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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal > Archives > 2009 > October
October 2009
Halloween safety tips for kids, adults
Consumer Reports put together a good list of trick-or-treating safety tips for kids and adults.
Tips include driving slowly on residential streets and wearing costumes that can be seen in the dark.
CR also had a good compilation of hidden Halloween hazards.
ShopSmart;) magazine put in its two cents, reminding parents of kids with allergies to go over some treat rules with their kids before they start diving into their candy hauls.
Also, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Halloween flashlights sold at Target had been recalled due to a burn hazard.
The mini- and standard-size flashlights were sold at Target in August and September for between $1 and $2.50.
For more info on the flashlights, call (800) 440-0680 or visit www.target.com.
Have a fun and safe holiday!
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TweetLate-breaking Halloween deals, free fun events
As of 3 p.m. today, Oct. 29, Toys R Us began its two-day Monster Sale, offering 50 percent off all things Halloween — candy, costumes, party goods and more.
That 50 percent off matches the Kmart prices mentioned a few days ago, that are still good through this week.
Toys R Us also has other doorbuster savings throughout the store tonight through 11 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The sale has 50 percent off Nextar MP3 players, select Nintendo DS games, Fisher-Price Kid-tough portable DVD players, stuffed animals, dozens of board games, all Hulk action figures, various Transformers, Crayola Digital Camcorders and more.
As for fun events, Toys R Us also will have Geoffrey’s Trick R Treat Parade from noon to 3 p.m., inviting children 3 and older to come in costume and receive a complimentary, reusable bag, which they can fill up with goodies and giveaways (while supplies last) as they parade around the store with Geoffrey the Giraffe.
Macy’s is another store getting in on the Halloween fun.
In the midst of its Birthday Sale, Macy’s is giving away a free $10 gift card to the first 100 customers to arrive when doors open on Saturday.
Macy’s also will have a Coolest Costume Contest at 11 a.m. in the kids’ department, free face painting and a free trick-or-treat bag to color while supplies last.
According to Deal News, Michaels also has a deal for kids.
At Michaels, from 10 a.m. to noon, kids can get a free trick-or-treat pail, Crayola pencil topper with Crayola Model Magic Fusion (modeling material), Make-It Take It Halloween frame, balloon, and candy.
And, for the occasion, Sears has a coupon for $5 off any $20 or more toy purchase.
(The free toy to trick-or-treaters mentioned on Deal News could not be confirmed at any area Sears stores.)
Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Free stuff, Savings
TweetFree Blackjack Taco at Taco Bell on Halloween
Everyone wants to make your Halloween spicy.
Much like the Chipotle deal, which will get you a free burrito at the restaurant on Halloween, Taco Bell is offering a free Blackjack Taco to customers from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 31.
The Chipotle burrito is more substantial than the Taco Bell taco, but you don’t have to dress up like food to get the taco.
Then again, there is nothing stopping you from getting both.
(And thanks for the reminder from the reader who posted this deal on the Chipotle entry!)
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Tweet50% off everything at Payless today only with coupon
I’m not sure of the connection between Oprah Winfrey and Payless, but TipHero is providing a great printable coupon for 50 percent off everything at Payless Shoesource today, Oct. 29, only.
The coupon says it is exclusively for Oprah viewers, but I figure it counts if you have ever seen the show … or even a picture of Oprah.
If you don’t want to print out the coupon at TipHero, you can also text “OPRAHSHOW” to 242424 and download it to your phone.
You can also print the coupon from the Oprah show site.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetMake money, help troops with extra Halloween candy
Want to get rid of mounds of extra Halloween candy, have fun, make money and be sweet to our troops overseas?
One local dentist’s office has you covered on all counts.
The Dayton Dental Collaborative in Washington Twp. is having its third annual Halloween Candy Buyback from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
“Last year we collected 1,200 pounds of candy,” said Micah Windsor, who works at Dayton Dental Collaborative and is helping coordinate the event.
How the Buyback works is that kids bring in their candy and exchange it for cash. They can get $1 for every pound. The candy is then sent to troops overseas.
“We collect it and give it to the Blue Star Mothers group,” Windsor said. “Then they send it overseas.”
The Buyback also is a festive holiday event in itself, and complements the trick-or-treating from the night before.
“We have refreshments, balloon art, door prizes — it’s kind of like a carnival theme,” said Windsor, adding that kids are encouraged to wear their costumes.
The Dayton Dental Collaborative is at 5685 Far Hills Ave. in Washington Twp. For more information, call (937) 435-5163 (ask for Micah) or visit www.smileddc.com.
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TweetFree burritos at Chipotle on Halloween
Can’t think of what to be for Halloween, yet?
Well, if you dress like a burrito or any other Chipotle menu item for at least part of the day, you can earn a free dinner.
Chipotle restaurants are offering a free burrito to anyone dressed like a burrito, taco, salad, etc., from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
To find the Chipotle nearest you, visit the restaurant’s Web site.
Permalink | Comments (51) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetWalmart starts selling caskets, urns online
On my last entry about Walmart and its competition-fueled, price-cutting moves of late, I asked, “Where will it end?”
Readers of that post had good points about why you should or shouldn’t shop at Walmart, and one reader aptly answered the question by saying “it will end when the jobs come back and people are employed.”
That would be my best guess as well — well, either that or the apocalypse.
But, in the meantime, I will keep documenting the retailer’s attempts to be our low-cost leader in every aspect of our lives.
And, apparently, our deaths.
CNBC reported Wednesday, Oct. 28, that Walmart quietly started selling caskets and urns on its Web site last week.
These prices reportedly undercut many funeral homes, which have long the major seller of caskets.
CNBC noted as well that this move follows a similar one by Costco.
I don’t know about you, or why it should really even matter, but it makes me want to run out and make sure my loved ones know not to put me in a Walmart (or Costco) casket when my day comes.
Although, I might reconsider if it had that big yellow smiley face on it.
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TweetGoodwill Sale netted 5 million donations
The Goodwill Sale held in September at Bon-Ton stores, including at our own Elder-Beerman stores, collected about 5.2 million clothing and home textile items, according to a press release sent out today, Oct. 29, from Bon-Ton.
The items collected are expected to raise between $12 million and $15 million when they are sold. The money will go to support job training and help individuals achieve economic stability.
“We want to thank everyone who donated this season,” said Bud Bergren, president and CEO of Bon-Ton.
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TweetCR releases annual auto reliability survey
Consumer Reports, in its comparison shopping wisdom, has released its 2009 annual Auto Reliability Survey.
The data is based on a survey of Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org subscribers and is not derived from vehicle testing.
The study does not name an overall “most reliable” car, but instead notes the best and worst models of various car makers.
It also offers some findings of general interest, such as:
— Ford is tops among the domestic automakers.
— The front-wheel-drive Fusion, its Milan twin, and Chevrolet Malibu V6 scored higher than both the V6 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
— Among upscale cars, the front-wheel-drive version of the Lincoln MKZ, a plusher cousin of the Fusion, beat out perennial reliability champs such as the Acura TL and Lexus ES.
— The Mercedes-Benz GLK, in its first year, is one of the most reliable among SUVs.
— And that even good brands falter. Among the least reliable in their respective classes were the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Nissan Versa sedan, and the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS.
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TweetFazoli’s selling Baked Spaghetti for $2.99
In honor of its 20th anniversary, Dayton-area Fazoli’s are celebrating by rolling back the price of its Baked Spaghetti to $2.99.
The previous price was $4.99.
From now until Nov. 30, a family of four can visit Fazoli’s, enjoy two Baked Spaghetti entrees, two kids’ meals, all-you-can-eat breadsticks and drinks for less than $20.
The company said this latest dining deal also is available for carryout and at the drive-through.
As for other Fazoli’s deals, the restaurant is offering its Pick a Pair for $4.99. Guests can mix half portions of a specialty pasta and a classic pasta for this low price.
The Pick a Pair offer is available through Jan. 10.
For other Fazoli’s deals, visit www.freespaghetti.com.
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TweetMeijer kicks off new pricing program, promises bigger discounts
(Story was updated with more info and quotes as of 4:50 p.m.)
Meijer announced today, Oct. 28, that it has begun implementing a new pricing program storewide.
The press release noted that the program “will greatly increase the number of items reduced in price, provide deeper discounts for sale items, and provide assurances to shoppers that they are paying Meijer’s guaranteed lowest price for a particular product.”
Meijer representative Frank Guglielmi said the economy has created a new generation of shoppers who are looking for how and where to find discounts.
“Shoppers today are focused on price, focused on stocking up,” he said. “It is going back to how it used to be. And we heard from customers that there were so many sales, and so many levels of signage that it was making it harder for them.”
The Michigan-based chain said it will divide discounted items into three categories: Everyday Best Price, Sale and Price Drop. Here’s how each will work:
Everyday Best Price: Products with this designation will be reduced in price dramatically, and continue to be offered at that price. (This is similar to Walmart’s Everyday Low Prices.)
Guglielmi said more than 19,000 items have been reduced and labeled as Everyday Best Price items.
Sale: Items tagged “sale” will be reduced in price for a limited time. Meijer said it will offer deeper discounts than the store has historically on these items.
Guglielmi said the Sale prices will be on top of the Everyday Best Prices.
“The Sale items will provide the deepest discounts (of the three),” Guglielmi said.
Price Drop: This category applies to discounted Everyday Best Price items.
The Price Drop category has been employed by Meijer and will remain in effect, but many more food and general merchandise goods will be added to this category on an ongoing basis.
Price Drop items will be on sale for longer than Sale items.
Guglielmi said this new pricing system was created to eliminate the confusion that used to come with hunting for the best prices, and offer the most savings possible.
“It is simple now, with those three (pricing categories),” he added. “We don’t want people leaving the store thinking they didn’t get the best price.”
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Tweet88% off dresses at Amazon
DealNews spotted a great bargain at Amazon.com — dresses for up to 88 percent off.
There are dresses as low as $4.99, and many hovering around the $10 mark.
The deal was highlighted on Wise Bread’s list of Wise Buys for today, Oct. 28.
The Consumerist had a good list of deals for today as well, with bargains of 65 percent off at Nike, deals at various travel sites and more.
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TweetBlinds from Bed, Bath & Beyond and Ikea recalled
On the same day, Tuesday, Oct. 27, two kinds of blinds were recalled due to the strangulation hazard they pose to children.
First it was Ikea’s roller blinds, sold at Ikea stores nationwide from July 2005 through July 2009 for between $10 and $55.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that strangulation can occur if the blind’s looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child’s neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.
For information about what to do if you purchased these blinds at Ikea, see the CPSC site, contact Ikea toll-free at (888) 966-4532 or visit www.ikea-usa.com.
Then, later Tuesday, blinds sold exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond were recalled for the same potential danger.
The CPSC said strangulation can occur with the Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.
The blinds were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and online from August 2007 through September 2009 for between $40 and $130.
For more information, visit the CPSC site or contact the Louis Hornick & Company toll-free at (800) 517-3612 or www.hornickindustries.com.
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TweetHow to get $10 off at JCPenney, Kohl’s
Carrie Koors at Money Saving Methods had an interesting post earlier this week about how to get $10 off purchases of $10 at both JCPenney and Kohl’s.
The savings utilize newsletters and/or loyalty programs, both of which Koors offers links to on her site.
For the JCPenney deal, it is note that you can get $10 off $10 online with code “Sweets4U”. Koors recommended checking out the store’s clearance section as well, to increase your bargains.
For the Kohl’s deal, Koors noted that you can get a $5 coupon off any purchase with the store’s newsletter.
Also, you can get extra savings with a Kohl’s credit card — not just for new card-holders, but for those who already have a card.
Koors said she received an insert in her latest statement that offered $10 off any purchase in store.
For more deals like this, visit Money Saving Methods.
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TweetMacy’s birthday sale offers up to 50% off
Rather than try to blow out 150 candles (or 151, for good luck), Macy’s has decided to share the joy of its birthday with a sale.
Now through Nov. 3, Macy’s is offering savings of 25 percent to 50 percent off throughout the store and online.
Also, customers can get an extra 10 percent to 20 percent off by using their Macy’s Card or by picking up a Savings Pass.
Savings Passes can be found on Page A5 of today’s Dayton Daily News or online at the Macy’s site.
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TweetSites offer info on Black Friday deals
Some bargain shoppers just can’t wait to see what items will be drastically reduced in price — and where — for the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday, which will be Nov. 27 this year.
OK, maybe all bargain shoppers feel this way. But the wait might not be as long as we think.
