Tamila McDonald

5 Ways to Save The Old Fashioned Way

October 23, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

In today’s technology-driven world, it seems like there is always a new app or online tool that says it can help you save. While many of them can, that doesn’t mean old-fashioned techniques no longer work. In fact, many of them can help you squirrel away more money, spend less, and otherwise save as well today as they did before. Here are five ways to save money the old-fashioned way that are worth using now.

1. Embrace Haggling

In many cases, if you head into a major retailer to shop, you assume that haggling is off the table. While this can be true in many cases, there are also plenty of situations where asking for a discount is actually appropriate and can yield positive results.

Usually, you can only haggle on higher cost items. For example, large appliances, furniture, mattresses, expensive electronics, and similar goods could fall into that category. Most of those products have fairly large markups, so there could be wiggle room. This is especially true if stores give their sales staff quotas and you shop at the right time, such as at the end of the month, quarter, or year.

If you are about to make a large, bulk purchase of a single item, you might also have the power to haggle. Similarly, if you are willing to buy scratch-and-dent goods, floor models, discontinued items, or the “last one,” you might be able to request a discount. When it comes to furniture, you might also have some room to haggle if you are buying a full room’s worth of furniture instead of a single piece.

Pawnshops, thrift stores, and consignment shops are usually pretty open to haggling as well. If your offer is reasonable, you might even deal with very little pushback.

When you’re shopping, consider asking for a reasonable discount, particularly if you can justify it. Worst case, they’ll simply tell you no.

Also, don’t forget about price matching. If you know that exact item is available for less elsewhere (even if it’s already pretty cheap), ask about a price match. Typically, all you’ll need to do is supply proof if the store does price matching, and that may be as simple as pulling up the item on your phone and showing the cashier.

2. Go All Cash

If you want to limit impulse spending, something that can quickly destroy your budget, consider shopping the old-fashioned way by going cash-only. Spending actually dollars and cents feels more real than when you use your debit or credit card, so you might not be as quick to buy something you don’t need.

Plus, you’ll be more aware of how much money you actually have available, as you can see it, touch it, and count it out. This may make it easier to live within your means. And, as a side benefit, when you don’t use credit cards, you’ll avoid debt and those cumbersome interest payments without any extra effort.

3. Have a Garage Sale

Garage sales have been around for ages. The reason they stand the test of time is that they are still a great way to make some money off of your excess stuff. Plus, since you can focus on items you don’t need, you get the benefit of a less cluttered home, too.

Planning a garage sale does take some effort. You’ll want to pick a day in advance so that you can gather your items, make signs, and even advertise your sale. Plus, you’ll want to get a lot of small bills and change so you can handle cash transactions before the big day.

4. Cut Those Coupons

Many people have memories of their mothers or grandmothers sitting at the dining room table and cutting coupons. While the idea may seem antiquated since most households don’t get a physical newspaper delivered any longer, it’s still something that can help you save money today.

In some areas, coupon circulars arrive in your mail, allowing you to see them even if you don’t get a paper. You could also choose to buy the newspapers with coupons (usually Wednesday and Sunday editions) for a dollar or two, as you’ll often get at least that much back in coupon savings.

Plus, there are online coupon options. Some grocery loyalty programs have integrated manufacturers’ coupons. Additionally, there are websites that allow you to clip virtual coupons and print only the ones you need or add them to your store’s loyalty card.

It does take a little time to clip coupons, but it is usually worth it. You can save quite a bit if you use them properly. Just make sure to only use coupons if they are for items you needed to buy anyway.

5. Use a Clothesline

When you need to have clean clothes, using your washer and dryer is usually the most convenient option. But, both of those appliances use energy, so they cost you money every time you turn them on.

While handwashing all of your clothes might be a bit too much, switching to a clothesline instead of using your dryer is typically pretty easy. If your weather is less than ideal, and an indoor drying rack can be a great alternative, allowing you to avoid energy-heavy dryer use.

Ultimately, all of these old-fashioned approaches can still help you save money today. Consider trying them all. Your budget will thank you if you do.

Do you have another tip to save money the old-fashioned way? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Time To Start Christmas Shopping – Shop Here

October 18, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

The Christmas season is approaching fast. While many people look forward to the holidays, it can also be an incredibly stressful time. Handling all of your Christmas shopping can leave you feeling drained and frustrated, particularly if you are struggling to find good deals or hate navigating the crowds. But, if you get your shopping started now, you can eliminate some of the headaches. You can skip the crowds, spread out the cost, create a plan, and take advantage of helpful programs that make Christmas easier to afford. If you want to get your Christmas shopping underway, here are a few places to shop first.

