Frugal

Does Costco Offer a Free One-Day Guest Pass?

August 17, 2018 By Jeffrey Strain 21 Comments

A lot of people wonder if there is a Costco free one-day guest pass to check out the store before purchasing a membership. The answer? No, Costco doesn’t offer guest passes to their warehouse stores, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go.

Alternatives to a Costco Free One Day Guest Pass

Although Costco doesn’t offer a one-day guest pass, there’s a workaround that basically gives you the same opportunity to shop at Costco for one day. What you need to do is get a hold of a Costco gift card. If you have a Costco gift card, you can shop at their warehouses even if you don’t have a membership (these also work for purchasing gas at Costco gas stations, which is often the least expensive with the same gas quality as top tier gas stations. In this way, it works exactly like a guest pass.

How Do You Get a Costco Gift Card?

The only people who can buy Costco gift cards are members. You can’t walk into a warehouse and buy one if you aren’t a member. Since you can’t buy one on your own, there are two main ways people without a membership get them:

1. Ask a friend who has a membership. Probably the easiest way to get one is to give a friend who has a membership at Costco the money and ask them to pick up a gift card the next time they go. The least expensive card is $25, but you can buy as much as you want at the store as long as you have a card with some money on it (you simply pay anything above the value of the gift card in cash). You could also request one as a gift for a special occasion (birthday, Christmas, etc).

2. Buy it on eBay or Amazon. Another way to get a gift card is to purchase it on a secondary market such as eBay or Amazon if you don’t have any friends with a membership, or simply don’t want to ask them to buy you one. Again, it doesn’t matter what amount is actually on the gift card (it could only be a few cents, and you’d still be OK), you just need one with money on it to shop at Costco.

<br /> When entering Costco, you simply show the gift card and they will let you pass as if it were a membership card. At check out, tell the cashier you only have a gift card. The cashier will need to have a manager give a special code to accept it (there are always managers on the floor and it only takes a few seconds) and you will be good to go. If your items cost more than you have on the gift card, you will need to pay cash.

Another way to shop without getting a gift card is to shop with a friend who has a membership. You can get inside the store with them, but they will have to pay for all the purchases you make. You can pay them back for your purchases once you leave the store.

So while Costco doesn’t have an official one-day guest pass program, there are ways to shop at their warehouses without paying $60 for a membership.

For more info on Costco check out these articles.

Is the Costco Membership Fee Worth it?

Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth the Price?
Costco Gas Calculator: Will I Save Money Buying a Membership if All I Buy is Fuel?

Costco Return Policy

Costco Holiday Schedule

Costco Tires

You can check out our articles for Target as well.

Target Christmas Store Hours

Target Holiday Schedule and Store Hours

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Stores with the Best Deals for Back to School Clothing

August 13, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

back to school clothing deals

There are approximately 50.7 million public school students in the US. There are an additional 5.2 million private school students across the country too.

In July, back to school spending reached $82.8 billion, and many families have yet to finish all of their shopping. They are still on the hunt for great back to school clothing deals, looking to finish up before class is back in session.

Luckily, there are still deals to be hand. In fact, you can find clothing discounts as late as October. Since the back to school rush usually ends in late August or early September, many retailers off-load anything that remains in early fall.

Whether you need to finish up now or are willing to wait until October, it pays to shop in the right places. For back to school clothing deals, here are a few stores you shouldn’t ignore.

Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops

When it comes to finding back to school clothing deals, it’s hard to beat thrift stores and consignment shops. Younger children tend to outgrow their clothes quickly, so parents often donate pieces their child can no longer wear. This means you can find items in good repair at discount prices.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, consider heading to stores in affluent neighborhoods. People tend to donate to local shops, so you may find higher quality items by taking a trip to the right area. Just bear in mind that consignment shops tend to be more expensive than genuine thrift stores, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be had.

Additionally, don’t overlook online options that follow similar principles. You may find great back to school clothing deals on eBay, thredUp, Swap, and other sites. Just make sure to read the descriptions carefully and pour over the pictures. Since you can’t physically handle these items in advance, you need to make sure you are actually getting an item in good repair.

Walmart

A leader in the discount department store space, Walmart is an excellent option for back to school clothing deals. Not only are their base prices reasonable, but sales are also common.

Plus, you may find great items on clearance from the last season that can help you build a wardrobe for less. For example, t-shirts and tanks may be cheaper in the fall. But, if you layer them under a flannel, hoodie, or cardigan, they work for autumn, winter, and spring.

Walmart typically has a sale around the Labor Day holiday. Since this is usually near the beginning of the school year, discounts can be plentiful. If you want to have an efficient trip, check the sale flyer before you head to the store. That way you know exactly what items you want to target.

Old Navy

A great place for back to school basics, Old Navy typically has an excellent sale before kids head back to class. Plus, their base prices are generally very reasonable, so even items that aren’t on sale can be affordable.

Old Navy also has school uniform pieces available in-store and online. They cover the majority of the colors schools use, so you should be able to find back to school items with relative ease.