Wallet Pop noted last week that an ad from OfficeMax was the first “leaked” concerning what some of this year’s Black Friday discounts may look like.
The source of the ad — BlackFriday.info — said it can’t confirm these prices, but believes it was at least, “partially correct.” The site has since removed the ad at the request of OfficeMax.
Some of the prices quoted on the ad included an Acer Aspire One Netbook for $149.99, a Magellan GPS for $69.99 and a Memorex 7-inch portable DVD player for $29.99.
Surely other ads and information will leak as the shopfest approaches. So, if you are interested in the information, check back with BlackFriday.info site and another good site devoted to the day, iBlackFriday.com.
They have some early rumblings already on Half Price Books and Toys R Us.
You can also sign up to get e-mails from them when information is released.
On one last general holiday note, amid the doom and gloomy predictions for the holiday season, at least one news source is predicting a jolly holiday season.
CNBC lists its top five reasons why the season might just be a good one for retailers — and consumers.
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TweetAudi, Pontiac, Nissan, Infiniti models recalled
On Monday, Oct. 26, Consumer Reports did a roundup of some recent automobile recalls, that haven’t made the same headlines as the recent ones for Toyota and Ford.
These recalls affect the Audi A3 and Audi TT and Roadster, Infiniti M35 and M45, Nissan Cube, Murano, and Rogue, and Pontiac Vibe.
CR said, if your vehicle is listed among these, the manufacturer will contact you with information about what to do. The site also provides phone numbers for you to contact the manufacturer, if that is the route you prefer.
The specific models affected include:
2006-2010 Audi A3, 2008-2010 Audi TT and TT Roadster, due to a problem with the fuel tank cover and resulting fire hazard.
2008-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, 2009 Nissan Cube and Nissan Murano and 2008 Nissan Rogue, due to a problem with the nut used to secure the sensor-transmitter of the tire pressure monitoring system. The problem could cause the tire to quickly lose air pressure and could result in a flat increasing the risk of a crash.
2008-2009 Nissan Rogue, due to a screw in the steering gear cover that could loosen and fall out. This could result in loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash.
And certain models of the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe that, in extremely low temperatures, the intake manifold suction port for the brake vacuum can become locked due to freezing condensation. This could lead to longer stopping distances and a possible crash.
The recall only affects models sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
It does not affect models sold or registered in Ohio.
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TweetOSU study: Consumers feel better about debt; stress still high
After hitting record-setting levels of stress this summer, American consumers seemed to be worrying less in September about the debts they owe, according to a nationwide survey performed by Ohio State University.
The study said that the Consumer Debt Stress Index fell 10 percent in September, indicating that Americans are feeling slightly better about what they owe on their credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, car and student loans and other sources of debt.
“Consumers are feeling less anxious than they did, but the high levels of debt stress on consumers are still troubling,” said Lucia Dunn, professor of economics at Ohio State and one of the leaders of the study.
The DSI is conducted by Ohio State’s Center for Human Resource Research and is based on telephone interviews of randomly selected Americans. Each month’s index score is based on the past three months of interviews, with the average sample size being 658.
Debt stress reportedly has been on the rise since the fall of 2007 when the DSI rose above the 100 mark.
It hit 155.3 in July of this year; 55 percent higher than the debt stress levels on consumers in January 2006 and the highest it has been since the inception of the current index.
The stress score declined to 147.6 in August and again to 132.8 in September.
“Reports on the economy have become more encouraging, with the retail and housing sectors showing renewed signs of life,” Dunn said. “The good news clearly brought some psychological relief to consumers.”
However, the debt stress levels are still relatively high, and that could bode ill for the holiday shopping season, she said.
In addition, the long recession and the stress it brings have even affected how consumers view their health. About 26 percent of the September DSI respondents said that their debt has affected their health to some extent; an increase of 3 percent since a year ago.
About 10 percent of those asked said debt has been an “extreme problem” for their family life, and 6 percent say it has been an extreme problem for their job performance — both substantial increases over the same period last year.
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TweetHalloween costumes as low as 50% off
With this being the last week before Halloween, many stores have drastically reduced the price of their costumes and other bewitching wares.
Here are some of the best deals in the Dayton area:
Kmart is leading the discount pack, marking down costumes 50 percent and offering many other bargains on masks, wigs, themed tablewear, lights and other Halloween items.
Toys R Us has 40 percent off their Halloween goods, including costumes and candy.
Target has 30 percent off all costumes, accessories and makeup, as well as many sales on candy.
Meijer has various costumes marked down, candy on sale of two for $4, Halloween cupcakes for 50 percent off, Halloween tablecloths and doormats for 40 percent off, and pumpkin carving kits for 30 percent off.
Meijer also is offering a chance to win a $500 shopping spree at an in-store event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. See the Meijer site for more details.
Kroger has costumes for 33 percent off; makeup, wigs and carving kits for 25 percent off; and candy for 2 for $5.
Of note as well is that Halloween USA, Halloween Express, Spirit Halloween and Foy’s Halloween stores are not offering any additional discounts this week. They do have very good selections, however.
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TweetFree gift cards, prizes at Dollar General grand opening
Dollar General recently opened a new store at 2312 N. Main St. and will host a grand opening celebration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
At the grand opening event, there will be special deals and free prizes.
Also, the first 50 shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card, and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways.
The new 11,223-square-foot store features a fresh layout, and has features that include seasonal products in the center of the store.
There also will be easily recognizable departments with visible signage and coolers conveniently located at the front of the store.
For more information or to apply for a job at Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.
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TweetPrintable coupons net big savings this week
Coupon expert Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks has found some great deals this week at area stores, and she has some good information about online coupons as well.
“All of the local stores accept Internet printable coupons,” Deckard said. “With a printable coupon, you don’t have to get the Sunday paper for the coupons — although, I highly encourage it, anyway.”
Deckard highlighted sales this week using only Internet printable coupons, adding that you can print these coupons at Mommy Snacks, as well.
“I even have a post to help you save on printer ink, too.”
Here are Deckard’s best coupon/ad deals for the week of Oct. 25-31. Click on the store name for more savings from that store.
Dove Extra Care Bucks Deal: 5 bottles of shampoo for just $5, with printable coupons
$1 Chex Mix
$7.88 Huggies Diapers
Kellogg’s Register Rewards Deal: Get 2 Boxes of cereal for just $2, with printable coupons
$.50 Carefree Liners
$1.50 Dove Hair Care
$.16 Healthy Choice, with printable coupons
$.50 Green Giant Veggies
$.88 Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks
The Buy 10 get $5 Promotion is going on until Nov. 8. The prices on these promotions cannot be beat. Visit Mommy Snacks to see the full list.
FREE Cheez-Itz, Snuggle and and Cough Drops all part of the Mega Event Promotion!
On Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Nestle Candy will be on sale and you can actually EARN $1 from making a purchase.
$5.99 Tinker Bell Movie, with printable coupons
$1 Keebler Cookies
$4.99 Wonka Candy (big bag)
$.39 Starkist Pouches, with printable coupons
$.64 Trident Gum
FREE Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal
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TweetFree grilled chicken today at KFC
As noted last week, KFC will be giving away a free piece of grilled chicken to all customers at 5,000 restaurant locations today, Oct. 26.
No coupons are required.
With any luck, the restaurants won’t run out of chicken with this giveaway, as has happened before.
“We gear the shifts up so we make sure we’ve got the staffing, we make sure we’ve got the chicken,” KFC President Roger Eaton told the Associated Press.
Our chicken fingers are crossed.
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TweetLocal families compete on Savings Race; Halloween candy deals abound this week
Five families from across the Miami Valley are competing for $10,000, and improving their financial outlook at the same time.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, Wright-Patt Credit Union announced the families that will be competing in its second annual Savings Race.
They are the Boggs family from New Carlisle, the Law family from Moraine, the Lively family from Fairborn, the Roberts family from West Carrollton and the Schaefer family from Springfield.
These five families were culled from 10 by popular vote on the credit union’s Web site, and those 10 were those chosen by the credit union from about 200 applications, according to Wright-Patt marketing director Tracy Fors.
Fors said these five competing families will be judged on how much debt is reduced, how much savings are increased, popular vote and a panel of judges.
“It will be like ‘American Idol,’ with Simon, Paula and so on, collectively ranking them,” she said.
Fors said each family will meet with coaches regularly to help with their goals.
“The coaches start by helping them in baby steps — the smallest debt first,” Fors said.
The families also will attend classes on personal money management.
Each group’s progress will be documented at www.savingsrace.com, and I also will note milestones on this blog.
Last year’s Savings Race contestants collectively saved $80,000 and reduced their debt by $65,000, according to Chris Gardner, marketing representative for Wright-Patt.
Gardner said the winning family, the McClellands of Springboro, increased their savings by more than $30,000 and reduced their debt by almost $15,000.
The McClellands noted on their blog after the win: “We thought we had to live paycheck to paycheck, because we always had. Now, we know that with a little planning and some restraint in spending, we can have anything.”
Fors noted that this year’s contest saw an 81 percent increase in applications compared to last year.
“And we saw a difference between applications from last time to this time,” she said. “This year it was more people who had seen bad times … and hadn’t received good financial information. Last year, it was more people who randomly wanted to win $10,000.”
Fors said she was surprised by some of the unintended benefits of the first Savings Race.
“It brought core values back to families,” she said. “They started having more quality time … having Sunday dinners and clipping coupons with sisters.”
This year’s Savings Race will keep the same goals as the first, but it will bring in the public more. Voting on the Web site will help pick the winner, and financial classes will be available to the public.
Also, the credit union is holding mini-races online, offering a chance to win up to $1,000. Those are open to the public as well.
For more information, visit www.savingsrace.com.
Unwrapping this week’s candy deals
This week, we had two polls on our Web site asking Dayton-area folks what their favorite Halloween treat is and what they like to give trick-or-treaters.
As of Friday morning, Reese’s peanut butter cups were the top choice for treats to get out of more than 20 choices, with 44 votes. In second place was Snickers at 25.
At that time, there were 169 total votes.
Voters also overwhelmingly said they like to give out their favorite treats, rather than just buy and hand out the cheapest candy — the vote was 83 to 35 as of Friday.
Speaking of cheapest, one reader noted on the blog that juice boxes make great, cheap treats: “You can get 10 for about $1.79, or 0.179 cents apiece.”
However, if you plan to stick with more traditional treats, there are many great sales this week on a wide variety of candy.
Here are some of the deals available this week. These candies are in the fun or snack size, unless otherwise noted.
And, for the biggest savings, before you go to the store make sure you look for coupons on these products in today’s newspaper, and online at coupon sites and the individual store Web sites.
Walmart has bags of traditional candy favorites, such as Hershey’s (maker of Reese’s), Mars and Nestle products, for between $5 and $8.50. Those are for bags from 22 to 60 ounces.
If you prefer a single kind of candy in a smaller bag, you can get 11-ounce bags of Snickers, Reese’s and Butterfingers for $2.50.
Walmart also has 17-ounce bags of gummy Bugs and Body Parts for $5.
Kmart has 13- to 32-ounce bags of Snickers and Reese’s Pumpkins for two for $9 and its 3½-pound bag of Child’s Play (which has Tootsie Rolls, Dots, suckers, etc.) for $6.59.
However, Meijer had that same bag of Child’s Play for $5.49 last week.
Meijer and Kroger didn’t have information available on their candy sales for this week at the time of publication.
These stores could have bigger sales this week, but it is unlikely their candy went up in price.
Last week, Meijer also had Wonka MixUps (20-32 ounces) for $5.49 and 10- to 14-ounce bags of M&M packages for two for $4.
It also had a variety of bagged candy for $2.50.
Speaking of Wonka MixUps, Target has a 40-ounce bag for $6.99. Target also has some non-candy deals, such as Teddy Grahams and Mini Oreos (9-ounce bags) for $2.75.
Last week, Kroger had Snickers, Butterfingers or Reese’s for two for $5; M&Ms Halloween candy (12.6-ounce bag) for two for $5; and a bag of Milk Duds, Whoppers or Twizzlers (9 to 16 ounces) two for $4. Shoppers need to use the Kroger PlusCard to get these prices.
Rite Aid has a plethora of candy on sale this week, with everything from eight-packs of snack-size favorites for 88 cents to 34- to 68-ounce bags of Reese’s Cups and Rice Krispies Treats for $8.88.
Rite Aid also has 20-count packs of regular sized candy bars for $9.99, and a wider variety than most. For example, Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses (14 ounces) and SpongeBob Krabby Patties (22 count), both are two for $3.
