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15 Items You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store

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dollar store
The dollar store offers the bargain shopper a veritable bonanza of purchase opportunities. The problem is most dollar store shoppers have the “squirrel!” approach to shopping in these stores. There’s almost too much to consider, so shoppers end up buying everything regardless of quality.

Dollar Store Items Aren’t Always the Best Deals

On the surface, Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and other types of dollar stores offer great deals because of the dollar pricing structure. But, there are a few things that shoppers should keep in mind as they make their purchasing decisions. In particular, note the varying degrees of product quality within each store.

In order to truly get the best deal for your money, you need a working knowledge of what you should and shouldn’t buy at a dollar store. Here are 15 items to never buy at the dollar store.

1. Birth Control

I think this one is pretty obvious. It might be better to be very smart and be wary of purchasing birth control from a dollar store, simply because products, in general, are often outdated. You might not be buying the most effective birth control if you are shopping from a dollar store.

2. Aluminum Foil

Cheap aluminum foil is almost always too thin and often rips easily. Buy a store brand box of aluminum foil when it’s on sale, and save yourself the frustration and money wasted on foil that doesn’t actually cover anything.

3. Batteries

I’ve purchased batteries from the dollar store and have found that the batteries have a much shorter battery life than a Duracell or rechargeable battery. Most of the batteries for sale at dollar stores aren’t brand name batteries that you can find in the convenience store or supermarket. You can usually find a package of 4 AA or AAA batteries for $1, but the batteries won’t last as long as the brand name batteries. Their life expectancy is around 1/16th of the life expectancy of a brand like Duracell. This is caused by the chemical makeup used in the dollar store variety batteries. You don’t want to keep replacing your batteries every few weeks, do you? If you are in need of a lot of low quality batteries, you may be able to get free batteries from your local drug store.

4. Pasta Sauce

Food at the dollar store is often old. And, dollar store brands of pasta sauce always have too much sugar. I do think there are food items of decent quality. However, when it comes to items like pasta sauce, the couple of pennies you might save are not worth consuming something full of sugar and preservatives.

5. Boxed Mixes

It might seem like a great deal to buy a box of brownie or cake mix for $1, but you’re actually losing money. Most of those boxes are only 9 oz, which is half the size of the normal cake mixes in the supermarket. For a normal cake pan, you’d need to buy at least two $1 boxes. Cake mix in the supermarket is around $2.99. But cake mixes are constantly on sale for $1. Even with a $1 off coupon, you’d only be paying $2. It’s worth it to buy boxed mixes at the supermarket and get the full sized box instead of the smaller 8 or 9 oz version.

6. Laundry Detergent and Some Cleaning Products

Cleaning supplies are expensive, so you might think that buying them from a dollar store is saving you some money. However, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies from the dollar store aren’t made from quality chemicals. The supplies tend to be watered down and the chemicals used are often an off-brand, and they occasionally leave an unpleasant odor or stain after you use them. If you want to save money on these products, consider making your own laundry detergent and making chemical free cleaning supplies.

7. Vitamins and Allergy Medication

If you’re worried about the cost of vitamins and allergy medications at the pharmacy, don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap knock-off alternative. The generic brands at the pharmacy are usually suitable if you’re looking to save money. The versions at the dollar store aren’t generic brands, but rather imitations that are close to the original vitamin or medication. “Close” means that the medication or vitamin could have some unusual substance added, which could negatively affect you. When it comes to your health, better to be safe than sorry!

8. Toilet Paper

Some things are worth investing in for better quality. Also, usually the 2-ply option is in really small rolls that run out faster than getting a better quality option. There are usually higher quality options for around the same price, especially if you keep an eye on coupons at other stores.

9. Surge Protectors

Invest in high quality surge-protectors because a poorly made surge protector is a fire risk. In fact, when it comes to electrical products in general, the dollar store isn’t your best resource.

10. Electrical Cords

Extension cords are items in almost every home. Buying them from a dollar store isn’t a good idea, though. They’re made with cheap, flimsy plastic that is not only a fire hazard, but won’t protect your electronics. When it comes to your electronics, it’s better to buy these items from a department store or hardware store. At most, they’ll cost you $10, but they’ll last you for a long time and will protect your products.