At times, these items go on sale as well, but their regular prices are also incredibly reasonable.

Amazon For Back To School Clothing Deals

When it comes to back to school clothing deals, Amazon should be on your list. While pricing on individual items can vary, the retailer has such as large selection, finding pieces at discount prices is always possible.

Plus, they do have a back to school sale every year that includes children’s clothes. If you are a Prime member, you may also have access to free shipping, making it a convenient option.

Additionally, Amazon’s returns policy is usually fairly generous for items shipped by the online retail giant. That means, if you accidentally get the wrong size, you can return or exchange it with relative ease. However, third-party sellers aren’t always as easy to work with, so exercise caution and read the seller reviews before you purchase items that aren’t sold directly by Amazon.

Ross Dress for Less, TJMaxx, and Marshalls

These discount retailers usually focus on overstocks and off-season items. However, you can find great back to school clothing deals if you are willing to hunt through the racks. Plus, like most retailers, Labor Day and back to school sales can happen at these stores too.

Before you go shopping, contact the store to see which day they typically stock new items. Then, try to make a trip on that particular day, so you get the best selection of sizes.

Additionally, don’t forget to check the clearance racks. While their usual prices are typically affordable, the clearance items can be downright steals. This can be ideal for base layers, like t-shirt and tank tops, that may be going out of season now that summer is drawing to a close.

Hold a Clothing Swap

While not technically a back to school shopping option, hosting a clothing swap gives you and other parents a chance to exchange items their kids no longer need.

Have everyone bring their items and divide everything by size on-site. Then, let everyone look through what’s available in their children’s sizes. You can even get the kids involved by allowing them to pick out some clothes. Since everything is free, there really isn’t any harm in doing so.

Once the swap is over, the remaining items are boxed and ready for donating. Ultimately, it’s a simple solution for cleaning out closets and finding new clothes all rolled into one.

Ultimately, all of the options above can help you save big thanks to their back to school clothing deals. You may need to dig through some racks and embrace the clearance aisles to find the biggest discounts, but it can be worth the effort if you genuinely need to reduce your clothing costs.

If you still need to finish up your shopping, give these stores a try, especially over the Labor Day holiday when discounts are plentiful. But, if you can’t shop right now, keep an eye on sale and clearance racks in late September and early October. You may find just the bargains you need to keep your budget under control.

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15 Items You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store

August 1, 2018 By Alexa Mason 3 Comments

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!

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Best Dollar Store Finds

Photo Credit: Steven Snodgrass

5 Unique Ways to Have a Low-Cost Wedding

July 27, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

low cost wedding

In the US, over 2 million people get married every year. The average cost for each event is $33,391, though some people spend much more than that.

Plus, the couple is often chipping in more for the wedding and reception, averaging 41 percent of the total cost. The bride’s family usually pays the most, coming in at 45 percent, and the groom’s family adds 13 percent.

If the idea of covering all or a portion of a $33,000 wedding leaves you shuddering, then looking for low-cost options is wise. It is possible to significantly lower your expenses without having to sacrifice style and personality, as long as you can keep a creative mindset while you plan.

1. Select a Unique Venue

When people think of weddings, certain locations come to mind. Churches, hotels, and similar venues can be incredibly popular, but may not be the most economical option. But, you may be able to find a magnificent alternative if you keep an open mind.

What you need to do is consider every beautiful location you’ve seen in your target city. Is the library amazing? What about a local theater or college campus? Do you have a favorite spot at a nearby park? Is there an aquarium with a great display or a zoo with amazing landscaping? Would you enjoy renting a yacht for a wedding on the water?

All of these non-traditional venues can be incredibly gorgeous while also remaining affordable. If people don’t usually use the space for weddings, you likely won’t face much competition for your preferred date. Plus, if the location doesn’t tend to field requests for holding any kind of event, the cost may be lower since it isn’t part of their usual business model.

2. Schedule Your Wedding Near a Religious Holiday

If you are planning to have a church wedding, you can save on décor by scheduling your event near a religious holiday. Most churches decorate for specific occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, and may already have flowers and other embellishments on-site.

This allows you to have a wedding filled with beautiful bouquets, candles, and similar items without actually having to buy them.

Just make sure that your guests are aware that the décor isn’t yours. In some cases, wedding guests will seek to take centerpieces and similar displays home, but this likely won’t be an option under these circumstances.

Alternatively, you can look for a church that is ornate or naturally beautiful, as the architecture may make décor unnecessary. This would give you more flexibility in regards to choosing a date.

3. Shop for Used Wedding Décor

Many brides and grooms invest a significant amount of money in wedding décor. But, after the big day, they don’t have a need for all of these items.

Consider checking websites like eBay or Craigslist for gently used décor pieces. You can also explore thrift stores, as some people may donate these items to make space in their home. Garage sales can also be a great resource, though you may have to hunt around to find something usable.

By taking this approach, you may find unexpected items that work with your theme. Additionally, you may discover décor for sale at discount prices for brands you may otherwise not be able to afford.