The store also is selling Act II Popcorn Balls, for those so inclined, at three for 99 cents. CVS/Pharmacy is having a great candy sale for shoppers with an Extra Care Bucks card today through Tuesday.
Hershey’s, Mars and Nestle varieties (10 to 22 ounces) are for two for $4. The eight-packs are 99 cents.
And, for all the Reese’s lovers out there is an actual 28-count Reese’s Lovers Assortment (with the original cups, Fast Break, Pieces and Sticks) for $5.99.
Walgreens’ best deal is jumbo bags (no weight listed) of Hershey’s Monster Mix and M&M Mix for $5.99.
Also, Dollar stores can be great places to buy candy if you don’t care as much about name brands, and Sam’s Club has some great deals if you need a large amount of candy.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Sunday columns
TweetWalmart announces weekly price cuts
Who guessed weekly price cuts?
Earlier this week, in the wake of Walmart’s latest bargain-basement offensive against Amazon, I asked readers where Walmart might strike next.
I was thinking the retail mammoth would stick with its overall product targeting approach; it has already hit books and toys this season.
I didn’t see weekly price cuts coming.
As noted by USA Today on Thursday, Oct. 21, Walmart “will cut prices this holiday season for a week at a time on thousands of items, from bananas to board games.”
And that’s where the company started this week, with bananas for 39 cents a pound and select board games for $15. It also threw in lean ground beef for $1.25 per pound.
“We will not be beaten on price,” Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of Walmart Stores and leader of its U.S. business, told the news source.
Now I guess the question becomes, where will it end?
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Holiday deals, Savings
TweetSee U2 “live” for free Sunday on YouTube
Consumer Reports had a great item today, Oct. 23, noting that U2 will be streaming live in concert on YouTube on Sunday.
It notes that U2 will perform its final tour stop at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California and, with 96,000 tickets sold, this is expected to be largest concert ever streamed online.
Paul McGuinness, U2’s manager told CR: “The band has wanted to do something like this for a long time. … it’s the perfect opportunity to extend the party beyond the stadium. Fans often travel long distances to come to see U2 — this time U2 can go to them, globally.”
The show starts at 11:30 p.m. Dayton time (8:30 p.m. Pacific) on YouTube.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetKohl’s, Sears both having “lowest prices of season”
Kohl’s and Sears are getting a little jump on the Christmas shopping season by offering what they are calling their “lowest prices of the season” sales right now.
Sears even mentions that these will be the store’s “lowest prices ‘til Christmas.”
Tools, including 50 percent off a 204-piece Craftsman tool set (now $99), are among the bigger deals in this sale. There also are discounts on fitness equipment, appliances and electronics, among others.
This sale lasts through Saturday, Oct. 24.
I’d say the bigger sale, however, is over at Kohl’s, which has markdowns throughout the store.
Jeans are one of the biggest deals in this sale, with 40 percent to 55 percent off pairs for the whole family. Pairs for girls around the $12 mark, and for boys around $14.
Women’s jeans are as low as $18, and most men’s jeans are between $17 and $25.
There are bonus buys that are good through Tuesday, but the sale in general will continue for a couple weeks. It ends Nov. 2.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetAll you can carry pumpkins for $14.99
Time is getting tight to shop for pumpkins that hope to someday turn into Jack-o’-lanterns.
Meadow View Growers in New Carlisle is trying to help as many pumpkins as it can along that journey by having a special sale on pumpkins that allows customers to have all the pumpkins they can carry for $14.99.
The sale starts Saturday, Oct. 24, and lasts through the week.
And, speaking of pumpkins (and since I was curious), “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” will be on at 8 p.m. Tuesday (this has been updated) on ABC.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Holiday deals, Savings
TweetMore deaths reported from recalled robes
Another urgent recall is being issued for Blair chenille robes, which have factored into the deaths of four more women, for a total of nine.
The recall was expanded today, Oct. 22, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to include more Blair products, as well.
The products are being recalled for the burn and fire hazard they present. For more on those specific products and contact information, visit the CPSC site.
In other recent CPSC recall news, Coby Electronics has recalled rechargeable batteries sold with portable DVD/CD/MP3 players due to fire hazard.
Toro has recalled Zero Turn Mowers due to burn hazard.
Haunted House Screen Candle Holders were recalled by Coyne’s & Co. due to a fire hazard. They are sold exclusively at Yankee Candle.
Idea Village recalled about 1.3 million wireless light switches due to fire hazard.
And Quantum office chairs sold exclusively at Office Depot have been recalled due to fall hazard.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetFree chicken giveaway at KFC (again)
Saying it has learned its lesson from the first two times it gave away free chicken, KFC is planning to hand out free samples of its grilled chicken on Monday, Oct. 26.
More than 5,000 KFCs are participating. No coupon is required.
This will be the third time in six months that KFC has had a giveaway to promote its Kentucky Grilled Chicken, which debuted in the spring. The first two attempts were marred by problems with an overwhelming demand for coupons and sites running out of chicken.
However, according to The Consumerist, KFC’s CEO promises that this time the event will be glitch free: All who desire a sample of grilled chicken will receive a sample of grilled chicken.
Sounds delicious.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff, Savings
TweetKroger hazelnut spread recalled
An Ohio distributor is recalling some Kroger store brand hazelnut spread, which may contain peanuts not declared on the label.
International Bazaar Inc. of Dayton said people with peanut allergies who eat the product run the risk of a serious allergic reaction.
The recall covers Kroger Hazelnut Spread in plastic, 13-ounce jars with a March 2011 sell-by date.
About 65 cases were distributed to Kroger Co. supermarkets in as many as 16 states, including Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Consumers who have purchased this product may return it to any Kroger store for a refund.
For more information, call Jim Uryga at (937) 278-3533, ext. 102.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetOverall menu pricing down, but sides, desserts up
This blog has noted dozens of individual restaurant deals, free kids’ meal deals and about how restaurants have been offering many bundled and lower-priced menu items this year.
But, a new report shows how many might be making up for their profit losses.
A report released Wednesday, Oct. 21, said that the average prices of dinner entrees, desserts and bar beverages have jumped this year.
The Restaurant News article cited the Intellaprice study as saying that “overall menu pricing at casual-dining restaurants fell 0.6 percent this year, but that prices of dinner entrees, desserts and bar drinks increased 2.2 percent, 7 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively, from the same time last year.”
The survey also found that the prices of side dishes rose about 8 percent.
So where are the savings? It appears that appetizer prices fell 2 percent in 2009, and the cost for add-ons, like cheese or extra proteins, declined 4 percent, the study found.
What this data says to me is that it is even more important to seek out deals, and that it is necessary to check the price of side and dessert items (that had the biggest jump in price) before ordering them.
Restaurants, like any business, are going to try to make money. The best way to spend wisely is to be our own advocate and know the value of what we are buying.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Price changes
TweetFree UD basketball Saturday
The University of Dayton men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold intrasquad scrimmages at UD Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Admission is free, as are doughnuts, milk and coffee for the first 500 fans. Also, both squads will sign autographs at 9 a.m.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The women’s team plays at 9:40 a.m., followed by the men’s team at 10:30.
This year’s teams are both expected to do well in the Atlantic 10 conference, and there are many players from the Dayton area to cheer for.
Josh Benson from Dunbar, Chris Wright from Trotwood, Matt Kavanaugh from Centerville and Kurt Huelsman from St. Henry play for the men’s team; and Ebony Gainey from Meadowdale and Justine Raterman of Versailles are on the women’s team.
In other fun, family basketball news, registration to be a Dayton Flyer Ball Boy for men’s home basketball games is now available.
Boys age 10 and older are eligible. For information or to apply, contact Corey Dinkins in the athletic department at coreyd15@gmail.com or (937) 229-4878.
Also, there is a kids’ club for the women’s team called Jabir’s Jets for girls and boys in eighth grade and younger. See the site for more information.
And, in other value-packed UD sports news, it is noteworthy as well that admission is free for all men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball home games, and for softball and baseball games in the spring.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetWhat is your favorite Halloween candy? What is the best to give out?
For this Sunday’s Here’s the Deal column, I am going to feature the best candy deals I can find for next week as we lead up to the candy-filled fun fest that is Halloween.
And all this candy fixation has made me wonder what Halloween candy (or other treats) people in the area really liked best, and if they liked to give the same treats that they liked to get. Hmmmm ….
So here are a couple of polls asking those burning, haunting questions. The results, and any corresponding deals I can find on those treats, will be included in this Sunday’s column.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Holiday deals, Talking point
TweetDomino’s offering $5.99 pizzas this week
Domino’s Pizza, in honor of its National Customer Appreciation Week, is offering large one-topping pizzas with extra cheese for $5.99 each, for carryout only, this week.
The offer ends Sunday, Oct 25.
Restaurant News noted that, to promote the event, Domino’s is distributing fliers on cars telling the drivers how many pizzas will fit in their trunks — 51 for a subcompact, 88 for a sedan, 149 for an SUV.
I haven’t seen these fliers around town — have you? Maybe I just haven’t been in high pizza traffic areas this week.
But keep on the lookout, because the story adds that Domino’s will place a single flier stating that a car has a trunk capacity of 256 pizzas on the windshield of a car parked near a participating U.S. Domino’s location, and the recipient will receive free pizza for a year.
There is also a Twitter angle: “(The restaurant) said it would give away gift cards for every 599 new followers it gets on the social networking platform. Five $20 cards will be given away to random followers for the first 599, and the gift card amount will increase with every 599 new followers after that, up to a value of $100.”
For more info, more deals and to find the Domino’s nearest you, visit the Web site.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetGet free breakfast, help great cause at Panera quilt parties
Three area Panera Bread locations are hosting Quilt Square Decorating parties as part of the company’s Pink Ribbon Bagel “Joined in Hope” Campaign, honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The Centerville Panera on North Main Street held its event early today, Oct. 20.
The Panera in Troy on West Main Street will hold its event 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, and the one in Beavercreek on Chestnut Street at The Greene will hold its event from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday.
Those who take part can get some free breakfast and help a great cause.
According to Panera representatives, there will be quilt decorating areas set up in the participating restaurants, with complimentary samples of the Pink Ribbon Bagels, coffee and juice.
The Pink Ribbon Bagel is loaded with cherry chips and real bits of Bing cherries and cranberries, and 25 cents from every bagel purchased goes to the American Cancer Society.
Customers can purchase Pink Ribbon Bagels at any Panera bread through Oct. 31.
The 6-inch by 6-inch patches being decorated by customers will be sewn together as quilts and donated to the American Cancer Society as well.
Customers can offer a message of hope targeted toward survivors, those who have passed and other loved ones living with breast cancer.
Also, if you can’t make it to the quilt parties, there will be patches available to pick up and decorate throughout the month at these three locations.
Additionally this year, a celebrity quilt with squares created and signed by Ohio celebrities will be auctioned off with proceeds going to charity.
This is the second year Panera has had this campaign.
The decorated squares were donated by The Glass Thimble and Stitches Quilt Shop.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetWays to save money, be safe this winter
CNN had a good story today, Oct. 20, on six ways to save energy and money at home.
Their suggestions include stopping sneaky energy leaks and updating your heating and cooling system.
And, with cold weather breathing chilly air on the backs of our necks earlier this week, Vectren issued safety reminders for the upcoming winter heating season.
The natural gas provider noted Monday that October had been tracking nearly 75 percent colder than normal according to its heating degree day data.
Here is what the company suggested as ways to be safe this winter:
Have a furnace tuneup by a professional. Doug Petitt, Vectren’s vice president of marketing and conservation, said a tuneup can identify potential problems, extend the life of your unit and save 3 to 10 percent on heating costs.
Know how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by …
— Making sure all appliances are properly installed and maintained and have a heating professional clean and check your heating and venting system every year.
— Checking vents, flue pipes and chimneys for corrosion or blockage.
— Never running a vehicle or fuel-burning equipment in an enclosed place.
— Installing a CO detector.
Be aware of the safety precautions associated with the use of space heaters.
According to the National Fire Protection Association supplemental heating equipment, such as electrical and kerosene heaters, is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.
Here are tips to preventing space heater fires from the NFPA:
— Install and use appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
— Consider using space heaters with automatic shut-off capabilities.
— Never use unvented gas or kerosene heaters in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas.
— Don’t use gas appliances such as an oven, range, or clothes dryer to heat the home.
— Leave a window cracked about an inch for ventilation and fresh air. Ventilation is important to keep fuel-burning space heaters from consuming too much oxygen in the house.
— Do not leave a space heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep and keep small children away from the unit at all times.