11. Kitchen Utensils

We use kitchen utensils daily without giving a thought to how important the quality is to our safety. If you discover a large kitchen knife for a very low price, avoid the temptation to buy it. Always look for and buy knives with very secure handles. If the handle comes off, or the knife breaks, you may seriously injure your hand.

12. Shampoo

Dollar store shampoos might not be as effective as you would like (or need). Of course, if you find a reputable brand, stock up. But if it’s a brand that you’re unfamiliar with, you may want to consider avoiding it — just in case. You’ll be taking a chance on a product that could potentially be outdated and have harmful chemicals. Further, like housecleaning products, they can be watered down as well.

13. Kids Toys

It seems like every other week there is a toy recall. If you would like to purchase toys for a children’s party, look for puzzles or balls. Stay away from toys with multiple parts.

14. Sandwich Bags

If you constantly take sandwiches or snacks to work or school, you know how quickly you can go through a box of sandwich baggies. Dollar store sandwich bags usually come in boxes of 13 or 25. At a regular grocery or convenience store, sandwich bags usually come in a pack of 150 for around $3 or $4. If you have a coupon, you can buy them for as low as $1.50.

15. Tools

Most of us have a standard set of tools in our home. Since tools are an item we always need, invest in a set of good ones that will last a long time.

Dollar stores are wonderful places to look for deals. The next time you visit, keep in mind that not all deals are created equal. If you shop with awareness and use your good judgment to determine value, dollar stores are a great option for the frugal minded shopper.

What was your best and worst purchase from a dollar store? Share with us in the comments below!

Read More:

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Photo Credit: Steven Snodgrass

The Time You Eat Dinner May Cut Your Risk of Getting Cancer

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Your sleeping and eating habits have a direct impact on your overall health, whether you realize it or not. In fact, a recent study found the time you eat dinner each day may decrease your risk of developing cancer.

The study, which was published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that individuals who ate dinner before 9 p.m. had a lower risk of developing breast and prostate cancer.

It is estimated that more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer this year and nearly 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer. Although both carry a high death toll, it isn’t the reason researchers picked breast and prostate cancer specifically.

“We focused on breast and prostate cancer because these are the two cancers that have been mostly been associated with night shift work,” lead author of the study, Dr. Manolis Kogevinas, told Moneyish.

Previous studies have focused on the type and quantity of food intake and not necessarily what time people were eating. It has also been known that people who consume 25% of the daily intake of calories right before bedtime are more likely to have disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to weight gain.

Individuals who work graveyard shift are more likely to eat at strange times. So, researchers wanted to see if this was directly correlated with health problems associated with working overnight, such as breast and prostate cancer.

Researchers at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health took a look at 621 patients with prostate cancer and 1,205 breast cancer patients. A group of 872 males and 1,321 females without cancer were submitted to researchers as a control.

To determine the impact of dining times on risk of developing cancer, researchers examined what time people ate and what time they went to sleep. Each participant was asked about sleep patterns, activity levels, diet, and what time they ate their meals the year before diagnosis.

What was found were men who ate two or more hours before sleeping had a 26% decrease in prostate cancer when compared to individuals who ate right before bedtime. The same habits in women decreased the risk of breast cancer by 16%.

The exact time you eat dinner played a role in the findings as well. Participants who ate before 9 p.m. had a 25% decrease in prostate cancer and a 15% decrease in breast cancer when compared to individuals who ate after 10 p.m. This suggests the two-hour window before bed is better for your health, overall, but eating before 9 p.m. will serve you well too.

Study researchers also found that early birds (people who wake up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.) have a lower risk of developing cancer as well, versus night owls. All in all, the lead author of the study Kogevinas said it best, “Food is best metabolized during that day. If you eat late and go to sleep, this can have an effect on obesity and cancer.”

Typically, you should try to eat your heaviest meals for breakfast and lunch. End your day with a lighter meal. The best tip for individuals who don’t have a choice in the hours or time of day they get to eat is leaving enough time to digest your food before going to bed. As mentioned in the study, a two-hour buffer between finishing your meal and your head hitting the pillow is best.

Readers, what do you think about this study’s findings? Are you considering changing the time you eat dinner? 

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Free Slurpee Day is Here and 7-Eleven is Giving Away More Than Just Drinks

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Free Slurpee Day
Every year on July 11 people line up at 7-Eleven for Free Slurpee Day. Thanks to the store sharing a name with the date every year, it gives foodies something to look forward to.

