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Amanda Stewart

2019 Aldi Holiday Schedule and Hours

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Aldi holiday schedule and hours
Are you planning a grocery shopping trip to Aldi? Make sure it’s open first. Check here for everything you should know about shopping at Aldi as well as the Aldi holiday schedule and hours before heading out.

Saving Money at Aldi Stores

Aldi is a grocery store known for amazing everyday prices. Smart shoppers who rely on Aldi can save a bundle, with some reporting cost reductions of up to 42 percent. Aldi offers great prices by using a non-standard business model. Not only do you have to insert a quarter to get a cart (though you get it back once you return it), but you’ll also need to bring your own bags. Plus, Aldi stores aren’t open 24/7, so you need to make sure your local store is open before making a trip.

Aldi Store Opening Hours

Originally a German store, Aldi has made its way into numerous countries. Along with the United States, you can also find Aldi stores in Great Britain, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Portugal. Additionally, many people don’t realize that Aldi is actually run by the same company as Trader Joe’s.

Most Aldi stores adhere to standard hours of operations. While each location may vary their schedule, the typical hours for opening and closing serve as a good baseline for planning purposes.

The standard Aldi hours are:

Monday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

If you are near an Aldi in a big city, you may find that they are open longer each day. However, some small-town Aldi stores open later and close earlier. For example, a small town location may operate from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm instead of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Aldi Holiday Schedule 2019

Along with Christmas, Aldi locations also close for a few other holidays during the year. However, they are open on many too. Here is an overview of the Aldi Holiday Schedule for 2019:

January 1 (Tuesday): Aldi is closed on New Year’s Day
January 21 (Monday): Aldi is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 14 (Thursday): Aldi is open on Valentine’s Day
February 18 (Monday): Aldi is open on Presidents’ Day
March 17 (Sunday): Aldi is open on St. Patrick’s Day
April 19 (Friday): Aldi is open on Good Friday
April 20 (Saturday): Aldi is open on Easter Saturday
April 21 (Sunday): Aldi is closed on Easter Sunday
April 22 (Monday): Aldi is open on Easter Monday
May 12 (Sunday): Aldi is open on Mother’s Day
May 27 (Monday): Aldi is open on, but with limited hours, on Memorial Day
June 16 (Sunday): Aldi is open on Father’s Day
July 4 (Thursday): Aldi is open, but with limited hours, on Independence Day
September 2 (Monday): Aldi is open, but with limited hours, on Labor Day
October 14 (Monday): Aldi is open on Columbus Day
October 31 (Thursday): Aldi is open on Halloween
November 11 (Monday): Aldi is open on Veteran’s Day
November 28 (Thursday): Aldi is closed on Thanksgiving Day
December 24 (Tuesday): Aldi is open, but with limited hours, on Christmas Eve
December 25 (Wednesday): Aldi is closed on Christmas Day
December 31 (Tuesday): Aldi is open, but with limited hours, on New Year’s Eve
January 1 (Wednesday): Aldi is closed on New Year’s Day 2020

On any days where Aldi has limited hours, you’ll need to check your local store to confirm when they are open. You can use Aldi’s store locator to check each location’s hours of operation or contact your store by phone and request the information.

Many grocery stores deviate from their usual operating hours around Christmas and Aldi is no different. On Christmas Eve, many Aldi locations close early, giving their staff a chance to be home with their families.

If you need to shop at Aldi on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, make sure to check with your local store before you make a trip. Each location may have slightly different holiday hours on Christmas Eve, so it is wise to contact your Aldi and confirm they will be open.

On Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2019, all Aldi stores are closed. You cannot shop at any Aldi on Christmas Day, regardless of whether you are in a big city or small town.

Preparing for a Trip to Aldi

If you’ve never been to an Aldi before, but want to experience the cost-savings to make the holidays more affordable, you do need to prepare in advance. Along with a shopping list, you’ll need to have a quarter with you. The shopping carts at Aldi need a quarter to unlock them, making them movable. When you return the cart at the end of your trip, you get your quarter back.