— Electric space heaters should be checked for signs of fraying or splitting wires or overheating. Likewise, electric space heaters frequently cause fires by overloading electrical outlets.
— Keep space heaters away from combustible materials/products.
— When selecting a heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been determined to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
If you or a family member suspect a gas leak, you should leave the premises immediately and then call Vectren at (800) 227-1376 from somewhere other than the premises where there is a suspected leak.
The use of a phone can create static electricity, which could ignite a gas leak.
Do not re-enter the premises until Vectren or fire safety officials say it is safe to do so.
Also, don’t forget to change the batteries in smoke alarms throughout the home on an annual basis.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetCostumes, recipes for Halloween on a budget
You can’t beat fun and frugal.
The Coupon Sherpa has a couple recent posts that might help make the upcoming holiday less scary for those with not as much cash this year.
The site has 7 Easy Halloween Recipes for Coupon Clippers, which notes fun and easy treats you can make with items you can get with coupons offered.
The treats include Lollypop Ghosts and the fright-friendly Bloody Popcorn with Optional Rainbow Guts.
For even more spooky savings, Coupon Sherpa also has a story on 50 Cheap and Easy Costumes for Adults and Children.
Some of those costume ideas are pretty cool, as well. They include Bernie Madoff, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and the Progressive commercial lady, Flo.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Holiday deals, Savings
TweetWalmart offering new hardcover books for $9
Walmart has gone on the offensive this fall, as evidenced by targeted price changes to specific product lines.
First, it took on Toys R Us, with its cheaper holiday toy list, including 100 toys for $10 each.
Now it is taking on Amazon.
According to The Associated Press, Walmart announced last week it was selling upcoming hardcover releases for $10, with free shipping.
This was a cut of 60 percent of more off the regular cost on books by authors such as John Grisham and Stephen King, and one by Sarah Palin.
The story noted that these cuts came at a time when Amazon and other sellers have been charging $9.99 for ebooks.
The day after Walmart’s announcement, though, as noted by CNN Money, Amazon met that price, and started selling many of its preorders for $10 as well.
In response to that, Walmart dropped the price to $8.99.
Amazon then met that as well.
Although this is bad news for the publishing world, which listed these books to be sold for closer to $30, it is good news for the consumer.
But, the question then becomes, where will Walmart strike next?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetToys R Us offers ‘Big Gift’ layaway
Like hand sanitizer and iPhones, layaway is making news in 2009.
Toys R Us announced today, Oct. 19, that it and Babies R Us will offer “Big Gift” layaway for its big-ticket items, including bikes, ride-on vehicles, outdoor play equipment, TVs, cribs and more.
Layaway, for the uninitiated, allows customers to pick items now, and have the store put them aside until you pay your bill in monthly increments.
Benefits include securing that item or items, avoiding interest charges and keeping the gifts out of reach from their eventual recipients.
Some stores do charge a layaway fee.
According to the toy store, to put a product on layaway at Toys R Us or Babies R Us will require a deposit of 20 percent of the total purchase, including taxes, and a $10 service charge.
Merchandise will be made available within 7-10 days of final payment, so items must be paid for in full by Dec. 6 to ensure that the gift is available for pickup before Christmas.
Canceled layaway orders will incur a fee.
Sears and Kmart brought back their layaway programs during last year’s holiday season, and announced early this year their intention to keep the program going.
Kmart and Sears charge a $5 fee for each item and requires a down payment of $15 or 10 percent, whichever is greater.
Other stores that offer layaway include Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory and Walmart (for jewelry only) in the layaway game.
There also are online layaway programs, including HSN.com (Home Shopping Network), elayaway.com and lay-away.com.
Of note as well, on the anti-trend end, is that Walmart used to have a comprehensive layaway program, but discontinued it in 2006.
Consumers reportedly tried to revive it, but weren’t successful.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Thanksgiving and Christmas
TweetTracking holiday airfares; ways to find info, cheapest deals
Last year, in an effort to bring in as many dollars as possible, the airlines offered great fares throughout the holiday season — right up until the last boughs of holly were hung.
This year, even though those same airlines still want just as many (and more, of course) dollars, some airline forecasters say the airlines are not expected to provide the same discounts for procrastinators that they did in 2008.
According to CNBC on Friday, Oct. 16, fares have been steadily climbing, and they will continue to do so.
CNBC suggests, to get the best deals, book far in advance like the old days. The story advises: “Travelers who plan early and are flexible in their schedules are more likely to get a bargain this year.”
Remember as well, that the airlines recently introduced certain days, most holiday-related, in which they will charge you more.
Here is the list of days in which there will be a $10 surcharge each way, according to Wallet Pop: Nov. 29, Nov. 30, Dec. 19, Dec. 26, Dec. 27, Jan. 2, 2010, Jan. 3, March 14, March 20, March 21, April 11 and May 28.
Also to factor in are the charges for bags and airline food. This MSN Money article is the most recent compilation of airline food prices I could find. It is from February 2008.
To combat some of these fees and higher fares, make sure to check sites such as FareCompare.com, AirFareWatchdog.com and Kayak.com.
At Fare Compare right now, there is information on some Thanksgiving deals from Continental and a list of cheapest deals from the Dayton airport.
Air Fare Watchdog has features such as the top 50 fares, fare of the day and (most useful) the site’s blog about airfares. In fact, on the blog today, it challenges the idea that prices will continue to go up for the holidays.
And Kayak is a site that works as an aggregate for many of the other travel sites, such as Travelocity, Expedia, Hotwire, Priceline and Airfare.com.
Wise Bread also recently had a good roundup of holiday travel tips.
The bottom line is, if you plan to travel by air for the holidays (or anytime), check out some of these sites and see how much fluctuation you see over the next week.
Tracking your intended destination and time frame yourself, using these resources, might provide the most useful information to finding your best holiday deal.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Savings
TweetYou don’t need coupons to save at Aldi
It is Monday, and that means Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks has generously outlined where to find the best coupon and ad savings at local stores for the week.
And this Monday, she has added some information about some of the best bargain finds around town without coupons.
“Have you shopped at Aldi? It’s a great place to get the essentials for your family,” Deckard said. “You don’t need coupons and you can get super cheap prices.”
Deckard noted that some of her favorite things to buy at Aldi for prices and quality are milk, sour cream, butter, salsa, produce and bread.
Here are some deals for Aldi this week from the Deal Seeking Mom, as well.
For more about Aldi, including why a quarter is needed to shop there, visit Mommy Snacks.
Here are Deckard’s top coupon/ad deals at other area stores:
Glade Extra Care Bucks deal turns into a money-maker after rebate
$1 Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit
Halloween Candy ECB Deal; visit this week’s post to see the coupons and scenario
Awesome medicine Register Rewards deal! Check out this week’s post for details and coupons.
$5 Money-Maker on Zantac after RR
$.65 Hefty One-Zip Bags
FREE Jell-O Gelatin
$.49 Mayfield Ice Cream
$1.99 Tyson Chicken Nuggets with a Meijer printable coupon
A great Cereal/Granola Bar Instant Savings Promotion; check out this week’s post.
FREE Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy
FREE Tuna
FREE Dental Floss
$.69 Ronzoni Pasta, with printable coupon
$10 Musical Sit & Spin
A Razor Gift Card Deal is going on, too. Check out this week’s post for more details.
$.58 Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
$.48 Mussellman’s Applesauce, with printable coupon
$.25 Kotex Liners
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals, Savings
TweetHere’s the Deal: Coupon stacking can pile on savings
We have discussed “couponing” in this column before: the practice of using coupons and store ads together to net the most savings for your purchases.
As economic times continue to be snug, crafty bargain hunters are devising more ways to work within the couponing framework to get the most for their money.
One of these tactics is called “coupon stacking.”
Coupon stacking is the simple, yet somewhat unknown practice of using a manufacturer’s coupon in concert with a store coupons on the same product to get the most total savings.
If you use both coupons and get the item when it is on sale, you can get extremely good deals.
I believe the reason this practice is underutilized is twofold: many shoppers are used to the concept of one coupon per item, and also because it is not an accepted practice at all stores.
In the Dayton area, stores that allow coupon stacking include Target, Meijer, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS/Pharmacy.
Stores that do not include Kroger and Walmart.
Here is an example of how coupon stacking works:
Start with the item you want to purchase. In this case, let’s use an example employed by former Deals Team member Karen Baird last week to buy two Starkist Tuna Creations.
The cost for the product is 98 cents each.
Baird got a manufacturer’s coupon for $1 off two Starkist Tuna Creations from last Sunday’s Dayton Daily News.
Then, she retrieved two 50 cent coupons from the Meijer Mealbox section of the Meijer site (www.meijer.com).
By using the manufacturer’s coupon, plus the two 50 cent Meijer coupons (one per each item), she was able to get two Starkist Tuna Creations for free, and got 4 cents back.
And, if the tuna had been on sale to begin with, that would have provided even more savings.
See what you can find among your coupons, and see where you can double up on savings.
Toy wars heating up before Santa’s sleigh
As referenced in an earlier Here’s the Deal column, the 2009 Toys R Us Holiday Hot Toy List includes many more affordable options than it has in previous years from the veteran toy seller.
Since that original list was released, Walmart (the worldwide toy leader) announced it was going to have 100 hot holiday toys for $10 each.
Those offerings also will include popular toys, such as Barbies, Transformers and board games.
And, since that Walmart announcement, Target has made some discount toy news of its own. Target said it is offering up to 50 percent off many of the same popular toys throughout the holiday season.
Target’s lowered prices vary from $5 to $14.99, making them competitive with Walmart. Toys R Us prices, in general, likely will not get as low as the other two. However, the store is making a valiant effort with select sales and events.
Right now, Toys R Us is selling a small selection of board games for 70 percent off, or $9.98; offering free gift cards of up to $20 for certain purchases; and continuing its buy two, get a third free on Fisher-Price toys.
Toys R Us also is holding a LEGO Bricktober 500 event at its stores from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
During this event, kids will have the opportunity to build, decorate and race their own LEGO cars, and will get a free LEGO “driver’s license.”
Week’s best deals, and one not so good
The best discount on Halloween costumes I found for this week coming week is at Kmart, with markdowns of 40 percent off their entire stock.
Best Buy is in the midst of a DVD and Blu-Ray sale, with DVDs for $4.99 to $6.99 (regularly up to $14.99) and Blu-Ray discs for $12.99, which are usually $24.99.
Goodyear is having its “Biggest Tire Sale of the Year,” giving $40 to $80 rebates for those who buy four tires, and is offering a price match guarantee.
You can also buy Goodyear tires on sale at Sears.
Also at Sears, men’s outerwear is 60 percent off, kids’ clothes are 55 percent off, and women’s sweaters and coats are 50 percent to 60 percent off this week.
And the store is selling any size (even king) Serta down comforters, that are usually $139.99 to $199.99, for $49.99.
JCPenney, which usually has great sales, is running one this week that I think is more style than substance.
The store is having an extensive buy-one-get-one-for-88-cents sale, with the stipulation that you have to pay full price for the first item.
Given the proliferation of sales these days, the resulting price is not as much of a bargain as it might initially appear.
For example, jeans are $46 for the first pair and 88 cents for the second, making them $46.88 for two.
Getting jeans for $23.44 (and having to buy two) is not the best deal around.
Jeans have been hovering in the $15 to $25 range since this year’s fall sales began.
However, JCPenney is having a good sale on bras (up to 55 percent off), playwear and sleepwear for babies and toddlers (55 percent off), and women’s boots (40 to 50 percent off).
The store also has Stafford Oxford dress shirts for $14.99 (regularly $36) and its micro-suede or corduroy sportcoats for $49.99 (they’re usually $120 to $160).
La-Z-Boy is working its “World’s Greatest Reclining Sale,” with recliners around $399 and reclining sofas on sale as well.
Office Depot is having a deal right now that will get you $50 back when you trade in any printer toward the purchase of a printer that costs $149.99 or more.
And Michaels craft store is selling T-shirts two for $5. They advertise that the shirts are to use to make Halloween costumes, but they can’t hold you to that.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Sunday columns
TweetShop For A Cause today at Macy’s
Today, Oct. 17, Macy’s is hosting its fourth annual Shop For A Cause event.
Customers can purchase a $5 Savings Pass in any Macy’s store. The pass will allow shoppers to get 10 percent to 25 percent off items —including items already on clearance — throughout the store and online at Macys.com.
Macy’s will donate every $5 to charity, and customers can enter to win a $500 Macy’s gift card.
