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Holidays

Is Target Closed on MLK Day 2021?

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day is fast approaching. In fact, it’s the next federal holiday on the calendar. Many things close down for federal holidays. Therefore, it’s hard to know what’s going to be open or closed. For example, is Target closed on MLK Day 2021?

What Is MLK Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day, is a federal holiday recognizing the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader.

AmeriCorps notes:

“as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.”

It’s a great day to volunteer your service to others, in whatever way feels right for you.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is held on the third Monday of January. This year, that is on Monday, January 18, 2021. This is the 26th year that our country as observed MLK Day.

Is Target Closed on MLK Day?

Target rarely closes its doors to customers for holidays. They usually only observe Easter and Christmas Day. However, sometimes things change. For example, they chose to close for Thanksgiving 2020 in recognition of the hard work their employees had done all year through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don’t worry, though; they’re not doing the same thing for MLK Day 2021. Target will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

So, if you’re going to do some volunteering for MLK Day and you need to pick up some last minute supplies, then you shouldn’t have any problem getting what you need at Target.

Target Store Hours

Target should be open regular hours on MLK Day 2021. Target stores don’t all have the same hours, so you’ll have to check with your specific location to find out what those hours are. However, a good guideline to know is that many Target stores are open from 7 am – 10 pm seven days per week.

Mall locations (as well as some other locations)may close earlier – anywhere between 6 pm and 8 pm. And occasionally a store opens a little bit later. You can find your store’s hours using the Target Store Locator.

Note, though, that some stores have changed their hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find Target’s Coronavirus Response information here.

Will Target Have an MLK Day Sale?

Some stores not only open for MLK Day but also have big sales in recognition of the holiday. It’s a win-win because you get something at a discount and the stores generate sales. Stores often see a dip in sales after the Christmas holiday, so they give good deals in January as an incentive to shoppers.

Will Target have an MLK Day sale in 2021? It’s hard to guess. Last year they offered 25% off of home items around this time of year. In 2016, they had discounts on flat screen televisions. Usually you can find some kind of sale happening at Target, but they haven’t announced what that might be this year. Keep an eye out!

Sign-up to Get Latest on Shops

Check out the target online shop and these other brands by signing-up to get updates on discounts and sales.

Platform:Fees and Minimum:Deals Best for:
CostcoGold Star Membership
$60.00
The biggest deals and discounts if you are a member
WalmartFree sign-upHouseware, etc
TargetFree sign-upClothing and low-cost home accessories
AmazonFree sign-upDifferent options to choose from

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What’s Open or Closed on MLK Day 2021?

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what's open or closed on MLK Day 2021

Monday, January 20, 2021, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. As with many federal holidays, it can be hard to anticipate what is and isn’t going to be open. Companies and various organizations or entities aren’t required to shut down to observe the occasion, but they do have the option to do so. If you’re wondering what is open or closed on MLK Day 2021, here’s what you need to know.

Federal Government

Federal government offices will close on MLK Day. The only exception tends to be agencies that focus on safety and security.

State and Local Government

State and local government offices are typically closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Most follow the federal holiday schedule. Again, the only exceptions tend to be personnel essential for safety and security.

Mail and Delivery Services

The United States post office is closed on January 20, 2021. However, FedEx and UPS are open.

Retailers

Major retailers – such as Walmart, Target, and Costco – are open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In some cases, there are even special sales to commemorate the event.

Small retailers may or may not be open. If you want to shop at a small business on January 20, you may want to call ahead and confirm they are open.

Grocery Stores

Major chain grocery stores are open on MLK Day. Independent grocers may or may not be open.

Drug Stores or Pharmacies

Chain pharmacies and drug stores will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Independent pharmacies may or may not open.

Restaurants

Restaurants are usually open on MLK Day. The only exception may be small, independent restaurants, which may choose to close instead.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

By and large, gas stations and convenience stores will be open on January 20.

U.S. Stock and Bond Markets

On MLK Day, the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and bond market are closed.

Banks and Credit Unions

In recognition of the holiday, banks and credit unions typically close.

K-12 Schools

Public and private K-12 schools close for MLK Day. This means classes will not be held, and teachers, administrators, and office personnel will not be available.

