores price match on general merchandise, but don’t price match on all grocery items according to the Kettering customer service desk. It is more on a case-by-case basis. Area Kroger stores do not price match.
Look for specials with limits. Stores use this trick to get you to buy more, but it does often yield a price per unit that is close to wholesale cost.
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TweetTime to buy a swim suit — on sale
It may be chilly in Dayton today, but swimming weather is just around the corner.
Land’s End has a good reputation for quality, long-lasting swimsuits. The only problem is they can be pricey, with some suits up to $100.
Fortunately, their Web site has an overstock section that has many of their most popular suits marked down to as low as $9.99. The overstock section has suits for women, men and children, and has Land’s End clothes at a discount as well.
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TweetBest scum busters for your bathroom
There are many cleaning products to choose from, but how many do we really need? And are the expensive ones really better?
ShopSmart; magazine tested popular cleaning products in an array of prices, and came up with the best buys for your scouring buck.
Best for once-a-week cleaning: Comet Scratch Free Disinfectant ($1.25). Runner-up was Ajax ($1.20)
Best greener cleaner: Green Works Natural Bathroom Cleaner ($3.50)
Best for daily wipe-downs: Kaboom Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner ($4)
Best window cleaner: Windex No Drip Streak Free Foaming Action Spray ($4). Runner-up Sprayway Glass Cleaner Ammonia Free ($2). Bargain buy was Streak-Free with Ammonia Spray at Walmart (97 cents).
A few years ago, Associated Content put together their list of cleaning products that were good and less than $5. They like Old Dutch and Clorox Wipes.
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TweetBest online savings accounts explored
The Web site Consumerist Commentary put together a good list of their best online savings accounts, which was updated last month.
The site used interest rates and customer service to gauge which sites were best.
“Interest rates are important because I don’t want my money to lose purchasing power. I’m looking to beat inflation, and many banks do not offering a savings option with high enough interest rates.”
As far as customer service, the site wanted all account maintenance and transfers should be available through a professional and reliable Web site, and that site should be easy to navigate. And the reps should be available and helpful.
Based on the blogger’s experiences and reviews from other Consumerism Commentary readers, here are their favorite places for short-term savings: (All of the listed interest yields are as of March 9, 2009, and are subject to change by the banks.)
FNBO Direct. No fees, no minimum balance. Recently rated best online savings account by Kiplinger, FNBO Direct is the online arm of First National Bank of Omaha. 2.15% APY.
E*TRADE Bank. No fees, no minimum balance. 1.7% APY.
ING Direct. No fees, no minimum balance. Blogger never had any customer service problems. Favorite feature: the ability to split your account into several labeled subaccounts. 1.5% APY.
HSBC Direct. No fees, no minimum balance. 1.85% APY.
Here are a few more:
GMAC Bank is offering 2.5% APY.
Presidential Bank is offering up to 2.25% APY.
VirtualBank is offering up to 2.38% APY.
DollarSavingsDirect is offering 2.05% APY.
What is your favorite online savings account?
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TweetSite shops around for items for you
I just stumbled upon a Web site that can save us all time and money.
At ZingSale.com, you plug in the item you are looking to buy, it gives you a list of current discounts and where to shop, and then offers you the chance to “Zing it” — meaning the site will e-mail you when that specific item goes on sale.
If you have a particular item you are shopping for, this site could save you lots of time and help you find the best deal possible.
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TweetDonating to charity doesn’t have to cost you a dime
Most of us want to give to help those less fortunate, but it can be difficult when we don’t have as much money to spare.
Fortunately there are ways to make a difference without spending much (if any) money.
And ShopSmart; magazine recently identified some charities that are benefited by just the click of your mouse.
They include:
GoodSearch.com: GoodSearch is a Yahoo-based search engine that makes a donation to the charity of your choice every time you browse the Web. It is just a penny per search, but with the amount of searches many of us make daily, that can add up.
GreaterGood.com: If you click on one of the charitable causes, the network will make a donation. The site is funded by ad revenue. Each click gives 1-2 cents.
GoodShop.com: If you click on any of the 500-plus stores and shop as you usually would, the charity will donate money (it varies per retailer) to the cause of your choice.