Walmart

Walmart launched its in-store layaway program on August 30, 2019, and it runs through December 9, 2019. You don’t have to pay a fee to use Walmart layaway. Instead, you can get started by selecting eligible items and putting either $20 or 20 percent down, whichever is greater.

The Walmart layaway program does have some requirements, but most of them work well for Christmas shopping. First, any item in your layaway account has to be at least $10. Second, your total has to reach $50 minimum. Third, you have to pay off your layaway by December 9. You can make small payments along the way at any register, giving you a way to spread out the cost over time.

Additionally, only certain product categories are eligible for layaway. Here is a list of the kinds of items that qualify for the program:

Toys (including Infant Toys)
Jewelry
Electronics (not including cell phones)
Auto Electronics
Small Appliances
Large Furniture Pieces (including Infant Furniture)
Select Sporting Goods

Another benefit of Walmart’s layaway is you can include Rollbacks, Special Buys, and many clearance items in your purchase. By shopping early, you can snag some great deals now and pay them off over time, making your Christmas shopping more affordable.

Plus, even if you don’t want to use layaway, Walmart is still a great place to start your Christmas shopping. They offer competitive prices on a range of items and maintain a diverse inventory, making it easy to find something for everyone on your list at any time.

GameStop

If you want to give someone a video game system or accessories this Christmas, GameStop is a great choice for starting your Christmas shopping early. The company offers an in-store layaway option at most of its stores (aside from Washington DC and Maryland locations) that runs through December 11, 2019. You have until December 18, 2019, to pay off your account, giving you plenty of time to spread out the cost of some higher ticket items.

There is no service fee to start a GameStop layaway. All you need to do is put $25 down after choosing your items and pay them off by December 18. Plus, if you change your mind along the way, you can cancel your layaway and get your deposit back.

Not every product is eligible for the program. Instead, it focuses on consoles, console bundles, and controllers mainly. You can’t add non-eligible items to your layaway, so keep that in mind before heading to the store to sign up.

However, GameStop is still a solid choice if you need video games for gifts. They maintain large used game selections, helping you keep the cost of Christmas down, as well as other giftable items that relate to video games, like plushies, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and more.

Kmart

If you need an online layaway option, Kmart has you covered. Start by heading to the company’s website and add items to your cart. Just make sure they are labeled “layaway eligible” as you make your selections.

Once you finish shopping, begin the checkout process and choose “pay with layaway.” Provide them with a payment that covers your service fee ($5) and down payment ($10). Then, make a payment every two weeks over an eight-week period to pay off the account and receive your items.

Kmart also offers a 12-week program, but it is only available in-store on qualifying purchases over $300 and comes with a higher service fee ($10). It’s also important to note that the service fee doesn’t go toward your balance. Additionally, if you miss a payment or choose to cancel, you have to pay a cancellation fee of $10 or $20, depending on your contract.

Burlington

For over 45 years, Burlington has had a year-round in-store layaway program. You can start one at any time, not just during the holidays. When you do, you get 60 days to pay off your account.

After choosing your items, you take them to a register to set up your layaway. You’ll pay a 20 percent deposit to get started along with a $5 service fee. Then, within 14 days after launching your layaway, you’ll need to pay another 20 percent. By repeating that two-week, 20 percent payment patterns, you’ll get your layaway paid off by the end of the contract, allowing you to spread out the cost.

Burlington does charge a $10 cancelation fee if you change your mind. Additionally, if you get a refund on your deposit, it won’t be in cash. Instead, you’ll receive a Burlington gift card for the amount.

Amazon

While Amazon doesn’t have a layaway program, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to start your Christmas shopping. This is especially true if you are a Prime member and limit yourself to options with Prime shipping, as you can make regular small orders without incurring high shipping costs.

Amazon typically has incredibly competitive prices. Additionally, discounts are regularly available through a variety of programs. By heading to the “today’s deals” section, you can explore discounts by department, deal type, Prime eligibility, customer review scores, discount percentage, and more.

Plus, at Amazon, it’s easy to create a private wish list for your Christmas purchases. You can find what you want to buy for each person and add it to your wish list. As you are ready to make each purchase, just head back over to your wish list and add it to your cart. This is incredibly handy for preplanning and spreading out the cost, as you can make multiple purchases between now and Christmas, ensuring you don’t forget a single person along the way.