Trade Schools, Colleges, and Universities

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, trade schools, colleges, and universities will not hold classes. Additionally, the offices will not be open.

On-site cafeterias and other facilities may be open for students living on-campus. However, services may be limited.

Public Libraries

Public libraries will close on January 20. However, exterior drop boxes should remain available if you need to turn in a borrowed book.

National Parks

National parks usually welcome visitors on federal holidays, including MLK Day. In fact, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of six fee-free days in 2021, so you can actually visit a participating park without having to pay to get inside.

Garbage Services

Garbage pickup services may or may not run on January 20. If MLK Day is your usual pickup day, check with your service provider to confirm if they are operating or if your pickup day has is different to the holiday.

Local dumps also may or may not be open. Again, check with your nearest location to confirm if they are opening before making the trip.

Deals on MLK Day

Find deals during this day on these shops. Check them out or sign-up.

Platform:Fees and Minimum:Deals Best for:
CostcoGold Star Membership
$60.00
The biggest deals and discounts if you are a member
WalmartFree sign-upHouseware, etc
TargetFree sign-upClothing and low-cost home accessories
AmazonFree sign-upDifferent options to choose from

Do you know of other places that are open or closed on MLK Day 2021? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Federal Holiday Schedule 2021

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Federal Holiday Schedule 2021

Each year, the United States federal government formally recognizes ten holidays. When those holidays come around, most federal offices close, and federal employees typically get the day off. Often, other kinds of business and organizations also shut down on federal holidays. By understanding which days are federal holidays, you can anticipate potential days off from work, business closures, and more. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the 2021 federal holiday schedule.

Federal Holiday Schedule 2021

The United States has ten official federal holidays. On those days, government entities – including the United States Post Office – typically close for the day. The only exceptions are usually agencies and employees responsible for safety and security, as their presence is required – at least to a degree – all year-round.

It is important to note that there are a couple of unique events that push some additional holidays into the 2021 calendar. This includes Inauguration Day, which only happens every four years and only applies to federal employees in the “inauguration area,” as well as the New Year’s Day 2022 holiday being observed on December 31, 2021.

Here is a list of the federal holidays for 2021:

  • New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18
  • Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 15
  • Memorial Day – Monday, May 31
  • Independence Day (Observed) – Monday, July 5
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 6
  • Columbus Day – Monday, October 11
  • Veterans Day – Thursday, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 25
  • Christmas Day (Observed) – Friday, December 24
  • New Year’s Day (Observed) – Friday, December 31

Three holidays are being observed on days other than the one that is the actual holiday. The reason is, whenever a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the day it’s observed is moved to either the Friday before or the Monday after. This ensures that federal employees get a day off from work.

USPS Schedule Will Slightly Differ

Additionally, the USPS schedule will slightly differ from the one above. While most federal offices operate Monday through Friday. The post office is also open on Saturdays. As a result, if a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, USPS observes it on the actual day. To ensure they aren’t closed an extra day, USPS operates on the Friday instead.

For USPS, they will be open on Friday, December 24, but closed on December 25. For the New Year’s Day 2022 holiday, USPS will close on Saturday, December 31, but will be open on Friday, December 31.

What Closes on Federal Holidays?

The federal government isn’t necessarily the only thing that closes on federal holidays. Here is a list of businesses, agencies, and organizations that are often closed on most (if not all) federal holidays:

  • Mail and Package Delivery Services
  • K-12 Schools
  • Day Cares
  • Trade Schools, Colleges, and Universities
  • Banks and Credit Unions
  • Stock and Bond Markets
  • Medical and Dental Offices
  • Professional Services Offices (Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)

Here is a list of entities that may close on at least a couple of federal holidays:

  • Retailers
  • Pharmacies and Drug Stores
  • Grocery Stores
  • Restaurants

Be sure to check if these stores have holidays by signing up.

Platform:Fees and Minimum:Deals Best for:
CostcoGold Star Membership
$60.00
The biggest deals and discounts if you are a member
WalmartFree sign-upHouseware, etc
TargetFree sign-upClothing and low-cost home accessories
AmazonFree sign-upDifferent options to choose from

Non-Federal Holiday Schedule

Many people celebrate holidays that aren’t part of the federal holiday calendar. While business closures may not come with these events. They can occur on occasion. For example, Costco and Target close on Easter Sunday, even though it isn’t a federal holiday.