To date, Macy’s has partnered with nonprofit organizations to raise more than $28 million for ongoing charitable efforts.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetMost popular, safest Halloween costumes, and where to get discounts online
A couple of weeks ago I went around to area stores to check out their selection and prices on Halloween costumes this year, but here are some links to some good info online as well.
Most popular
About.com has checked into to what costumes are most likely to be seen ambling down the street come Oct. 31.
It has this year’s the most popular costumes for boys, which include vampires, “Toy Story” characters and Transformers; the most popular costumes for girls, which are an array of Disney characters, Hannah Montana and traditional witches; and even 14 great costumes for babies.
About.com also has costume ideas for adults that include zombies, vampires, Star Trek characters and Michael Jackson.
CNN Money also had Michael Jackson on its expected trends in adult costumes this year, as well as Kate Gosselin.
Safety tips for Halloween
Consumer Reports put together some safety guidelines of what to look for in a Halloween costume for kids, as well as some general Halloween safety tips.
Discounts online
Since there is still time to order a costume online (if you are sure of the size you need), here are some places to look:
Dealzon has 25 percent off costumes and accessories orders of $50 or more from the Disney Store.
Digital Editor has a list of coupon codes for getting discounts on a wide variety of costumes online.
And there are some great sales right now at BuyCostumes.com, CostumeCraze, Halloween Express, Halloween USA, CheapHalloweenCostumes.us, Spirit Halloween, and more.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Holiday deals
TweetFree tall coffee today at Boston Stoker
THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED.
As noted here Thursday, Oct. 15, area Boston Stoker locations will be giving away free coffee today, Oct. 16, from 7 to 10 a.m.
The caffeinated gift is courtesy of all of the area credit unions, which are celebrating International Credit Union Day.
Participants can get a free tall drip coffee, or get $1 off any coffee purchase.
Boston Stoker locations taking part include those in …
— All three Dorothy Lane Markets
— Washington Square Shopping Center in Centerville
— 34 W. Second St. in Downtown Dayton
— 8321 N. Main St. in Dayton (near Englewood)
— 1822 Brown St. in the University of Dayton area
— Uncommon Grounds in the Upper Valley Mall (that location’s deal is from 8 to 10 a.m.)
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetNo increase in Social Security for 2010
It was announced today, Oct. 15, that because consumer prices have fallen, there will be no cost-of-living increase for the 57 million Social Security beneficiaries in 2010.
It reportedly is the first time retirees have gone without a raise since 1975.
To help counterbalance the hit, CNN Money said President Obama is asking Congress to send another $250 relief payment to seniors and other Americans to stem the economic strain.
This year’s plan is in stark contrast to the adjustment beneficiaries received last year: 5.8 percent, which reportedly was the largest since 1982 and was credited to the spike in energy prices.
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TweetFree coffee Friday at Boston Stoker
To celebrate International Credit Union Day, the Miami Valley chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League is hosting the fourth annual Free Coffee Day at all area Boston Stoker locations from 7 to 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Participants can get a free tall drip coffee, or get $1 off any coffee purchase. Coupons are available in today’s Dayton Daily News, and will be in the Friday paper as well.
There also will be coupons at the participating locations, according to Kristina Hurlburt of Standard Register Credit Union.
Those participating locations include all three Dorothy Lane Markets, Washington Square Shopping Center in Centerville, 34 W. Second St. in Downtown Dayton, 8321 N. Main Street near Englewood, 1822 Brown St. in the University of Dayton area and at Uncommon Grounds in the Upper Valley Mall (that location’s deal is from 8 to 10 a.m.)
Hurlburt said representatives from all area credit unions are helping out at the event.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
TweetFree food at Tumbleweed; teens starting to seek dining value
Tumbleweed Southwest Grill is running a great deal, offering a coupon to buy one meal, get one free.
The deal is for one of 12 menu items, valued at up to $12.99, free with that initial meal purchase.
You do have to enter your e-mail address (although they don’t seem too strict about the accuracy of that e-mail address) to get the coupon, which is good through Nov. 24.
The coupon is for dine-in only, Monday through Thursday. There are Tumbleweeds in Kettering, 2030 E. Dorthy Lane; Englewood, 9190 N. Main St.; and Springfield, 1865 W. First St.
In other Restaurant News, research has found that teens are starting to factor in value when making decisions on where to dine out. The research also shows that their favorite place to frequent is Starbucks.
Ah, the complexity of youth.
Of note as well is that nutrition continues to rank last in the teens’ list of dining priorities.
And one more nugget from Restaurant News concerns how consumera view advertisements that focus on the recession.
The story cited a new poll finds that marketers should be careful in how they use the economic downturn in trying to sell their products. Some consumers found the usage manipulative and others called it depressing. Others, however, found the use realistic.
And many of the differences were largely gender-based.
The survey found that men were more likely than women to say the ads made brands seem more manipulative, and women were much more likely to perceive such brands as more realistic.
I think it depends on the way it is presented as to how it is perceived.
Your thoughts?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff, Savings
TweetToday is deadline for 2008 tax returns
For those taxpayers who filed an extension request in April, today, Oct. 15, is the tax filing deadline for 2008 returns.
The Internal Revenue Service said it expects to receive as many as 10 million tax returns from taxpayers who asked for the extension.
The IRS added that some taxpayers can wait until after this deadline to file, including those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other combat zone localities and people affected by recent natural disasters.
For more information or alternative ways to file (such as e-File and Free File), visit the IRS Web site.
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TweetCoupons keep wallet warm with cash
Over at Oakwood blogger Amy Deal’s site, FromBottle2Box.com, there are a couple great ways to get coupons for items that can help you warm up for less.
One is good for $10 off a Honeybaked Ham (you do have to enter your e-mail address for this one), and another gets you discounts on Duraflame products for those who are ready to literally fire up the fireplace.
In other hot and cold blog news, over at Buxr, there is a coupon to get a free burger and fries with purchase of same and two drinks at Denny’s.
And on the cooler side, at least in a clothing respect, Deal News notes that Victoria Secret is having a deal that will get you free panties, plus $10 when you sign up to be a member of their PINK nation.
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TweetRadio station has 50% off massage, Rally’s
I heard on my drive into work today that Mix 107.7 has some Deals and Steals on their site.
Most of them are a little bit of a drive from Dayton, but they might be worth it to you.
Among the station’s current deals are ones for a 10-pack of Rally’s Hamburgers gift cards, worth $5 each, for $25 that are good for a free medium combo meal of your choice.
And others that offer $50 worth of gift certificates for $25 are: Bodyworks Massage in Middletown, Rudy’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in Springfield, The Legends of Horror (classic horror films on their jumbotron) in Springfield and Modified Skin, a tattoo and piercing studio in Moraine.
Various restrictions apply. Check the station’s site for more details.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetFord recalls 4.5 million vehicles
Ford, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has recalled an additional 4.5 million older Ford model vehicles due to a possible fire hazard.
According to CNN, the NTSA said this was the eighth recall, involving a total of 16 million Ford vehicles, concerning a faulty cruise control switch.
The recall affects these vehicles:
1995-2003 Ford Windstar (The risk reportedly is elevated for 1.1 million Windstars that were subject to a government investigation.)
2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesel
1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford Super Duty diesel
1992-2003 Ford Econoline
1995-2002 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineer
1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
1994 Ford F53 motor home
It is the largest single recall in Ford history, according to CNN.
Consumer Reports noted that the faulty cruise control switch was manufactured by Texas Instruments and can can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat, smoke or burn, potentially causing vehicle fires — even with the engine is turned off.
Ford should notify owners beginning around Oct. 26 to bring in their car to a dealer to make repairs, which will be free.
For more information, call Ford at (800) 392-3673 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236, using the ID number 09V399000.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Recalls
TweetAnimated map depicts job gains, losses
In a somewhat scary yet interesting Geography of Jobs, economic development consulting firm Tip Strategies has put out an animated map that shows job gains and losses from January 2004 through July 2009.
The map shows fluctuating green circles for jobs gained, and red for jobs lost.
Although it is like watching a movie that you know has an unhappy ending, it is telling to see which areas of the country — like Southern California, Florida, Chicago and New York — went from boom to bust in that time.
Also, check out how many red circles we are under here in Southwest Ohio at the end.
Other areas of note include the varying levels of crimson in Detroit, and Hurricane Katrina’s negative economic impact on New Orleans and the city’s subsequent revival.
As Wallet Pop notes, though, this little interactive game will be even more fun to play around with when the big red dots disappear and are replaced by green ones — which hopefully won’t be too many years off.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetToday’s deals include Old Navy coupon, collegiate T-shirts, Christmas cards
There are many deals of the day today, Oct. 13, depending on who you ask.
The Consumerist put together its list of the best deals of the day and they include a $10 Old Navy coupon and a ceiling fan sale of up to 40 percent off at The Home Depot.
Today on Wise Bread, the site chose to highlight ways to get free Little Debbie snack foods and how to get collegiate T-shirts for up to 70 percent off.
And over at DealHack on Monday, they had a decent list of items marked down that you might have missed — including buy two books get a third free at Barnes & Noble and $5 DVDs at Best Buy.
Other random deals of the day include getting $50 instant savings off any printer at Office Depot when you trade in any printer and buy any advertised printer for $149.99 or more, and getting five boxes of Marian Heath Christmas Cards (with 15 cards each) for $3.99 (plus $5 shipping) at Woot.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff, Savings
TweetPizza place raising money, collecting needed goods for troops
Between recent and ongoing deals and good deeds (see Page 12 of this link), the folks at Papa John’s have had a busy year.
And this Saturday, Oct. 17, the Airway Papa John’s is able to combine both efforts with its OPERATION HEROBOX.
From 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, the restaurant at 36 Woodman Drive in Riverside will raise money and items for our deployed troops — and the restaurant has ordered up some fun for the family that day as well.
There will be a firetruck, military Hummer, a K-9 unit, balloons, Mr. RedLegs from the Cincinnati Reds, Mr. Slice, the mayor and City Council, temporary tattoos and more.
A Herobox is a care package that has customized to a deployed soldier’s specific needs and wants. People attending the event are encouraged to bring items for these boxes.
Some of the items needed include: nonperishable food, jerky, dried fruit, nuts, wipes, hand sanitizer, undershirts, socks, protective gloves, calling cards, drink mixes, Power Bars, recreational games, drawing pads, journals, batteries, Leatherman multi-tools, travel pillows, toiletries, hand warmers, sunblock, Odor Eaters, Cheesy Mac, Hamburger Helper, Tupperware, CDs, DVDs, ear phones, baseball hats, Nintendo DS games, books, magazines, music players, etc.
Also, that Papa John’s will donate $1 for each $7.99 large one-topping pizza (which usually costs around $14 without a coupon) ordered to Herobox.org.
For more information about the event or donations, call Jason at Papa John’s at (937) 256-7272.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Of general interest, Savings
TweetCoats, jackets on sale at many area stores
If you are finding your coats and jackets from last year in need of replacement, there are plenty of area stores trying to help you out — and for less.
Here are some of the stores having sales on outerwear today, Oct. 12:
Gabriel Brothers, which has a store on North Fairfield Road across from the Mall at Fairfield Commons, is selling outerwear for the family for up to 50 percent to 70 percent off competitors’ prices.
The Beavercreek store has leather, ski jackets, wool, fleece, gloves, scarves, winter hats and more marked down for this sale.
Burlington Coat Factory also is cutting department store prices up to 70 percent, with sales on coats, jackets, sweaters and scarves, among other merchandise.
There are Burlington Coat Factory outlets on Salem Avenue and Miamisburg-Centerville Road.
JCPenney has 55 percent off outerwear for the entire family, Sears has up to 50 percent off outerwear, Lands’ End is having a 40 percent off new in-season styles and Macy’s also has marked down designer coats up to 40 percent off.
And, on a separate sale note, Old Navy is having its 15th birthday celebration, and has marked down multiple items to $15 or less.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetToyota owners: Check your floor mats
The recent (and still unofficial) Toyota recall of nearly 4 million vehicles due to unsafe floor mats may not address all affected models.
At issue are loose floor mats that could force down the accelerator. These faulty floor mats are suspected to have played roles in crashes that killed five people.
The cars named Sept. 29 as being affected include these Toyota and Lexus models: the 2007-10 Camry, the 2005-10 Avalon, the 2004-09 Prius, the 2005-10 Tacoma, the 2007-10 Tundra, the 2007-10 ES350 and the 2006-10 IS250 and IS350.