Ultimately, all of the places above are great options for starting your Christmas shopping. Just make sure that, if you use a layaway program, you review the terms and conditions carefully. That way, you won’t have to worry about missing required payments, ensuring you can pay off and pick up your items by the stated due dates.

Have you already started Christmas shopping? Where do you usually shop for Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

What Is The Walmart Return Policy On Electronics?

October 17, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Every retailer manages its own return policy. Usually, the only requirement is that it meets any applicable laws and regulations. Beyond that, nearly anything is legal. As a result, there is a lot of variance between one retailer’s policy and the next. Plus, different departments within a store can have different rules. This can be incredibly confusing for shoppers. If you need to return electronics to Walmart, here’s what you need to know about the Walmart electronics return policy.

Walmart Electronics Return Timeframes

Whether you made your purchase at a Walmart store or through Walmart.com, you can only make electronics returns during specific time periods. Different items have different return windows, so you need to know what category a purchase falls in to determine how long you have to initiate a return.

For many electronics, you have 90 days to make a return. This includes many popular items in the electronics department, including DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and video games, as long as they are unopened. However, there are numerous exceptions that have different timeframe requirements.

First, some items must be returned within 30 days. This includes:

3D printers
3D printer supplies

Next, a group of electronics is only eligible for returns for 15 days. This includes:

Desktop computers
Laptop computers
Video game hardware (including pre-owned or refurbished)
Tablets
E-readers
Drones
Printers (not including 3D printers)
Digital cameras
Camcorders
MP3 players
Portable video players
GPS units
Pre-paid cell phones
Smartwatches
Activity trackers

Finally, if you purchased a post-paid cell phone at Walmart, you only have 14 days to make a return.

Items Not Eligible Under the Walmart Electronics Return Policy

There are numerous items that aren’t eligible for a return at any time, including:

Prepaid cell phone minutes
Anything with an electronically fulfilled PINs
Software received through eDelivery
Video game download cards
Intimate massagers (including unopened ones)

Regardless of the reason, none of the items above are eligible for a return at any time.

Walmart’s Holiday Season Return Policy for Electronics

Many retailers alter their return policies around the holidays. Often, this is because people may buy gifts well in advance of when they will be opened, and there is no guarantee that the recipient will want to keep the item. Without the extension, an electronics return window could close before the person even opens their gift, so retailers offer one as a courtesy.

Walmart does have a holiday extended return policy that covers certain electronic items. For the products listed below, if it was originally purchased between November 1 and December 25, the 15-day window doesn’t start until December 26. That means the recipient has until January 10 to handle the return. Here are the items covered by this policy:

Desktop computers
Laptop computers
Video game hardware
Tablets
E-readers
Drones
Digital cameras
Camcorders
MP3 players
Portable video players
GPS units
Pre-paid cell phones

Third-Party Seller Electronics Returns

If you make a purchase from a Walmart marketplace seller on Walmart.com, you have to follow the rules of the seller’s return policy. These can vary from one seller to the next, so you’ll need to check the rules and restrictions in accordance with who fulfilled your purchase.

While Walmart has set a minimum 30-day return window that sellers must follow, certain electronics items are excluded from that timeframe. Instead, returns on the following only have to be accepted if they occur within 15 days of the delivery date:

Desktop computers
Laptops
Tablets
E-readers
Drones
Printers (excluding 3D printers)
GPS units
Digital cameras
Camcorders
MP3 Players
Portable video players
Pre-paid and post-paid cell phones

In many cases, if you need to return an item to a third-party marketplace seller, you can do so by locating the purchase in your Walmart.com account to get a shipping label. Alternatively, you can bring a shipment-ready package to a Walmart store for the item you want to return.

However, marketplace sellers can require a different process. As a result, you need to see what options are available by looking at the fine print associated with your purchase.

How Money is Refunded on an Eligible Return

In the vast majority of cases, how you receive a refund depends on how you originally made your purchase and whether you have a receipt. If you bought an item with cash or a check and have your receipt, you can usually get cash for your return. However, you can also request a Walmart gift card if that is more convenient.

For debit card purchases, if you have a receipt and it says “debit tend,” you can request cash as well. Otherwise, the money can go back to your debit card or onto a Walmart gift card.