Here is a look at some of the most widely celebrated non-federal holidays and when they happen in 2021:

  • Valentine’s Day – Sunday, February 14
  • Patrick’s Day – Wednesday, March 17
  • Good Friday – Friday, April 2
  • Easter – Sunday, April 4
  • Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9
  • Father’s Day – Sunday, June 20
  • Halloween – Sunday, October 31

While none of the holidays above are technically federal holidays, that doesn’t mean federal employees won’t incidentally have the day off. Most offices don’t open on Sundays, regardless of whether it’s a holiday. As a result, federal workers can usually celebrate Sunday holidays with loved ones, even if they aren’t part of the federal holiday calendar.

Do you follow the federal holiday schedule? Are there any 2021 federal holidays that you’re really looking forward to celebrating above the others? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Are Banks Closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?

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Are Banks Closed on New Year's Eve 2020?

It’s so confusing trying to figure out what is open and what is closed on New Year’s Eve. After all, we traditionally celebrate the New Year on this day. We ring it in at midnight, perhaps, but the parties start much earlier. So, it feels like a holiday. However, New Year’s Day is the actual holiday. So are things like banks open or closed on New Year’s Eve?

When Is New Year’s Eve 2020?

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, December 31, 2020. When the clock strikes midnight, we can put 2020 behind us and start 2021! Since both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day fall on weekdays this year, it’s important to know the bank holiday schedule. Will banks be open both days, one day, or neither day?

Banks Are Typically Open on New Year’s Eve

Most banks are going to be open on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is not an official holiday despite the fact that most of us do our celebrating that night. Banks only close on official federal holidays. Therefore, they don’t close down on New Year’s Eve.

That said, some banks do have shorter hours on New Year’s Eve. Banks may close early as a way of recognizing the informal holiday. This isn’t particularly common, so you shouldn’t have to worry about it too much. Nevertheless, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re doing your end-of-the-year banking.

Banks With Normal Hours on New Year’s Eve

If you do have to get some last-minute banking done on Thursday, December 31, 2020, then you might want to double-check with your local branch. Ask not just if they are open but what hours they are keeping for the day.

With that in mind, GoBankingRates reports that the following five banks should have normal hours on New Year’s Eve 2020:

  1. Bank of America
  2. Bank of the West
  3. BBVA
  4. Capital One
  5. Sun Trust

Banks With Limited Hours on New Year’s Eve

According to GoBankingRates, here are the limited hours / schedule for 16 other banks on New Year’s Eve 2020:

  1. BB&T: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  2. BMO Harris Bank: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  3. Chase: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  4. Citizens Bank: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  5. Fifth Third Bank: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  6. Huntington: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  7. KeyBank: Branches open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  8. People’s United Bank: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  9. PNC Bank: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  10. Regions: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  11. Santander Bank: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  12. TD Bank: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  13. UBank: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  14. Union Bank: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  15. U.S. Bank: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  16. Wells Fargo: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As you can seem, some banks close an hour or two earlier than usual on New Year’s Eve. On the other hand, many banks close around midday.

Note also that each location may vary. A bank branch inside of a grocery store may have different hours than a stand-along bank even on the holiday.

Banks Are Closed on New Year’s Day

Banks do recognize New Year’s Day as a federal holiday. Also called bank holidays, most government and professional services are closed for the day. In addition to banks, you can expect post offices, courthouses, and libraries to stay closed on Friday, January 1, 2021 in recognition of the New Year holiday.

New Year’s Day is The First Federal Holiday of 2021

There are ten federal holidays each year. Those are the days when banks and other services close in recognition of the holiday. However, if the holiday falls on a weekend, the date is sometimes observed either the Friday before or the Monday after. For example, Independence Day is July 4th. However, in 2021, July 4th is on a Sunday. Therefore, observance will be on July 5, 2021.