Thepetitionsite.com: This charity has you select a category such as human rights or corporate accountability, and add your support.
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TweetA good time to buy a new car
I am most definitely not the new car kind of person. When I buy a vehicle, I’m in it for the long haul.
My trusty (not rusty) 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan with its 113,000 miles is still plugging along fine, and it’s been paid for for years, so why even think about additional debt?
A recent conversation with Dean Blair, owner of Foreman-Blair Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, shed light on two good reasons that might even tempt me to consider buying a car.
He shared a tip that will benefit most new car buyers in 2009, even if you opt for a model his nearly four-decade-old dealership can’t provide.
People buying a car after Feb. 17 and before Dec. 31 of this year, he said, are now entitled to deduct all sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase.
The car benefit is part of the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 — the stimulus bill for us regular folks.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the new car tax break is an income tax deduction; there is no restriction on the type of car and it does not have to be a hybrid. This means taxpayers get to reduce their taxable income and, in turn, net tax liability.
There are some restrictions, although they are not strenuous. Qualifying cars can cost up to $49,500 and can not weigh more than 8,500 pounds. Considering most SUVs, light pick-up trucks and even some RVs don’t tip the scales, most family cars should qualify.
The deduction is phased out for individual taxpayers with modified annual gross income between $125,000 and $135,000. For joint filers, it is phased out between $250,000 and $260,000 modified AGI.
The deduction can not be taken on 2008 tax returns and itemizing will not be required. You can read more about the program at irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html
There are almost always dealer incentives and financing options to investigate, Blair pointed out.
Most manufacturers are offering some type of cash-back program, and many are dangling zero percent (or very low percentage-rate) financing in front of us. There are many online resources available to help you research current deals, which change every few weeks.
Most manufacturer Web sites list current offers, and sites like cars.com offer one-stop listings of most available offers.
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TweetFree Nestle cookie plate with codes
The Deal Seeking Mom had an item on her site about getting this Nestle collector’s plate for free when you mail in 3 UPCs from any Nestle Toll House Morsels or Refrigerated Cookie Dough packages.
Mail your UPC codes, dated cash register receipt(s), and a 3-by-5 card with your contact information to:
Please Send Cookies Plate Offer P.O. Box 8160 Royal Oak, MI 48068-816
Her site also had a coupon for Nestle Toll House Chocolate or Carmel Filled Refrigerated Cookie Dough $1/1 printable coupon.
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TweetNine common errors to avoid on tax returns
Errors made on your tax returns may delay the processing of your return and the arrival of your refund. The Internal Revenue Service offered the following tips to help ensure your refund arrives on time:
Recovery Rebate Credit
The RRC is a credit for people who did not receive a stimulus payment in 2008 or who did not receive the maximum amount.
To avoid delays in tax refunds, taxpayers must know whether they received a stimulus payment in 2008 and the correct amount of that stimulus payment. For people using a paper tax return, the stimulus payment amount will be required when completing the related worksheet. For people using tax software, the stimulus payment amount will be needed as part of the return preparation process.
More information is available at irs.gov.
Incorrect or missing social security numbers
When entering SSNs for anyone listed on your tax return, be sure they are entered exactly as they appear on the social security cards. Incorrect or transposed numbers will cause delays in the processing of your return.
Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name
When entering dependent’s last name on your tax return, ensure they are entered exactly as they appear on the social security cards. Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name will cause delays in processing of your return.
Filing status errors
Make sure you choose the correct filing status for your situation.
Math errors
When preparing paper returns you should review all addition and subtraction to ensure it is correct. Remember, when you file electronically, the software takes care of the math for you!
Computation errors
Take your time. Many taxpayers are making mistakes when figuring the taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of social security benefits, and child and dependent care credit.
Incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit
If you are due a refund and requested direct deposit did you check your financial institution routing and account numbers?
Forgetting to sign and date the return
An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check - it is invalid.
Incorrect adjusted gross income information
Taxpayers filing electronically must sign the return electronically using a personal identification number.
To verify their identity taxpayers will be prompted to enter their AGI from their originally filed 2007 federal income tax return or their prior year PIN if they used one to file electronically last year. Taxpayers should not use an AGI amount from an amended return, Form 1040X, or a math error correction made by IRS.
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