More recently, The Consumerist cited an article by Kicking Tires, a noted blog for car buyers, that explains the safety issue and recommends that all owners of modern Toyotas check or remove their floor mats as well.
“We would advise all car owners to be aware of their floor mat placement, especially when using bulkier all-weather mats. We’d also suggest any owner of a modern Toyota not involved in the recall to be especially vigilant or remove their mats, too.”
The Consumerist added that an expanded list of Toyotas should be recalled this week.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information, Recalls
TweetCanned, frozen food, candy sales this week
“The season is changing and so are the sales cycles.”
Andrea Deckard of Mommy Snacks notes that the sales are shifting from summery cookout items to canned food and frozen food.
And there are many deals right now on Halloween candy.
“There are a few sales to help you get your candy for Halloween on the cheap,” Deckard said. “Paying full price for Halloween candy is just plain scary to me!”
Here are her top three best ad/coupon deals for the week of Oct. 11-17. For more deals at a particular store, click on the store name.
FREE after Extra Care Bucks Deals until Tuesday: Halloween Treat Bags and Carving Tool
Halloween Candy ECB Deal — visit this week’s post to see the coupons and scenario!
Revlon Cosmetics buy one, get one FREE
Awesome Quaker and Huggies Register Rewards deals. Check out this week’s post for details and coupons.
$.50 Wrigley’s Gum
$1.50 Kotex Feminine Products
FREE Campbell’s Soup with a printable coupon
$.39 Ziploc Bags
$.50 Swanson Broth
FREE Starkist Tuna
FREE Healthy Choice Meal with printable coupon
$.50 Zatarain’s Rice
$1.50 Nestle Bag Candy with printable coupon
FREE Fancy Feast Cat Appetizers
$.25 Chex Mix
$1 Yoplait Yogurt Parfaits with printable coupon
FREE Yo-Baby Meals
$1.97 Glade Candle; use this rebate to make $1 when you purchase three!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Andrea's best deals, Savings
TweetHere’s the Deal on Columbus Day sales
In 1492, the children’s rhyme goes, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering America (at least from a European point of view).
He has been celebrated by our fine country each October since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day in 1937.
As far as I could find, however, there is no documentation on the first Columbus Day sale. But, whether it was for Brylcreem or leg warmers, that tradition has stuck as well.
So here we are, in 2009, with sales on everything from jackets to dining room sets in honor of one of our favorite explorers.
Here are some of the best sales for Columbus Day, Halloween and free enterprise in general being held today, Oct. 11.
Many of these sales continue throughout the week.
Columbus Day sales
Elder-Beerman’s Columbus Day Sale is offering 20 percent to 60 percent off merchandise storewide. The store also is selling Columbia outwear for the family for 30 percent off.
On the furniture end of the business, Elder-Beerman is having what it calls a Columbus Day Tax Break and marking down all in-stock furniture 40 percent.
For example, a five-piece dining set is $799 (down from $1,349) and a three-piece leather sectional sofa is $2,799 through Monday (down from $5,100).
Macy’s has its Columbus Day Sale, noting that it is the last two days (today and Monday) to get 30 percent to 60 percent off storewide. If you use a Macy’s card, you reportedly get an extra 10 percent to 15 percent off that total as well.
Some examples of savings at Macy’s include an Evan Picone suite for $99.99 (it is regularly $200) and designer coats, including Calvin Klein and DKNY, for 40 percent off.
Sears is having a three-day Columbus Day Sale, with 20 percent off all Energy Star appliances.
The store also has all Cuisinart and Keurig smaller appliances discounted, from coffeemakers to juicers. The Cuisinart stainless steel toaster oven, which is regularly $139.99, is now $99.99.
All mattresses (except those for cribs) are 50 percent off, and all luggage is 50 percent to 60 percent off at Sears through Thursday.
Morris Home Furnishings is having a sale for Columbus Day, offering half off all furniture, leather and mattresses.
At the Morris clearance outlet in Fairborn and the clearance section at the Harshman Avenue store, the deals are even sweeter. Those discounts are up to 72 percent off. These sales are through Monday.
At the Cincinnati Premium Outlets mall, Calvin Klein has select men’s and women’s Merino wool sweaters for 40 percent off, which are now $40.80.
Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors and Nine West also have sales of note. Visit the mall site for more information.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store’s Columbus Day Sale has 40 percent off all quilting books, 50 percent off its entire stock of home decor fabrics and 60 percent off all autumn and home inspirations floral arrangements.
That 60 percent beats out the fake fall flower sale at Michaels crafts store, which is selling them for 50 percent off. But the selection will most certainly vary, making both worth a look.
Michaels also has 50 percent off all baskets and 50 percent off craft pumpkins. One more crafty shop, Hancock Fabrics, has 50 percent off all buttons, decorator fabrics, cotton, batting, and Wrights packaged tape and braids.
The store also has 50 percent off all costume collection fabrics and Halloween home accents.
Which brings us to …
Halloween sales
CVS/Pharmacy is in the midst of a three-day Halloween Savings sale.
The drugstore has Brach’s candy, two bags for 88 cents, and bags of Mars fun-size candy for buy-one-get-one free with the use of the store’s Extra Care Bucks card.
CVS also has a couple items that are basically free with that ECB card: Customers can get a Halloween nylon treat bag for 99 cents, and get an Extra Buck reward with it for 99 cents. Limit one per household.
Also free with the card is a 4-in-1 pumpkin carving tool for $1.99, with an Extra Buck reward of $1.99. That has a limit of two per household.
Kmart is marking down its Halloween costumes 33 percent. The store also has great sales on women’s clothes this week, as noted in the next group.
Over at Toys R Us, there is a Halloween Costume Super Sale, with 25 percent off select costumes and an offer to buy two, get a third free on all Halloween novelty toys, candy and pails.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg over at the toy store, and its many sales have this mom wishing her kids had their Christmas lists done.
Other great sales
For example, at Toys R Us this week, all video games and video game accessories are buy two, get a third free. Also, many Barbies are $19.99, Transformers are 50 percent off, Webkinz are two for $20 and Thomas Take-along Engines are the now-familiar buy two, get a third free.
The toy store also has a deal where you can get a free Little Tikes toy up to $24.99 with the purchase of any other Little Tikes toy for $24.99 or more.
As for clothes, JCPenney has all denim on sale, and Arizona jeans for boys and girls for $11.99. It also has all handbags for 30 percent to 50 percent off, 40 percent to 50 percent off all towels and bath rugs and 55 percent off select outerwear for the family.
Kmart has women’s turtlenecks and other shirts for $5, outerwear for 40 percent off, and a special sale today and Monday that features a women’s Athletech goose down vest for $10 (it is regularly $40).
Also on the upcoming cold weather front, Dick’s Sporting Goods also has outerwear on sale. The North Face and Columbia jackets are all less than $100, and all adidas windwear is 40 percent off.
Lowe’s home improvement store has 15 percent off all in-stock Troy-Bilt snow blowers and “new lower prices” on lighting, tools, ladders and more.
Also, SuperPetz is having a premium pet food sale, with 10 percent off canned food and up to $4 off bags of dry food; Value City Furniture has 30 percent to 70 percent off items throughout the store; and Kohl’s is having a home sale with sheet sets for 40 percent to 50 percent off and up to 50 percent off all bedding ensembles.
So, if you get a chance this weekend, get out there and discover some great bargains.
Go make Columbus proud.
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TweetSave at Disney World and other notes
Here are some of the leftovers I came across in my bargain-hunting from this week that bear mentioning:
Wallet Pop lists 13 great ways to save at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
ShopSmart; magazine recommends a new comparison shopping site: Cheapism.com.
And MSN Money has a post about the why you should hate Walmart, and a counterpoint post on why you should love Walmart.
So much consumer info, so little time.
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TweetGet two candles, worth $12, for $1
One of Miamisburg’s self-made deal spotters, Karen Baird, reported an awesome deal she found that is available through Saturday, Oct. 10.
She got two 4.9-ounce Fragrance Collection by Glade Soy Candles from Walgreens, which retail for $5.99 each, for 49 cents each (plus tax).
Here’s how she did it:
She downloaded two Glade coupons, worth $3.50 each, from the Glade Right at Home Web site. (There is a limit of two coupons per computer.)
“You have to fill out a form with your name and address to get to the coupon, but you hit the BACK button and get two coupons per computer,” she said.
Then, she stopped by Walgreens, where the candles (they say they are 4.5 ounces on the Walgreens site, but they are 4.9 ounces) were on sale for $3.99 each. That sale runs through Saturday.
“But, even without the sale, buying two candles with the coupons is like ‘buy one get one free,’” she said, “because the coupons are worth $7 ($3.50 each) and the 4.9-ounce candle retails for $5.99.”
And, if you want to get nutty, Baird said the candles also can be used to get an SC Jonson rebate, which gives you $5 back if you buy three items on their list. So, in this scenario, you would just need to buy one more item on the list to qualify.
In the fine print, SC Johnson notes that you can get three of those rebates per household. So, if you play your deals right, you might even be able to make money.
For more info on how to get the rebates, visit the Hip 2 Save site.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Deals Team reports, Savings
TweetBig sales at Kohl’s, JCPenney today and Saturday
Some stores just can’t wait until Columbus Day to deliver big discounts.
Kohl’s is having a Mega two-day weekend sale today, Oct. 9, and Saturday.
Some of the best discounts are on outerwear, with coats for the entire family marked down 50 percent.
Shirts for boys and girls are 50 percent to 55 percent off, 55 percent to 65 percent off 800-thread count sheet sets and the store’s entire stock of denim jeans for men is 50 percent off.
Another good feature of the sale is that its “Power Hours,” which offer the biggest of the savings, are not just Saturday morning. Those hours are 3 to 11 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
JCPenney also has some “power hours” of its own, although it is calling them its usual “doorbusters.”
Today and Saturday, JCPenney has more than 100 doorbusters, with 50 percent off all dresses, sheets, women’s and girls’ boots, maternity sportswear and more.
During this time, men’s and young men’s outerwear and guys’ hoodies and Southpole jeans are all 60 percent off.
There also are coupons for “instant money” on its Web site, when you spend $50 to $75.
Another good local sale on Saturday is at Stein Mart. The Kettering store is taking an extra 30 percent to 50 percent off, plus 50 percent off previously reduced items.
There are coupons for 20 percent to 60 percent off select items on Page A5 of today’s Dayton Daily News and online.
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TweetGet 80% off restaurant gift certificates
By this point, many of us know that the Restaurant.com site offers incredible discounts on gift certificates for area restaurants.
But the site also offers deals on top of deals at different points in the month. Today, the site has a deal to get the certificates for 80 percent off, as noted by Deal News.
By utilizing the coupon code “FOUR”, you can cut $25 dining certificates to $2 and $10 gift certificates to 60 cents.
Some gift certificates have restrictions, like dinner-only or a $15 minimum, and each restaurant lists its restrictions.
For participating restaurants in your area, visit the Web site and punch in your ZIP code.
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TweetLiz Claiborne line moving to JCPenney
For any of you who are fans of Liz Claiborne clothes, this could be a good deal for you.
CNBC announced Thursday, Oct. 8, that the line is moving from Macy’s to JCPenney.
Although the story doesn’t mention prices, it would seem that there is a good chance the clothes would be sold for less at JCPenney, as compared to Macy’s.
At any rate, that is one to watch. If I see the clothes on sale, I will note them here.
Also, for those who like the Liz Claiborne New York brand specifically, it will now be sold only on cable shopping network QVC.
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TweetHow to avoid debt this holiday season
A new site I just came across — Spend on Life; Save More, Live More — had an interesting story this week: 10 Steps to Avoid Christmas Card Debt.
My first thought, of course, was “Don’t use your credit cards.” But the site has a nice list of general money-saving tips for the holidays and beyond.
I will try to help this season with tip No. 7: Bargain hunt.
In fact, there are many Columbus Day sales taking place Sunday and Monday that can help you along those lines. Some of the best deals available in the Dayton area will be posted on this site Sunday (I can’t release the info until then).
In the meantime, try to get an idea of what those you will be shopping for want.
The earlier you get that information, the better you will be positioned to watch for and get those items on sale.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information, Holiday deals
TweetGroup names 10 riskiest foods
Thinking of having a leafy green salad complemented with eggs and tuna for lunch? This report may affect your plans.
Consumer Reports picked up a recent report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest detailing the 10 foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration that are most at risk for contamination and recall.
The data reportedly comes from CSPI’s Outbreak Alert! Database, which includes outbreaks from 1990 to 2006, using data collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources.