Here are the dates of observation for the ten bank holidays for 2021, starting with New Year’s Day:

  • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2021
  • MLK Jr. Day: January 18, 2021
  • Washington’s Birthday: February 15, 2021
  • Memorial Day: May 31, 2021
  • Independence Day: July 5, 2021
  • Labor Day: September 6, 2021
  • Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day: October 11, 2021
  • Veterans Day: November 11, 2021
  • Thanksgiving: November 25, 2021
  • Christmas: December 24, 2021

Notice that Christmas falls on a Saturday in 2021. Therefore, banks will close in observance on Friday, which is Christmas Eve. Like with New Year’s Eve, banks don’t usually close on Christmas Eve, only on Christmas Day. It’s only because the date is on the weekend that things are likely to be different in 2021.

Will Banks Open on Saturday After New Year’s?

For many people, New Year’s offers a long weekend. You may get off of work early on New Year’s Eve then have the entire day off on New Year’s Day. If you don’t typically work weekends, then you won’t have to go back to work until Monday, January 4, 2021. Therefore, you’ll get a three-day or four-day weekend.

But what about banks? If they’re open on Thursday but closed on Friday, what happens on Saturday? Many banks are already closed on weekends. If your bank is one of those, then of course they will stay closed as normal. However, there are also plenty of banks that keep weekend hours. They may be open part or all of the day on Saturdays, for example. So what about on New Year’s weekend 2021?

If your bank is usually open one Saturdays then there’s a good chance they’ll re-open Saturday morning. Therefore, if you don’t get your banking done before they close on the evening of New Year’s Eve, then you might be able to do so on Saturday, January 2, 2021. For example, First Bank closes early on Thursday, stays closed Friday, and re-opens with normal Saturday hours.

Are Credit Unions Open on New Year’s?

Credit unions are similar to banks. They often keep the same holiday hours. However, each credit union makes that decision for themselves. Therefore, hours can vary widely. Generally speaking, credit unions will stay open on New Year’s Eve, although many of them will have limited hours. They will close on New Year’s Day.

Online Banking and ATMs on Holidays

If you need to take care of mobile banking or get some money out of the ATM machine, then of course you can do that even when the bank locations are closed. Therefore, you can use online services and ATM machines on New Year’s Eve as well as New Year’s Day. That said, certain transactions might not go through until the Saturday or even Monday following the holiday. If you need to make sure that deposits or withdrawals take place before the end of the year, get that done Thursday morning.

Best Banks for Savings

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CIT BankFreeWide range of Financial Services
Lending TreeFreeBest for keeping an eye on credit score
BBVA FreeSafe digital banking

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Is Costco Closed on New Year’s Eve 2020?

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Is Costco Closed on New Year's Eve 2020?

Thursday, December 31, 2020, is New Year’s Eve. While it isn’t a federal holiday, some stores do alter their operating schedule, giving their employees a chance to welcome the new year with friends or family. As a result, many shoppers wonder if their preferred store will be open, either at all or with modified holiday-type hours. If you’re thinking about heading to Costco on New Year’s Eve and are wondering if the stores will be closed, here’s what you need to know.

Is Costco Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, Costco is not closed on New Year’s Eve. However, some stores will shut down early, allowing the employees to head home and celebrate the arrival of 2021 with their family or friends.

Whether your Costco will close early may depend on its current traditional operating schedule. Due to COVID-19, some retailers have limited their opening hours. Additionally, certain Costco warehouse stores always closed earlier than other locations in the chain. As a result, they may maintain a normal opening schedule on New Year’s Eve.

However, some stores that are often open later might shut down early. For example, if your local Costco is open until 8:30 pm, the location might close at 6:00 pm instead for New Year’s Eve.

If you plan on shopping on New Year’s Eve, you may want to check the operating schedule at your local Costco store before you make the trip. That way, you can make sure that your location is welcoming shoppers before you head out of the door. Either call your store directly or go to the Find a Warehouse page on the Costco website to look at the operating hours.

Is the Costco Gas Station Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, the Costco gas station isn’t closed on New Year’s Eve. Employees will be available on-site during the locations operating hours, so you will be able to get assistance from a customer service rep, pay in cash, and handle other activities that require on-site personnel.

However, like the warehouse store, Costco gas stations may close early on New Year’s Eve. When an employee isn’t on-site, you can still get fuel, though only if you use the pay at the pump option, which is available 24/7.

Is the Costco Business Center Closed on New Year’s Eve?