What You Need

The quarter is actually a way that Aldi controls some of their overhead costs, even though they don’t keep the quarters. Getting the coin back encourages shoppers to put away their carts. This ensures that employees don’t have to retrieve the carts, allowing Aldi to keep their staffing costs down and to pass the savings on to shoppers.

Additionally, it is usually best to bring your own reusable shopping bags. Aldi does not provide bags or boxes to carry your purchases for free. If you do not bring your own, you’ll have to pay for bags at Aldi. Again, this helps each store keep its operating expenses low, giving the ability to offer big savings to you.

Use the Aldi Mobile App

The Aldi mobile app is also handy. Not only can you use it to find your closest store, check hours of operation, and a place to make and store a shopping list, it also makes viewing the weekly sales flyer a breeze. You can see it all in the app, ensuring you don’t miss out on a great deal when you shop.

Do you shop at Aldi? Share your experience in the comments below.

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Photo: Flickr/Mike Mozart

Is the Stock Market Open on MLK Day 2019?

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is the stock market open on MLK Day

Federal holidays impact the day-to-day business of many institutions in the United States. Typically, banks close and U.S. Postal Service employees have the day off. However, the stock market follows a different holiday schedule. With the year’s second federal holiday approaching, many people are wondering is the stock market open on MLK Day?

Is the Stock Market Open on MLK Day?

The stock market will be closed on MLK Day. Investors will not be able to trade or sell on Monday, January 21. Any business that needs to be done will need to be completed before the close of business Friday. All other business will need to wait to be taken care of until Tuesday.

Will NASDAQ be open on MLK Day?

NASDAQ will be closed on Monday, January 21. Because the NASDAQ and NYSE have the same holiday schedule, they are closed the same days, including MLK Day.

Bond Market MLK Day

The bond market will be closed on MLK Day. The SIMFA or bond market runs on a different schedule than the NYSE or NASDAQ. However, it will still be closed on Monday. Any urgent business needs to be taken care of before 5 p.m. EST Friday.

The Stock Market Holiday Schedule

The stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) is closed each year in observance of the following federal holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

It is important to note that the market closes at 5 p.m. EST on regular business days. There are two days during the year in which the market closes early (1 p.m. EST). Those days are Christmas Eve and Black Friday. No dates around MLK Day are impacted this way.

Because the stock market holiday schedule varies slightly from the federal holiday schedule, active traders should note holidays and days the market closes early and plan accordingly.

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Netflix Prices Are Going Up Again, Here’s What You Need to Know

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Netflix prices

Nearly 60 percent of Americans use a streaming service for entertainment in their homes, most of who subscribe to Netflix. While cutting the cord initially saved viewers money, Netflix prices are continuing to rise. The company announced the largest price hike in its history this week.

What You Need to Know About the New Netflix Prices

Netflix will be increasing subscription prices by 13 to 18 percent. The company’s most popular plan will now cost about $156 per year, up from $132 per year. The month-to-month cost of the site’s most popular package will increase $2 (from $11 to $13). Basic plans will also increase from $8 to $9.

The most expensive Netflix plan now comes at a cost of $16 per month. Compared to other streaming services, this is pretty pricey. Hulu costs around $12 per month, Amazon Prime comes in at $9, and services like CBS All Access are priced around $10 a month. Netflix has sound reasoning behind the increase in price though.

“We change pricing from time to time as we continue investing in great entertainment and improving the overall Netflix experience for the benefit of our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said. Immediately, the increase will impact new users. Any changes made to existing users’ accounts will be made over the next few months.

The latest price hike joins a string of increases made by the company. Netflix has upped its prices twice in the last two years. Is the latest price increase a sign that things aren’t going so well for the company?