Here is their list:
1) Leafy greens (363 outbreaks, 13,568 reported cases of illness)
2) Eggs (352 outbreaks, 11,163 reported cases of illness)
3) Tuna ( 268 outbreaks, 2341 reported cases of illness)
4) Oysters (132 outbreaks, 3409 reported cases of illness)
5) Potatoes (108 outbreaks, 3659 reported cases of illness)
6) Cheese (83 outbreaks, 2761 reported cases of illness)
7) Ice cream (74 outbreaks, 2594 reported cases of illness)
8) Tomatoes (31 outbreaks, 3292 reported cases of illness)
9) Sprouts (31 outbreaks, 2022 reported cases of illness)
10) Berries (25 outbreaks, 3397 reported cases of illness)
You might ask yourself, “Where’s the beef?” on this list.
But, as Consumer Reports reminds us: “The FDA is responsible for regulating produce, seafood, egg and dairy products — but not meat or poultry — that comprise nearly 80 percent of the food supply.”
For more on current and past meat recalls, visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
For more on how these top 10 foods get contaminated, visit Consumer Reports or the CSPI Web sites.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Recalls
TweetTarget cuts many toy prices in half for holidays
With low expectations for holiday spending, toy stores are fighting for every dollar they can get.
Target is the latest to take a swing.
According to CNN, Target is offering up to 50 percent off popular toys throughout the holiday season. The cuts took effect Oct. 1.
Target’s move follows an announcement last month by rival Walmart, saying it would have 100 toys for $10 through the Christmas holiday.
Walmart’s list came out after Toys R Us’ annual Holiday Hot Toy List of more affordable popular toys this year. Last year, Walmart had a list of 10 toys for $10.
At Target, some of the toys that cost half of what they used to include the popular Barbie Fashion Doll, on sale for $5, and the GI Joe Tough Troopers Figure, marked down to $14.99.
For a list of discounted toys, visit target.com/weeklyad.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Holiday deals, Savings
TweetCupcake Car just the icing on the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book
The 83rd edition of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book came out this week, and it has many great deals.
That is, if you are independently wealthy.
Among the offerings are:
The opportunity to become an Artisan Napa Valley Winemaker for $20,000.
A chance to host an Algonquin Round Table Featuring The Brightest Minds Of Modern Literature, Journalism, & The Arts, including Christopher Buckley, Nora Ephron, John Lithgow, George Setphanopolous and others. It costs $200,000.
There also are limited-edition $105,000 Jaguars, motorcycles for $73,000, and an eco-friendly chandelier made of 366 plastic bottles rescued from the landfill for just $12,000.
And, my favorite that was featured by USA Today, a $25,000 Cupcake Car custom-made of colorful fabric, wood and sheet metal and powered by a 24-volt electric motor.
But the Neiman Marcus folks aren’t completely oblivious to the budget-conscious ways of the majority of shoppers this year.
The Christmas Book also features gifts for less than $250. Among those, according to USA Today, are $75 plaid stockings, $235 Italian wool scarves, $100 Ugg slippers, $175 cases for iPhones and $250 Ralph Lauren rain boots.
Although most of us won’t be seeing these under our Christmas trees, it is somehow refreshing to see that at least some people might.
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TweetSears has men’s shirts for 90% off
DealNews has spotted a good online sale at Sears that can get you shirts for up to 90 percent off.
The multiple deals start at $1.99 and include everything from T-shirts to polo shirts to button-down shirts.
Shipping adds $6.25 or, as DealNews noted, you can opt for free in-store pickup.
Sales tax is added where applicable.
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TweetShop for a cure many ways today
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many companies are donating portions of their proceeds to the cause.
Here are just a few:
Bon-Ton Stores, the parent company of Elder-Beerman, announced this week that it will have a one-day shopping event today, Oct. 7, called Shop for a Cure.
The company will donate 1 percent of all purchases made on its proprietary credit card today to fund breast cancer research.
Also, through Oct. 30, there will be a “pink” shop in all the stores and online. A portion of the sale from each of these items will be donated to breast cancer research as well.
At Snapfish, throughout October, there are free Share to Care photo greeting cards for its customers to send to friends and family members.
Also, there are calendars, photo books, notebooks, notepads and stickers for sale at the Snapfish Share to Care Store. Thirty percent of all proceeds will be donated to Breastcancer.org.
Caribou Coffee is another one doing a great deal to help the cause.
This month, Caribou Coffee will donate 10 percent of all sales of Amy’s Blend Coffee, tea and merchandise to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Amy’s Blend is named in honor of a Caribou Coffee roastmaster, Amy Erickson, who lost her brave battle with breast cancer in 1995 at the age of 33.
For more information on Amy’s Blend and Caribou Coffee, visit the Web site.
And at Walgreens, you can get a $1 “My Personal Movie Photo DVD” with this coupon in the stores today only. You can put up to 100 pictures on the DVD.
To take part, check out the coupon on the Hip 2 Save blog (which is a great site for lots of other bargains as well.)
For more on breast cancer awareness, check out the DDN’s pink page.
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TweetBig Bundle of coupons raises money for cancer research
The Big Bundle, a package of $799 worth of free stuff and exclusive coupon codes, is available for just $29.99.
That is a big bundle of news in itself, but what is additionally appealing about the offer is that the net proceeds from each purchase (after credit card fees) will go to benefit the American Cancer Society.
For a list of the offers in the bundle, visit the Deal Seeking Mom’s site or The Big Bundle site.
The site has 100,000 bundles to sell, and the offer ends Oct. 15.
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TweetThe world’s best company? It’s got game
According to BusinessWeek, the best company in the world is …
Nintendo.
No word yet on how many kids were allowed to vote.
The list of the world’s top 40 companies was put together by the management consulting firm A.T. Kearney for BusinessWeek.
Some of the traits, noted by BusinessWeek, that are shared by the top 40 are “a commitment to innovation, diversified portfolios, aggressive expansion, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the future.”
I have no doubt that Nintendo lives up to that billing, but I wonder what that says about our world when our top company predominantly makes video games and game systems.
Does it say we crave fun or that we are frivolous? Or both?
I guess it would be worse if the world’s top company was Anheuser-Busch, but that’s way down at No. 34.
Here is the team’s top 10:
Nintendo (electronics, Japan)
Google (Internet services, U.S.)
Apple (electronics, U.S.)
Doosan Heavy Industries (construction products and services, South Korea)
Hyundai Heavy Industries (shipbuilding, South Korea)
GDF Suez (utilities, France)
MTN (telecommunications, South Africa)
Monsanto (chemicals, U.S.)
Inditex (apparel, Spain)
BHP Billiton (mining and metals, Australia)
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TweetBuy one slider, get one free at White Castle
Just like poodles and modern art (at least according to one online quiz), folks seem to either love or hate White Castle.
If you are in the more enamored category, this coupon is for you. It gets you a free White Castle cheeseburger when you buy another.
It is only good for one free burger per customer, per visit and expires at the end of the month.
Thanks to the Deal Seeking Mom for this little morsel.
To find a White Castle near you, check the restaurant’s Web site.
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TweetGet free hockey tickets with a canned good
The Dayton Gems hockey team is offering fans a chance to see them play for free Thursday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday, Oct. 14.
According to the local AA+ International Hockey League team, all tickets for those exhibition games are half off, and fans who bring in a canned good to Hara Arena get in for free.
The club said these prices are good for walk up tickets only and are available while they last.
Tickets for the games usually cost $6.75 to $18, with $2 discounts for seniors, military, police, fire, EMS and students.
The cans will be donated to a local food bank. Fans can bring out more than one canned good if they want, and they will all be donated.
Opening night for the Gems will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at Hara Arena. The Gems will take on the defending IHL champion Fort Wayne Komets.
For more ticket information, call Jill (another Jill) at (937) 275-7777.
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Tweet‘Snow White’ for $4.99 might even make Grumpy smile
The More With Less Today site has a great deal on a Disney classic today, Oct. 6.
Here’s how it works: Amazon has “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” two-disc Blu-Ray/DVD combo for $19.99, which is then bumped down to $9.99 when you use the promotion code “SNOWHITE“ . The price reportedly will drop from $19.99 to $9.99 at checkout.
Then you can print out the $5 Hefty rebate on the MWLT site, to get your final price of $4.99.
You will have to pay for shipping and handling if you spend less than $25, but it is still a great deal.
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TweetCFA warns of risks of bank overdraft loans
The Consumer Federation of America put together a story today about how consumers are still at risk from bank overdraft loans.
“Announced changes to overdraft programs at the nation’s largest banks will not protect American consumers from exorbitantly expensive short-term loans or extend federal consumer protections to the most expensive loans banks make.”
The story goes into great detail about the issue and surveys the overdraft fees of the nation’s major banks.
For the group’s assessment and other documents released by the group, visit the CFA Web site.
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TweetSome stores allow ‘coupon stacking’ for big savings
Mommy Snacks author Andrea Deckard said “coupon stacking” can help shoppers.
“Coupon stacking is something people don’t often understand, but it’s a great way to save,” Deckard said. “If there is a store coupon, you can most always use a manufacturers’ coupon with it — stack and save!
“Of course, every store is different so be sure to check with your store manager.”
According to the folks at area Kroger and Walmart stores, they don’t allow coupon stacking.
But you can use store and manufacturers’ coupons together at Target, Meijer, Walgreens and CVS.
Here are Deckard’s best coupon and ad deals for this week, Oct. 4-10:
FREE after Extra Care Bucks Tone Body Soap
FREE after ECB Revlon Nail
$4.75 Huggies Diapers, with printable coupon
FREE after Register Rewards Fusion Razor
FREE Trident Gum, with printable coupon
FREE Playtex Gloves
$1.69 Special K Cereal, with a printable coupon
$1 Clorox Disinfectant Wipes
$.50 Tone Foaming Soap
FREE Healthy Choice Meal
$.50 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, with printable coupon
$.17 Yoplait Yogurt Cups
FREE Hormel Compleats
FREE Renu Multiplus Contact Solution
$.99 Snuggle Fabric Softener, with printable coupon
Walmart
$.22 Reach Floss
$.38 Carnation Evaporated Milk, with printable coupon
$.86 Snuggle Fabric Softener
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TweetHow America is on sale, best used cars among DDN stories today
There were some great stories related to consumer spending and saving money in today’s Dayton Daily News. In case you missed them, here is a roundup of some of the stories featured.
One of them, a story by the Associated Press, highlighted what many of you bargain hunters already know: That prices on just about everything have been dropping of late.
The AP story characterized these sales-happy times by saying “America is on sale,” and noting that these bargains have become the new normal.
Another story talked about pitfalls of taking online surveys. The McClatchy article gives you advice on what to look out for.
On this topic also, local blogger Carrie Koors of Money Saving Methods is an expert in which surveys are legitimate. Visit her site for more info.
The FreeShipping,org blog also had a good story about how reliable used cars make the most sense in this economy.
The story also lists the top five best used cars.
And one final bargain-related story in today’s DDN is about how teenagers save and spend by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
That story also includes some information about auction sites that are good alternatives to eBay.
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TweetHere’s the Deal: Best prices, selection for Halloween
At this time of year, you can’t swing a dead black cat without hitting something to buy for Halloween.
But, with all these choices, it is important we know where to get the deadliest deals and spookiest steals.
Here is a snapshot, taken last week, of some prices and selection that can be found in Dayton-area stores this Halloween season.
Specialty stores
There is no question that Foy’s Halloween Stores in Fairborn provide the area’s most comprehensive Halloween selection overall.
Of the six Foy’s outlets, which you can’t miss along Main Street, there is an old-fashioned five and dime, an adult costume store, a children’s costume store, a special effects saloon, another special effects store called “Halloween West,” and a glow shop (upstairs from the saloon).
And, not only are the prices are comparable to that of many other outlets — kids’ costumes are $20 to $40 and adults’ costumes are $29 to $49 — but customers also have the option of renting costumes at Foy’s.
Rental prices start at $15 and go all the way up to $150 (for a $1,000 Star Wars collector costume).
Foy’s, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary this month, also has Halloween music, starting at $4.99, and miles of old-fashioned candy, which starts at 2 cents a piece.
Mask prices started at $1.99, wigs were $6.99 and there is inexpensive makeup for any Halloween need.
At the North Fairfield Road Halloween USA, one of the stores that pops up in September and October every year to feed our holiday need, the main attraction was the costumes.
The store had a variety of packaged choices and every conceivable accessory, and the prices were decent.
Kids’ costumes cost $12 to $40, and adults’ costumes cost $30 to $50.