No, the Costco Business Center is not closed on New Year’s Eve. However, like the warehouse stores and gas stations, they may close early that day. If you need to use the Costco Business Center on New Year’s Eve, check with your nearest location to confirm when it will be open.

Costco 2021 Holiday Schedule

All Costco stores use the same holiday closure schedule. It’s set by corporate every year and tends to stay the same from one year to the next.

In 2021, Costco will close on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1, 2021
  • Easter – Sunday, April 4, 2021
  • Memorial Day – Monday, May 31, 2021
  • Independence Day – Sunday, July 4, 2021
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 6, 2021
  • Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 25, 2021
  • Christmas – Saturday, December 25, 2021

Costco stores also tend to close early on two days each year: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Otherwise, barring an unexpected event that makes closing the location a necessity, Costco stores will follow their normal operating schedule, including on federal holidays not listed above.

Do you appreciate that Costco is open on New Year’s Eve? If you needed to make a last-minute purchase, is Costco where you’d head? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Is the Post Office Open New Year’s Day 2021?

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Is the post office open New Years day
New Year’s Day is the first holiday of the year. Many organizations close their doors to observe the occasion. However, others choose to open, including many popular retailers. If you were hoping to mail some items or receive packages on January 1, you might be wondering whether the post office will open on New Year’s Day. If you fall into that category, here’s what you need to know.

Is the Post Office Open on New Year’s Day?

No, the post office is not open on New Year’s Day. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal agency, so it follows the federal holiday schedule. As a result, no post office workers will be available, and mail deliveries will not run.

However, certain services may be available. If you have a post office box in an unsecured part of the building, you can access it even on holidays. Similarly, if there are self-service kiosks, those may still be accessible and operational on New Year’s Day.

It’s only services that require USPS personnel that won’t be available. For example, you won’t be able to bring in a missed delivery slip and retrieve a package. Along the same line, if you get postage through the kiosk and what you want to mail won’t fit into an available outgoing mail slot, you won’t be able to get it officially in the hands of USPS until the next business day, which is Saturday, January 2, 2021.

Does the Post Office Open on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, the post office is open on New Year’s Eve. December 31 is not a federal holiday, and, in 2021, it falls on a weekday, so USPS doesn’t close.

Post Office Holiday Schedule 2021

The post office follows the federal holiday schedule. Here’s a look at the holiday closure calendar for 2020:

  • New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18: The post office is closed
  • Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 15: The post office is closed
  • Memorial Day – Monday, May 31: The post office is closed
  • Independence Day (Observed) – Monday, July 5: The post office is closed
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 6: The post office is closed
  • Columbus Day – Monday, October 11: The post office is closed
  • Veterans Day – Thursday, November 11: The post office is closed
  • Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 25: The post office is closed
  • Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25: The post office is closed

Since July 4 falls on a Sunday in 2021, the federal government is observing the Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 5. This means there will be no USPS services for customers or deliveries that day.

Post Office Normal Hours

Aside from holidays, post office locations follow a regular operating schedule. While the exact opening and closing times may vary from one USPS post office to the next, the majority use similar hours.

Monday through Friday, a post office usually opens at 8:00 or 8:30 am and closes at 5:00 or 6:00 pm. However, some may open as early as 7:30 am or close as late as 9:00 pm.

Certain post offices are also open on Saturdays, but not all locations open their doors. For those that open, the hours are typically shorter than their Monday through Friday schedules.

If you want to see exactly when your local post office is open, checking the USPS website is usually the best move. That way, you can see your location’s schedule and plan your trip accordingly.

Is UPS Open on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day?

UPS is not open on New Year’s Day. All services except UPS Express Critical are not available on January 1.

However, UPS maintains its usual operating hours on New Year’s Eve. That means, on December 31, 2020, all typical services are available to customers.

Is FedEx Open on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day?

FedEx is not open on New Year’s Day. The only service that remains operational on holidays is FedEx Custom Critical. Otherwise, all other services are not available on January 1.

On New Year’s Eve, many FedEx services run on modified schedules. Some locations may have early drop box pickups, and FedEx Office locations will close no later than 6:00 pm local time. For FedEx Freight, only prearranged pickups and deliveries are made. However, other services – including FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx SmartPost, and FedEx Ground, will follow their usual operating hours on New Year’s Eve.

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