4. Take a Trip to the Dollar Store

You can find a lot of potential décor at dollar stores. Candles, glass bowls, balloons, and many other items can be found at these retailers, giving you the ability to add some elements to your design.

Don’t forget to check every aisle along the way, as you may find some non-traditional items that would work well. For example, metallic wire baskets can be a fun in a variety of designs, ranging from formal to country. Small metal buckets, wooden letters, and glass bottles can also be interesting editions.

As you walk along, keep your color scheme in mind. Then, examine every item that matches your colors to see if it could be used in an unexpected way to be a part of your décor.

It is important to note that not every item is cheaper at dollar stores. If you find something you like, consider doing a quick online search at retailers like Amazon and Walmart to make sure it is a good price. Then, if it is actually a deal, go ahead and make a purchase. If not, then pick the item up elsewhere.

5. Hire a Food Truck, Not a Caterer

If you want your wedding to have a cool element, consider hiring a food truck in lieu of a caterer. This can be a fun way to have freshly made food available that features a unique flavor.

Additionally, if you are having an outdoor wedding that isn’t near a kitchen, you don’t have to worry about setting one up or the food getting cold in transport. As long as the truck has a safe and legal place to park, that’s all you need.

However, if you are planning to have your reception in a public place, such as a beach, hiring a food truck can be complicated. Other visitors (who are not wedding guests) may try to buy food, and they’ll be disappointed if they’re told no. They may even claim to be part of your wedding to land a free meal, and that could lead to inventory shortages for your guests.

If you go the food truck route, make sure your venue is reasonably private.

All five of the tips above can help you have a low-cost wedding without having to sacrifice style or fun. You can try one or all of the suggestions, ensuring your event is one to remember while allowing you to keep some cash in your pocket.

Do you have a low-cost wedding idea? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great wedding articles? Give these a try:

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What Women Can Do To Improve Their Finances Now

July 25, 2018 By Amanda Stewart Leave a Comment

Although women have made strides in terms of equality in their professional lives, we still have a thing or two to learn when it comes to our finances. Even though women tend to live longer, on average, we don’t retire with as much cash stashed in the bank as men. So, what’s up with women and finances?

Women and Finances

According to a survey conducted by Ellevest, women don’t invest as much, as often, or as early as their male counterparts. The survey delved into why.

Ellevest’s survey took information from 1,034 women, all of whom had personal income levels of $50,000 or more. The women involved in the survey also played an active role in managing their personal or household finances.

However, less than half of the women surveyed felt satisfied with their current financial knowledge. Of those seeking the help of a financial advisor, only 17% were satisfied with the advice they were receiving. In fact, a majority of the women surveyed were unsatisfied with their financial lives entirely.

Only 36% reported being content with their net worth. Thirty-seven percent are satisfied with their current investment portfolio, and a mere 40% are happy with their retirement savings.

Despite not being content with their current financial situation, women seem to set very clear goals for themselves and their finances. Of those surveyed, 66% have a retirement savings goal; 59% have a goal to save money for travel; 40% have the goal of being debt-free.

Those are amazing goals to set for yourself but few women feel they have the tools necessary to get the job done. Only 47% of women surveyed said they know how to achieve their financial goals though.

For women over the age of 50, this can become increasingly concerning. Because women typically outlive their husbands, they will likely have to manage their finances at some point in their lives. So, how can women take control of their finances?

What Women Can Do to Improve Their Finances

Taking a more active role in finance can increase confidence and lead women to gain clarity and control in all aspects of their lives. Ellevest’s survey found that 67% of women felt more confident after putting money away into savings to reach financial goals.

Outside of saving money, there are a number of things women can do to take control of their finances. Here are a few ways to change your financial future as a woman.

Prioritize your spending. Women often feel guilty if they aren’t able to provide for people they care about. Struggling with this guilt can lead them to spend money on a new toy their child probably didn’t need instead of saving or investing in your child’s future. Consider the pros and cons of each purchase because making it and prioritize what you spend money on.
Educate yourself. There are a number of personal finance books and seminars that you can access for little-to-no money. You can also inquire about getting financial advice from work. If your employer has a 401K plan, for instance, you should be able to talk to someone in Human Resources about maxing out your contribution. Many banks also offer free information about financial planning, investing, and other personal finance-related topics. Take advantage of the free educational materials available to you.
Be flexible and don’t insist on perfection. If you are taking a DIY approach to your finances, remember you cannot expect perfection all the time. Learn to adjust to your new way of viewing your money.
Set goals and visualize your future self. For women, tracking seems to be a vital part of staying on budget and in control of their finances. Tracking your day-to-day expenses will help you stay on route to reaching your goals and, eventually, reach financial freedom (isn’t that everyone’s dream?).
Talk about it with your friends. It is time for women to be savvy about finance and have educated conversations about it daily. Otherwise, the relationship between women and finances won’t ever mend itself.

All it takes is one change to start bettering your financial future. What is stopping you from taking the steps above and inching closer to a better you?

Readers, what do you think about the relationship between women and finances?

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

July 11, 2018 By Amanda Stewart Leave a Comment

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

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