“Free Slurpee day may be the most anticipated day of the year for millions of 7-Eleven customers and new customers alike,” said Raj Kapoor, 7-Eleven’s senior vice president for fresh food and beverages. This year, 7-Eleven has increased interest in the event by offering more than free drinks.

Free Slurpee Day Deals

7-Eleven gave birth to the Slurpee in 1966. A former employee froze a portion of some soda and it turned into a slush. In 2002, Free Slurpee Day came into existence.

As it did in previous years, 7-Eleven will be presenting a new, limited-edition flavor for Free Slurpee Day. You can get a small cup of Cap’n Crunch Berries Slurpee or any of the store’s regular drinks for free between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on July 11. You can get a Big Bite hot dog from July 11 until July 18 for $1.

And, like many other holidays, 7-Eleven’s birthday isn’t being celebrated for just one day. Be on the lookout for daily deals over the next week. The store is offering 7 Deals in 7 Days, according to Delish.

Promotions include various BOGO free deals such as a free Big Gulp fountain drink when you buy a share-size Snickers, free popcorn with the purchase of a Smartwater (20 oz.), and a free Coca-Cola when you buy a bag of CheezIts.

To gain access to all of these deals you’ll need to download the 7-Eleven app and become a rewards members. You can join here.

All of these awesome 7-Eleven freebies and deals fall during one of the most food-filled weeks of the year. Friday, July 13 is National French Fry Day and July 18 is National Hot Dog Day. Will you be taking advantage of any of these great 7-Eleven offers?

Photo: theimpulsivebuy

Join the Saving Advice forums and get regular updates to deals and freebies. 

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How to Eat Organic While Buying Cheap Healthy Food

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Organic food is popular in America. As of Spring 2017, approximately 55 million people were purchasing some form or organic food, representing a 37 percent increase over a five year period. As stores like Whole Foods came to previously untapped markets and more grocery chains released their own organic lines, finding organic food has also become easier. Most people try to buy organic as a means of avoiding harmful chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides. However, not everyone can buy as much organic meat and produce as they like, largely because of the higher cost. Some feel there is no such thing as cheap healthy food.

One survey showed that organic food was around 47 percent more expensive than conventional options. If you are dealing with a tight budget, that level of price difference might seem unmanageable.

Luckily, there are ways to save on organic foods, allowing you to create cheap, healthy meals at more affordable prices.

Focus on Whole Organic Foods

Convenience foods are almost always more expensive than their whole food counterparts, including if they are organic. If you want to keep your grocery bills under control, then removing processed and junk food from your diet is wise.

When you shop, focus on the basics first. This includes fresh or frozen produce, meats, dairy, and whole grains. The less processing that is involved, the better, both from a health and a financial perspective.

Consider Store and Name Brands

The standards for organic are the same regardless of whether the product is a store or name brand. That means, when buying organic is a priority, you should consider all of your options.

Examine each product and look for the price per unit. Then, see which brand and size gives you the best deal. You may need to do a little math to get the price per unit if it isn’t on the price sticker. But, if you use the calculator on your smartphone, comparison shopping is pretty straightforward.

Make sure to take any coupons or sales into consideration when doing the calculations. If you’re getting a discount on one item, a factor that in when determining the price per unit. Sometimes, a store brand will beat a name brand, even if it’s on sale or you have a coupon. However, it can easily work the other way around too.

Shop Store Sales

Organic foods go on sale just like any other item, so you can save a bundle if you shop sales. Review flyers from your local stores and see which organic items are available at a lower cost. Then, pass your weekly menu on those items.

Many chain grocery stores also have apps that help you track sales. You may need to sign up for a loyalty card to get the best deal, but it can be worth the effort.

If you find an especially great deal, like a loss leader, consider buying in bulk if the items are non-perishable. Grocery prices usually cycle about every six weeks, so purchase enough cheap healthy food to tide you over until the food goes on sale again.

Keeping a price book can help you identify loss leaders and lowest sale prices. Record the prices of items you buy and regularly use every week you shop, giving you a reference to check to see if a sale price is genuinely actually a good deal. This ensures that you don’t get duped by an advertisement that suggests the food is on sale when it actually isn’t a great price.