The store also had fog machines starting at $29.99, Scene Setters for $3.99 to $16.99, masks for $5 to $30, wigs for $10 to $20 and endless amounts of makeup for $6 to $10.
Also, both Halloween USA (www. halloweenusa.com) and Halloween Express (www.halloweenexpress.com) have coupons on their Web sites.
Supermarkets
The Walmart, Meijer and Kroger I visited had comparably sized Halloween sections, but each had different things to offer.
The Beavercreek Walmart had a fair selection of children’s costumes from $12 to $20, and some adults’ costumes for about $20. The masks were for $1 to $12, wigs were $6 and makeup was $1 to $2.
Like any market, Walmart has multiple candy options. Walmart’s started at $1.88. Walmart also had appropriately “scary” plates and napkins for $1.50, party favor packages for $2 and window clings for $2.
It also had a good variety of plastic pumpkin candy holders for 94 cents, and fog machines for $25.
Something I saw at Walmart that I didn’t catch at some other area stores was pumpkin torches for carrying while tricking and treating; they were just $1.
The Miami Twp. Meijer had kids’ costumes between $13 and $30, and its adults’ costumes were in the $30 to $35 range.
Masks were $8 to $20, and the few wigs were $10.
Meijer’s Halloween makeup selection stood out for its breadth among the supermarkets, with prices from $1.19 to $6.49. My favorite: “Claw Polish.”
Meijer’s window clings were $3.99, its placemats $1.99 and the store had marked down its dinnerware and drinkware by 30 percent.
The candy was around $3 a bag.
What the Kroger on Springboro Pike lacked in costumes (they had a few for kids for $13, and a couple capes for adults for $10 to $13) they made up for in cute knickknacks.
There were creative Halloween signs for $5 to $7, “magic window” pictures for $4.99, boxes of fun stickers and tattoos for $3.99, and a “pumpkin-powered” (really battery-powered) light that illuminates your artistic carving.
Kroger, like the other two supermarkets, had lots of candy for sale. Kroger’s prices were in the $2.50 to $4.59 per bag range.
Trees and Target
Dollar stores can be a great resource when you are shopping for holiday decorations.
For example, The Dollar Tree on East Dorothy Lane in Kettering, where everything is a dollar, has small tombstones and all its candy for $1, as well as plates, cups and other cute accents for that price.
The best deal there, though, is probably the music. The store had Halloween CDs — “Spooky Sounds” and “Jack-O-Lantern Jams,” that included “Monster Mash” and the funeral march — for $1.
The Christmas Tree Shops outlet on Miamisburg-Centerville Road is another place that had some Halloween deals.
It had kids’ costumes, which are out of the package and easy to see, for $6.99; bags of candy for $1.29 to $5.99 a bag; ghost muffin pans for $3.99; a substantial, theme welcome mat for $6.99; cups and napkins for $1 to $1.99; Halloween socks for $1 and a 6-foot rotating inflatable for $29.99.
The store also had fun magnets, which I didn’t see elsewhere, for two for $5.
The Target on North Fairfield had the best selection overall among this group and the supermarkets for Halloween.
The store had a variety of spooky stringed lights for anywhere from $5.99 to $12.99, and had the cheapest stringed strobe lights I found at $14.99.
Target also had stuffed ghosts, monsters and pumpkins for $7.99, and a luminaria kit for $9.99.
There was a good variety in kids’ costumes, with prices from $13 to $40, a fair number of adults’ costumes from $20 to $50 and about a dozen for pets.
Wigs were $8 to $10, masks were $13 to $20 and makeup started at $1.99.
The store also had Scene Setters for $3.99 to $5.99, music CDs for $9.99 and Halloween movies for kids from $9.99 to $14.99 — including “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” and the newly released “Coraline.”
Target also had an extensive selection of candy, starting at $2.50, with 60-ounce bags for $9.99.
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TweetMake your own costume and save cash
Although there are great costumes for sale at good prices around town, sometimes you can find the biggest bargains by making your own costume from things around the house.
And those can also be some of the best and most creative costumes around.
For some ideas online, there are some great sites to visit: About.com, Coolest Homemade Costumes, Costume Idea Zone, Mahalo.com, The Costume Page and Kaboose and Family Fun for kids’ costumes. For more, just Google “make your own Halloween costume”.
For still other ideas, it can be fun to ask your co-workers and friends about some of their favorite homemade costumes from Halloweens past.
A few of the ideas that I got this way include:
Cloudy with a chance of rain: Wear all black or gray. Hot glue pieces of cotton batting to pieces of felt, and then safety pin those to your clothes for the clouds. Then carry around a spray bottle to supply the chance of rain.
Bubble bath: Take a laundry basket (preferably one that is concave on one side.) Fill the basket with blue and white balloons, and glue poster board to the sides of the basket to cover the holes. Then carry around the basket, wearing a robe, with your hair in a towel. You can add things like a hot-glued rubber ducky to the top rim, a wash cloth draped over the side, put on a face mask, etc.
Tornado: Wear black. Get medium-sized pieces of gray yarn or string and pin them to the outfit. Then tie toy cows, houses, tractors and such to the other end of the strings. When anyone asks you what you are, spin around and say you’re a tornado.
Unmade bed: (Probably the easiest!) Wear pajamas, wrap a sheet around yourself and carry a pillow.
What are some of the best homemade costumes you have worn or seen?
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TweetPuzzles Plus, Macy’s, Kmart headline weekend sales
For your weekend shopping pleasure, here are some of the sales taking place at some area stores.
Puzzles Plus, at 1273 North Fairfield Road in Beavercreek, is undergoing its 14th anniversary sale offering 20 percent off storewide through Oct. 10.
The locally owned store has puzzles, brain teasers, games, books and more.
Grandma’s Gardens, a garden center just south of Centerville, has 40 percent off all fountains and pottery; 30 percent off all statuary, benches and birdbaths; and 25 percent to 50 percent off all perennials.
Also, quart-size perennials are buy-one-get-one-free; selected customer favorites in the tree and shrub sections are 30 percent off also. These sales will continue through October.
Also, Macy’s is having a Red Hot Sale, with more than $100 in red hot dollars (or coupons, as I like to call them) in savings. It also has 30 percent to 50 percent off storewide.
This sale is through Sunday.
Old Navy is having a sweater event, with styles starting at $15. There also are many coupons to be found at the Old Navy Weekly site.
Kmart enters the toy list fray with its Fab 15, which falls somewhere between Toys R Us and Walmart in prices.
Kmart also has 25 percent off Halloween costumes and, according to Wallet Pop, reportedly offers 20 percent off if you are unemployed.
And finally, Elder-Beerman is in its last days of “its best and biggest shoe and handbag event of the season, and Babies R Us is marking down items up to 60 percent and has printable coupons on its site.
Enjoy and happy weekend!
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TweetFriday specials include free Starbucks and cookies; movies for cheap
Amazon, DealHack and Wallet Pop have teamed up (in a sense) this fine Friday, Oct. 2, to inform us all of some great deals available.
Wallet Pop, one of my all-time favorite consumer/bargain sites, lists its Five Fabulous Finds each Friday. And today’s are especially sweet.
Among today’s Wallet Pop deals are routes to get a free tall brewed coffee at Starbucks, free Great American Cookies (since it is National Cookie Month after all), Halloween coupon books from Wendy’s and more.
Over at Amazon, there is the weekly Friday deal-fest. And, as usual, DealHack has a good rundown of the deals as well, which include Pike Street 100 percent Egyptian Cotton 6-piece towel set marked down 84 percent — the set is originally $130; today it is $21.
Amazon’s Gold Box and lightning deals today are for MartinLogan Helos 20 In-Wall Speakers (originally $399, now $149) and a Barbra Streisand Box Set (originally $74.85, now $22.36).
The movies in the Babs box set include “For Pete’s Sake,” “Funny Girl,” “Funny Lady,” “Mirror Has Two Faces,” “The Way We Were, and “Prince of Tides.”
Also on the movie front at Amazon (via DealHack) is a deal on DreamWorks animated movies on DVD.
“Kung Fu Panda” is $10, “Shrek” is $11, “Madagascar — Escape 2 Africa” is $10, “Over The Hedge” is $11 and “Bee Movie” is $11. This movie deal is good through Oct. 10.
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TweetUD Papa John’s kicks off another great deal
The pizza wars are heated, and we consumers are being well-fed for less as a result.
Papa John’s is one that has had several good sales of late, including offering free pizza for Camaro owners on Aug. 26 and having a large cheese pizza for 25 cents when you order a large pizza with two or more toppings online (this is still good through Sunday, Oct. 4).
The latest offer from Papa John’s is good only on weekends at the University of Dayton/Oakwood restaurant, 540 Wilmington Ave., and caters to football fans.
The deal offers 50 percent off the entire order for patrons wearing a football jersey, and is good every Saturday and Sunday for the remainder of the football season. There is no coupon required.
The deal is for carryouts only and patrons must be wearing the football jersey at the point of sale. It is good only at the UD/Oakwood store.
For more information on the deal, call the restaurant at (937) 254-7272.
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TweetFree kids’ meal cards on sale at Frisch’s
It isn’t too early to give out treats.
According to the restaurant, Frisch’s Halloween Kids’ Meal Cards are now on sale at all area Frisch’s Big Boy locations.
A pack of eight cards is $1. The packs are on sale through Oct. 31.
The cards are good for one free kids’ meal, including a beverage. And, although kids must be accompanied by an adult, the free meal does not require the purchase of an adult’s meal.
These can make great giveaways for trick-or-treaters, and can be a pretty sweet gift for any parent as well.
The coupons are valid for redemption in the dining room only, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.
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TweetRobotic hamsters: Get ‘em while they’re hot
According to The Consumerist Web site, one of the toys on Toys R Us’ Holiday Hot Toy List — Zhu Zhu Pets’ robotic hamster — likely will sell out fast.
The story, which includes a great comparison of robotic hamsters to real hamsters (with robotic hamsters winning that furry fight), is a good reminder that if you do like any of the toys on the Toys R Us list or the recently released Walmart holiday list that you should get out there and get them while the gettin’ is good.
If they do sell out, you not only risk not getting the toy of choice, but you may find the price going up with the demand.
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TweetHow to get Kroger gas for up to $1 off
We reported Wednesday, Sept. 30, that Kroger is running a program that can get customers up to $1 off per gallon of gas.
Here are the basics of the deal from the Kroger site:
The program is good at all Kroger Fuel Centers in Dayton and Cincinnati. Here is a list of the participating sites.
There is no need to register for the program. Customers can use their existing Plus Card or 1-2-3 REWARDS MasterCard to receive these fuel discounts.
The cards can be swiped at the pump.
Breakdown on points: For each increment of 100 Points redeemed at the pump, 10 cents off per gallon is awarded up to $1 off per gallon.
For example:
100 Points = 10 cents off per gallon of fuel for 1 fill-up.
200 Points = 20 cents off per gallon of fuel for 1 fill-up.
1,000 Points = $1 off per gallon of fuel for 1 fill-up.
1-2-3 REWARDS MasterCard customers will save an extra 5 cents per gallon when they redeem their discount and pay at the pump with their MasterCard.
You can earn points at Kroger three ways:
Spending on groceries (normal exclusions apply): $100 in Groceries = 100 Points
Non-federally funded prescriptions: 2 Prescriptions = 100 Points
Double Gift Card Points (normal exclusions apply): $50 in Gift Cards = 100 Points
Your amount of current points can be found on the bottom of your Kroger receipt.
There is not a limit on the number of points you can earn, but there is a limit on how many points can be used in a single fill-up — 1,000.
The points, if they are more than 1,000, will remain on your card to be used at a later time.
Points earned in the current month are available for use through the end of the next month. This program is for a limited time only and may end at any point.
At the pump, if you do not identify yourself as a Plus Card or 1-2-3 REWARDS MasterCard holder, everything will work as it always has.
If you identify yourself as a Plus Card or 1-2-3 REWARDS MasterCard holder and have not earned enough points to qualify for a discount, everything will work the same.
If you identify yourself as a Plus Card or 1-2-3 REWARDS MasterCard holder and have earned a fuel discount, the pump ask you if you want to use your points. If you select YES, you will receive the discount as a roll-back of the regular price at the pump.
If you choose to use your points, you can’t use just a portion. You must use them all, up to 1,000.
When you scan or swipe your Plus Card or MasterCard, the price will not roll back instantly. You must first choose the form of payment and whether or not you want to use your discount before the price rolls back.
For more information, visit the store’s site or call Kroger at (800) KROGERS.
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