Credit card purchases can practically never be refunded as cash, even with a receipt. They can only be sent back to the same card or processed onto a Walmart gift card.

If you don’t have a receipt, usually your only option is a Walmart gift card. However, you might be able to get a cash refund if the value of the item is less than $25.

Limitations for Using Walmart’s Electronics Return Policy

Most retailers have return policy restrictions in place that help them fight fraud and program abuse. That’s why, when you make most returns, you have to provide the employee with a valid government-issued photo ID. This allows them to check your return activity in their database.

If Walmart believes a person is abusing the policy, they can deny a return. This includes returns accompanied by a receipt.

Exactly what constitutes program abuse in Walmart’s eyes isn’t clear. However, most customers won’t fall into that category. If you rarely make returns and your request is legitimate, you will typically be fine.

Return Policy Adjustments for Electronics Recalls

When an item is recalled, special rules apply that deviate from the Walmart electronics return policy. For example, you don’t have to have a receipt, the item’s original packaging, or even all of the product’s components when you return the item.

In many cases, when a recall is in effect, employees can offer cash refunds regardless of how the purchase was made. However, the rules for each recall can vary. If you have a product that was recalled, contact Walmart to determine what steps need to be taken and what options are available.

Do you think the Walmart electronics return policy is fair? Have you ever had issues returning electronics at Walmart or any other store? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Opening Two Bank Accounts from the Same Bank

October 16, 2019 By Tamila McDonald 1 Comment

Having multiple bank accounts can be a great financial move. It gives you options for controlling or segmenting your spending, saving toward multiple goals and keeping those amounts separate, and keeping both a joint and individual account for managing household finances. Luckily, nearly every bank will let you open two bank accounts. Not only can you set them both up when you first sign up, but you can also add a secondary account later. However, there are also risks if you use this approach. If you are considering opening two bank accounts from the same bank, here’s what you need to know.

Benefits of Opening Two Bank Accounts from the Same Bank

When you have more than one account with the same bank, you get a variety of benefits. First and foremost, it is incredibly convenient. All of your money is in one place, so you’ll have one bank to deal with if you need help.

Plus, your transfers between accounts may be instantaneous, which can be helpful. For example, if your checking account is low and you have money in savings, you can shift money from your savings to your checking to handle an unexpected emergency. Potentially, the cash will move in seconds, which is great if you can’t afford to wait.

If you are considering two savings accounts, you could use each one for a different purpose. For example, one could hold your emergency fund while the other is used to build up cash for a major purchase or vacation. This can make it easier to track the purpose of your money, which is great for budgeting, too.

Risks of Keeping All of Your Money with One Financial Institution

When you have multiple accounts with one bank and don’t maintain a checking or savings account with another institution, there are some potential risks. If your bank experiences a technical issue, you might not be able to view or use any of your accounts, and that could put you in a bind. While this would certainly be a rare occurrence, it’s important to understand that it could happen.

If you have a substantial amount of money, you may also exceed the insurance limits. At banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures each account holder for up to $250,000, not each account. That means, if the total of your two accounts is above $250,000 together, you aren’t fully insured. The excess wouldn’t be covered, so you could lose it if an incident occurred.

No More Than $250K

However, if you put those two accounts in separate banks, as long as each bank holds no more than $250,000, your money is fully insured. As a result, you would be safer using more than one institution if your total savings and checking account balances would exceed that amount.

Ultimately, whether you open two accounts with the same bank or separate them by using more than one bank is a personal decision. Just make sure you are comfortable with the risks if you proceed.

Have you opened two bank accounts at the same bank? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is TransferWise The Alternative To PayPal?

October 11, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Sending money abroad can be a complicated undertaking. Not all money services work internationally, and, for those that do, the fees can be incredibly high. Plus, if you need to perform a currency exchange during the transaction, you can lose a significant amount of money if the transfer provider doesn’t provide favorable exchange rates. Both TransferWise and PayPal make international transfers with currency exchanges an option. The question is, which one is right for you?

PayPal International Transfer Fees

When you need to send money internationally and perform a currency exchange, you need to find an option with reasonable fees. Otherwise, a big chunk of the money you send might get eaten up by the cost of completing the transfer, and that can be frustrating.

With PayPal, when you send money to friends and family in the U.S. or Canada, you don’t pay any fees. But, if you want to send cash to someone in any other country, including friends and family, you’ll encounter transaction fees.