Get Coupon Savvy For Cheap Healthy Food

Large-scale organic food producers release coupons like most other companies, and grocery stores may create their own coupons to promote specific items, including their store brands.

In most cases, spending a few minutes a week online and with coupon circulars can be worth it. You also want to check the packaging of any organic foods you buy to see if there is a coupon on or in the box.

Join a CSA

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, arrangements can help you get fresh, local, organic food at discount prices. When you join, you purchase a “share” of the farm’s products, most commonly produce.

Usually, you’ll get weekly or biweekly deliveries that consist of whatever is in season from that farm. You can generally review what products they provide in advance as well as delivery schedule estimates.

It’s important to note that CSAs usually only run for part of the year, depending on where you live. Additionally, not every CSA is organic, so you’ll need to track down one that meets this standard. Prices and required commitments also vary dramatically, so read the fine print to make sure a particular CSA is a good deal.

Learn When Organic Matters

Certain foods require higher levels of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals when grown organically than others. For example, non-organic meat is more likely to contain antibiotics, growth hormones, and other chemicals than organic variants.

In comparison, some produce naturally repels insects and aren’t as susceptible to disease, so they need fewer chemicals. Cleaning or peeling specific vegetables and fruits can also significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides.

If you can only afford cheap healthy food, focus on organic food with the highest cost benefit. This can include meats, dairy, spinach, strawberries, grapes, and other items that tend to test high for pesticides. Then, buy conventional versions of “clean” produce, like avocados, cabbage, onions, and cantaloupes.

 

Do you have a tip for cheap healthy food so you can create, great organic meals? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Looking for more great money-saving articles? Here are a few to get you started:

 

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.

 

Restaurant Gift Card Deals for the Grads and Dads in Your Life

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This year’s biggest Mother’s Day gifting trend appears to be spilling over into the next holiday, Father’s Day along with graduation season: Restaurant gift card deals have exploded in number.

Apparently this takes a cue from moms’ stated preference for gift cards over other types of presents in Mother’s Day surveys by the National Retail Federation.

The organization’s survey about spending for graduation presents in 2018 indicate that gift cards are among the top three choices of recipients. And it’s in the top five for Father’s Day presents.

Here’s a look at the amazing restaurant gift card deals available for purchase.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is offering a 15 percent discount on gift cards over $75.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is offering a $10 bonus gift card with every purchase of a $50 gift card through July 1.

Bahama Breeze

Buy a $50 gift card by June 30 and get two $10 bonus gift cards (they can only be redeemed for dine-in customers). Bonus cards will be able to be redeemed between May 29 and July 31 or July 1 through August 31.

Black Angus

Anyone who purchase $50 in gift cards will receive a $10 bonus through June 18.

Bonefish Grill

Now through June 17, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card for free.

Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille is offering a $25 bonus card for every $100 gift card purchased through June 17.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one $30 gift card, and get a $5 bonus card free through June 17.

Burger 21

Through June 18, get a coupon for a free fry or shake with a purchase of a $20 gift card.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Up until June 17, you’ll be able to get a free $10 bonus gift card with the purchase of every $50 Carrabba’s gift card.

Chili’s

Chili’s is offering a similar deal for individuals who purchase their gift cards online. Get a free $10 gift card for every $50 in gift cards purchased through June 17.

Del Frisco’s Grille

Del Frisco’s will be offering a restaurant gift card deal through June 19: Buy $100 in gift cards and get $20 in bonus cards free.

Fogo de Chao

Head to Fogo de Chao before June 17, buy $125 in gift cards and you’ll receive $25 in bonus cards.

Houlihan’s

Buy $50 in gift cards and get a free appetizer coupon, now through June 17.

IHOP

IHOP is known for having its free days, and it is offering more freebies with the current gift card offer: Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 coupon through August 12.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Up until June 15, get a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in gift cards spent at Joe’s Crab Shack.

Logan’s Roadhouse

For every $50 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus card free through June 17.

Metro Diner

Through June 17, Metro Diner is offering a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub

Head to Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub between now and June 17 for a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card for free.

Noodles World Kitchen

Lovers of noodles can purchase a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card for free through June 30.

Outback Steakhouse

Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card free — now through June 17.