The Future of Netflix

You don’t have to worry about Netflix going anywhere any time soon. The streaming platform added 7.4 million customers in the first quarter of 2018. On top of that, Netflix is continuously investing in new content and Netflix originals series.

Netflix originals television shows like Strangers Things, Orange is the New Black, and Hemlock Grove have all been hits. Additionally, Netflix films have seemed to do well. Bird Box starring Sandra Bullock has been one of the most sensational (and successful) original films the company has produced. However, this original content does come at a price.

Because the company’s executives are constantly investing more in the quality and content, it is inevitable that customers will have to pay a higher price. Not to mention, Netflix frequently taps into the debt markets occasionally. Increasing the price for streaming can help ease concerns of investors who have been worried about an ever-growing cash flow deficit. The company reported an expected negative free cash flow of $3 billion in 2018 and expects to see similar results this year.

Money being spent hasn’t gone to waste though. Last quarter, Netflix reported it had more than 137 million subscribers globally. Investors aren’t concerned about the price hike impacting those numbers either. After announcing pricing would increase, the company’s stock went up $22.

It is difficult to say what the future of Netflix is. In fact, the company could look completely different a year from now. There is no doubt it will continue to change its streaming options and there may also be new pricing platforms introduced at any time.

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Is the Post Office Open on MLK Day 2019?

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is the post office open on MLK day

The hustle and bustle of the new year can make it difficult to stay on top of upcoming holidays and events. Because of this, Martin Luther King Jr. Day often creeps up on people and finds them unprepared for the closings associated with a federal holiday. This year, MLK Day falls on January 21. If you’re thinking about using the day off to run errands, you may want to know is the post office open on MLK Day?

Is the Post Office Open on MLK Day?

No, the post office is closed on MLK Day. United States Postal Service employees are given every federal holiday off. This includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Is the Post Office Open The Weekend Before MLK Day?

As usual, some post offices will be open on Saturday but all will be closed on Sunday. If your local post office branch is not typically open on Saturdays, it won’t be open the Saturday before MLK Day. Call USPS or visit their website to see the weekend hours for locations near you.

Even if the post office is closed, you can still take advantage of other services available to the public 365 days a year. You will still be able to drop off packages and letters to be mailed. Most post offices also have a machine where you can buy stamps and other postage as well. If you’re unsure of what services are available at your post office, give them a call.

Anything that needs to be sent on Sunday or a federal holiday may need to be taken to FedEx or UPS.  Even these services aren’t available 365 days a year though.

Is UPS Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Yes, the United Parcel Service is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. UPS recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but the company doesn’t observe the holiday. All UPS services are available and the company will run as if it were any other typical Monday.

Is Federal Express Open on MLK Day?

Yes, Federal Express is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. FedEx treats Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a regular Monday, and provides their normal pickup and delivery service on January 21.

If there is another local delivery service or parcel pickup that you’re wondering is open or not, give them a call to see if they are open on MLK Day.

Photo: Flickr: Mike Licht

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2019 Walmart Holiday Schedule

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Walmart holiday schedule and hours
As the largest U.S. retailer, many people rely on Walmart for their basics and household goods. Since it’s the primary shopping spot for many people, it’s important to know on what holidays Walmart closes, and when the store is open. While there are 10 federal holidays throughout the year, these holidays aren’t universal to everyone in the U.S. They only legally apply to federal employees, so even on these holidays, many stores remain open. If you’re planning to head out to the store, here’s this year’s Walmart holiday schedule.