The amount you owe as a transfer fee on PayPal depends on how much you are sending, the destination country, and where the money is coming from. If you use a PayPal balance or linked bank account, the fee typically comes in at 0.3 to 2 percent of the amount you are sending. That means, for a $1,000 transaction, you’d lose $3 to $20 in transaction fees alone.

However, if you use a debit or credit card on PayPal, you’ll pay more in fees. Usually, the transaction fee will be between 3.4 and 3.9 percent. For $1,000, that’s between $34 and $39. Plus, you’ll owe an additional small fixed fee, which varies depending on the currency.

Currency Conversion Rates

Along with those fees, you’ll deal with currency conversion rates. How much that costs depends on the current wholesale exchange rate (sometimes called the mid-market, spot, or interbank rate) and PayPal’s structure. PayPal typically tacks on a 2.5 to 3 percent currency conversion spread to the transaction, meaning you aren’t getting an exchange rate that is less favorable than the wholesale rate. PayPal pockets that difference, allowing it to make a profit on the conversion.

Exactly how much a currency conversion will cost you through PayPal can vary by the minute. Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day, as currency values aren’t stable. As a result, you can’t calculate your full cost accurately until you are preparing to initiate a transfer.

TransferWise International Transfer Fees

With TransferWise, your biggest source of savings is that TransferWise uses the wholesale exchange rate for each of its transactions. You won’t encounter a currency conversion rate that’s tacked onto the exchange rate. As a result, more of your money will go to your friend or family member.

However, that doesn’t mean TransferWise is fee-free. As with any business, they need to generate revenue to support their operations.

The TransferWise fee structure is fairly straightforward. On a $1,000 transfer from U.S. dollars to euros, the total fee (as of this writing) was $7.54, or 0.754 percent of the total amount being sent if you use a bank transfer. If you send larger amounts directly from a bank account, the transaction fee percentage actually falls. For example, if you send $20,000, the fee is just 0.48 percent, or about $96.

However, the fee does go up is you use anything other than a direct bank transfer. For that same $1,000 being converted into euros, wire transfers come with a slightly higher cost ($10.86) while debit cards are a bit more ($12.95). If you use a credit card, the transaction fee is pretty substantial, coming in at $38.28.

As with PayPal, the fees vary depending on the destination country and currency involved. Plus, they could be subject to change, so its best to use the TransferWise calculator to determine how much you receive and the fees you’d pay.

Is TransferWise Cheaper Than PayPal?

If you want to find the cheapest option for sending money internationally, you might assume that TransferWise is the best option. After all, they don’t have a currency conversion rate added to the currency exchange rate, and that can represent a savings in comparison to PayPal.

If you send $1,000 to Germany directly from a bank account, where it gets converted to euros, TransferWise comes out ahead. You’d only pay $7.54 in fees, and your recipient gets €904.68 (based on the exchange rate on October 3, 2019). With PayPal, there’s no transaction fee to send the money straight from your bank account, but the less favorable exchange rate would mean your friend or family member only receives €903.60.

However, TransferWise doesn’t always beat PayPal. If you are sending $2,000 to India (directly from and to bank accounts), PayPal actually wins. Through PayPal, your recipient would get INR 141,336.00. With TransferWise, they’d only receive INR 140,851.07.

As a result, you don’t want to assume that TransferWise is universally cheaper, because it might not be.

How Fast Transactions Complete Through TransferWise and PayPal

By and large, TransferWise and PayPal have comparable timelines for bank-to-bank international transfers. Usually, they will complete within a few business days, though this can vary depending on the destination country.

However, if you send money internationally to another PayPal account (and not directly to a bank), that approach is slower than TransferWise in many cases. When you route between PayPal accounts, your recipient might not get the money in their PayPal account for a couple of business days. Then, they have to transfer the funds out of their PayPal account to their bank (if they want to use it outside of PayPal), and that can take another several business days to complete.

Can You Cancel TransferWise or PayPal Transactions?

There are options for canceling both TransferWise and PayPal transactions. On TransferWise, you can stop any pending transfer through the Activity section of the app or website. Once the transfer is in the processing phase, it may be cancelable, but you might have to contact TransferWise to stop it, or it might not be stoppable. After the money has been sent, there’s nothing you can do unless the receiving bank rejects it.

With PayPal, if the payment is either pending or shows as “unclaimed,” you can cancel it online or through the app. However, if the recipient already has the money, you would have to either request a refund or open a dispute.