Panera Bread

Grab a $50 gift card for Panera before May 31 and get a $10 bonus card free.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is offering a similar deal: Buy a $50 gift card before Jun 17 and receive a $10 bonus card free of charge.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is offering two coupons for free appetizers or $10 off two adult entrees with the purchase of $75 in gift cards. This offer will only be available as long as supplies last.

Red Robin

Buy a $25 gift card before June 30 and get a $5 bonus card.

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is offering a $15 bonus gift card for every $50 in gift cards purchased now through June 17.

Steak ‘n Shake

Steak ‘n Shake is offering a free $5 gift certificate for every purchase of $20 in gift cards through August 21.

TGI Fridays

Buy $50 in TGI Fridays gifts cards, and get a bonus $10 card. This offer is only available for a limited time.

More Restaurant Gift Card Deals

Groupon

Groupon can be a great place to find restaurant gift deals and discounts on meals near you. This app is a great way to get money off smaller, locally-owned restaurants that might not necessarily offer gift card rebates or bonuses.

Living Social

Similar to Groupon, Living Social also offers restaurant gift card deals — and in some parts of the country, you might find there’s a wider variety of restaurants available. So, if you don’t see what you’re looking for on Groupon, this is a good place to check.

Readers, do you expect to include any restaurant outings or gift cards in your celebration of Father’s Day this year? Which of the above deals have you either partaken of or expect to avail yourself of? And are there any other such deals that we’ve missed including in this article. Let us know by posting in the comments section beneath this post.

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.

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Restaurant gift card deals are listed here.

The Top 5 Grilled Cheese Restaurants on the Planet

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grilled cheese restaurants
Have you noticed the growing number of grilled cheese restaurants? Different variations on the classic sandwich dominate the list of entrees on the menus of these eateries.

A related trend: Gourmet versions of grilled cheese sandwiches are appearing on the menus of broader focused restaurants.

All of them are taking the classic comfort food and making it even more indulgent. They also offer a range of twists and high-quality ingredients to set themselves apart. If you’re looking for some of the best grilled cheese on the planet, check out the offerings at these five restaurants.

1. The Melt Room, London

If you find yourself in London, check out the Melt Room, which offers 10 different variations on grilled cheese — all of them overflowing with the main ingredient and with lots of butter on the bread.

The sandwiches include: pulled pork shoulder with cheddar; nutella and mascarpone; pastrami, mushroom, horseradish, red leicestershire cheese and cheddar; and a roast beets, hummus, broad beans and feta on pita.

 

2. La Maison du Croque Monsieur, Paris

The croque monsieur is a fancy version of the grilled cheese. It features ham and gruyere, with a béchamel sauce topping. The crust provides a nice crunch, and the cheese is suitably gooey. Overall, it’s an excellent international option.

If you want to take it to another level, try a croque madame. It features all of the goodness of a croque monsieur but also includes a fried egg.

3. Grilled Cheese Grill, Portland, OR

The Grilled Cheese Grill offers a range of gourmet variations of the classic sandwich. One tastes like jalapeño poppers while another uses brie and features roasted peppers. You can also get grilled cheeseburgers if you prefer something a bit more filling.

4. The Grilled Cheese Truck, Los Angeles

If the idea of a Cheesy Mac and Rib Sandwich sounds good, check out The Grilled Cheese Truck. They also provide variations on the classic grilled cheese, as well as version with brie cheese, smoked meats, and more.

5. Serendipity 3, New York City

If you’re looking for one of the best grilled cheeses on the planet with a side of indulgence, check out Serendipity 3.

Usually, a grilled cheese is a cheap meal, but this one definitely isn’t. The sandwich is the most expensive version on the globe, coming in at $214. It features real gold, bread made with Dom Perignon, and high-quality cheeses.

Now, you can’t have this one on a whim: The restaurant requires 48-hours’ notice, so make sure to call ahead.

Grilled Cheese Restaurants

Ultimately, the best grilled cheese on the planet can be found almost anywhere. Restaurants love tweaking this classic sandwich, creating new variants all the time.

If you want to explore some options, try the restaurants above. Or check out local sandwich shops, food trucks, and restaurants and see if that location can give these a run for their money.

Otherwise, don’t be afraid to try and top these yourself. Just keep in mind, finding gold to add to your sandwich may be challenging, so you might want to leave that to the pros.

Readers, what are your favorite grilled cheese dishes served at restaurants?

Read More About Food

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