2019 Walmart Holiday Schedule

  • Tuesday, January 1: Walmart is open on New Year’s Day
  • Monday, January 21: Walmart is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Thursday, February 14: Walmart is open on Valentine’s Day
  • Monday, February 18: Walmart is open on Presidents’ Day
  • Sunday, March 17: Walmart is open on St. Patrick’s Day
  • Friday, April 19: Walmart is open on Good Friday
  • Saturday, April 20: Walmart is open on Easter Saturday
  • Sunday, April 21: Walmart is open on Easter Sunday
  • Monday, April 2: Walmart is open on Easter Monday
  • Sunday, May 12: Walmart is open on Mother’s Day
  • Monday, May 27: Walmart is open on Memorial Day
  • Sunday, June 16: Walmart is open on Father’s Day
  • Thursday, July 4: Walmart is open on Independence Day
  • Monday, September 2: Walmart is open on Labor Day
  • Tuesday, October 8: Walmart is open on Columbus Day
  • Thursday, October 31: Walmart is open on Halloween
  • Monday, November 11: Walmart is open on Veteran’s Day
  • Thursday, November 28: Walmart is open on Thanksgiving Day, but for limited hours
  • Friday, November 29: Walmart is open on Black Friday for extended hours
  • Tuesday, December 24: Walmart is open, but some stores may close early on Christmas Eve
  • Wednesday, December 25: Walmart is closed on Christmas Day
  • Tuesday, December 31: Walmart is open on New Year’s Eve
  • Wednesday, January 1: Walmart is open on New Year’s Day 2020

Walmart is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. There are some days when their stores open for limited hours (Thanksgiving) and extended hours (Black Friday), but they are open at least some part of the day for most of the year. Some Walmart stores may also have extended hours during the Christmas shopping season.

2019 Walmart Store Hours

Walmart doesn’t have a standard set of opening hours for all its stores. The time Walmart stores are open will vary from location to location. Some are open 24 hours a day, while others have different weekday and weekend hours. The best way to find out the hours of a local Walmart store is to use the official Walmart store locator tool. This will give you the opening hours of each Walmart store.

The above information is general information regarding when Walmart stores will be open for business. A variety of incidents can cause exceptions to the above information. For example, specific stores may close due to damage to the store, and there can be closures due to severe weather as well. It’s always best to call and confirm with your store if you have any doubt about it being open or closed.

Photo: Mike Mozart

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Are Banks Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

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are banks open on mlk day

In 2019, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 21. It is the second federal holiday of the year and, because it falls so close to the new year, often gets forgotten until it is upon us. When a holiday like this sneaks up on you-you may find yourself confused as to what’s open and what’s closed. Banks typically follow the federal holiday schedule but are banks open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Are Banks Open on MLK Day?

Most banks will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Typically, the bank holiday schedule mirrors the federal holiday schedule. Because MLK Day is a federal holiday, most banks will not open their doors. However, not all banks adhere to this rule of thumb. Institutions located in retail outlets, malls, and grocery stores may remain open on the holiday.

Are Credit Unions Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Like banks, most credit unions are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Although credit unions don’t explicitly follow the bank holiday schedule, most close on federal holidays. The only credit unions that will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day are those located within retail locations.

Banking Services Available on MLK Day

If you need to do any banking on January 21, you still have some options. As mentioned above, banks within retail locations may be open. And even if you’re not lucky enough to have a bank that is open, some services are available 24 hours a day, even on holidays.

Basic banking transactions like deposits, withdrawals, and transfers can be done through your bank’s website, mobile app, or ATM. In fact, most people don’t need to visit the bank at all anymore. Each of these is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For the most part, they are available 365 days a year as well (though scheduled maintenance may hinder that at times).

Keep in mind, some banks will put a hold on deposits and may take longer to process transactions over the holiday. If you need the money to post right away, you may have a problem getting access to your newly deposited cash on MLK Day. Worse comes to worst, you can always cash a check at a grocery store or other check-cashing facility if you need the money immediately.

MLK Day Weekend Hours

Most banks and credit unions are open Saturday but will be closed Sunday during Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend. Some banks are open on Saturdays, some are not. If your local bank branch is usually open, they will still be open Saturday. However, most banks are closed on Sunday and will not be open this Sunday to make up for the Monday holiday. There are a few exceptions, so if you are wondering if your bank is open on Sunday, give them a call and make sure.

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