Dealing with Transaction Issues

When you send money internationally, there are several financial entities involved in the transaction. As a result, issues may arise that delay your transfer, cause it to fail, or even lead to your money becoming seemingly lost.

PayPal and TransferWise are generally reliable, but that doesn’t mean issues can’t occur. Both companies have had their fair share of problems, so it isn’t appropriate to say that one is better than the other in this regard.

If you have an issue with TransferWise, you can make a formal complaint over email. For PayPal, you can use the company’s contact page, which will allow you to use a form to send an email, or you can reach out by phone.

Choosing Between TransferWise and PayPal

TransferWise can be a suitable alternative to PayPal. However, it isn’t always the best deal. Before you set up an international transfer, it’s a good idea to compare how much your recipient will receive through each service. That way, you can make sure that the largest amount ends up in the hands of your friend or family member, which is really the most important part.

Do you think TransferWise is a suitable alternative to PayPal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is Target Open on Columbus Day 2019

October 10, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, is Columbus Day. Many people get to enjoy a day off from work, and a decent portion of them may choose to spend the day shopping. However, as with most federal holidays, it isn’t always easy to figure out which retailers might be open or closed. If you wanted to head to Target this Monday, you’re probably wondering, is Target open on Columbus Day? If so, here’s a look at Target’s schedule for the holiday.

Is Target Open on Columbus Day?

Yes, Target is open on Columbus Day. Most locations will use their traditional Monday operating hours, so you shouldn’t have to make an adjustment to your schedule if you want to head to Target. Here’s a look at a typical Target operating schedule:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm (or 11:00 pm)
Sunday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

It is important to note that certain stores may have schedules that deviate from the norm. For instance, high-traffic Target stores in large cities might have extended hours while small town, low-traffic Target locations might open later or close earlier. If you are hoping to shop late at night or early in the morning, you might want to contact your local Target in advance to see when it is open before you make the trip.

Additionally, if you do head to Target on Columbus Day, you might be able to score some discounts. Many items might be available for less, thanks to Target’s weekly sales. You might also find certain products on clearance, particularly summer seasonal goods and select back-to-school items.

Are Other Stores Open on Columbus Day?

Yes, the vast majority of retail stores are open on Columbus Day – including popular chains such as Walmart and Costco, as well as a number of small businesses. However, while chain stores usually follow the same holiday schedule (one that is typically set by a corporate office), every small business retailer can control their own hours and may choose to close for Columbus Day.

Additionally, grocery stores, restaurants, drug stores, and gas stations are mainly open during the holiday. While some may use a holiday operating schedule, most will follow their usual Monday hours of operation. However, independent grocers, gas stations, pharmacies, or any other non-chain location might choose to close, so you might want to call in advance to see if any small business location is open.

You also need to be aware that many government offices and agencies do close on Columbus Day, including the post office. Further, some government-operated establishments such as public libraries, do not open. Others, such as national parks, do. If you plan to head to a location run by the federal, state, or local government, it’s wise to call if it will be open before you start moving that way. Otherwise, you may arrive only to find that it is closed.

Target Holiday Schedule 2019

Retailers are not required to follow the federal holiday schedule. Instead, the store’s corporate office or owner gets to decide whether the business will open or close. As a result, every retailer’s schedule might vary somewhat from the others, and that can be a bit confusing for shoppers.

All Target stores use the same holiday schedule. Here is an overview of the 2019 Target holiday schedule:

Tuesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, January 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, February 18 (Presidents’ Day): Target stores are open
Sunday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day): Target stores are open
Friday, April 19 (Good Friday): Target stores are open
Sunday, April 21 (Easter Sunday): Target stores are closed
Monday, April 22 (Easter Monday): Target stores are open
Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day): Target stores are open
Sunday, June 16 (Father’s Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day): Target stores are open
Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): Target stores are open
Monday, October 7 (Columbus Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, October 31 (Halloween): Target stores are open
Monday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day): Target stores are open, but for limited hours
Friday, November 29 (Black Friday): Target stores are open for extended hours
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): Target stores are open, and they have extended operating hours
Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Target stores are closed
Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Target stores are open
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day): Target stores are open

With the schedule listed above, you can check to make sure that Target is open before you head to a store. That way, you won’t have to worry about wasting fuel on an unnecessary trip and that you can buy everything you need from your ideal retailer by planning in advance.

Do you plan on shopping on Columbus Day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.