Money Saving Gadgets

Handheld Fans and Misters That Actually Work

June 5, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Handheld fans and misters that don't fall apart

You might discredit them as too flimsy but there’s a very specific use case for handheld fans and misters: When you’re stuck somewhere without any other way to cool off.

For instance: Outdoors without a breeze, shade or a body of water to jump into. Or, indoors without any circulation, like during a power failure that effectively shuts down your air conditioning and any fan that plugs into the wall.

In these types of situations, this type of battery-operated handheld might even bring you back from the brink of heat stroke or even dehydration.

That said, not all battery-operated fans and misters are dependable; some don’t last long before falling apart.

Finding ones that are hardy is essential, especially if you need to rely on it — like if you work outdoors or intend to go on camping trips. Fortunately, some models can stand up to a lot of use, and here are a few of them.

OPOLAR Portable USB Misting Fan

This brand appears to be a big hit among people shopping for handheld fans on Amazon — all of the company’s models have good reviews.

The latest iteration of OPOLAR’s portable misting fan includes rechargeable batteries that hold 2,200 of capacity and that you can you can power up with a USB charger.

This version costs about $20 and qualifies for free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime.

O2COOL Deluxe Necklace Fan

Although this particular brand offers an assortment of handheld fans, the one that gets the highest reviews on Amazon is intended to hang from your neck. It won’t weigh you don, though: it’s smaller than other handheld fans.

Yet, it appears to have a lot going on — such as operating in two speeds. A set of two AA batteries will keep this fan going for two hours. With all of this costing just $12.97 for Amazon Prime members, this device just might redefine cool.

GAVAER Portable Fan and Phone Holder

The most versatile device on our list is this actually doubles as a fan and a mobile phone stand. It also rotates 360 degrees and has three different speeds too.

It comes with a rechargeable battery that takes four to six hours to juice up; how long the full charge lasts depends on which of the three speeds you run the thing at. The slowest speed will enable you to use the device for 13 hours, while the fastest will conk out after three hours.

Plus if you don’t feel like carrying it around, the base can expand into a tripod, allowing you to stand it up on desks or other surfaces. With a price tag just below $13 and available Prime shipping on Amazon, this one’s not a bad deal at all.

Handheld Fans and Misters

One thing that handheld fans and misters have going from them across the board: They’re very affordable.

And while their strong reviews should mean these devices should last longer than many competitors, just remember that they’re not replacements for the kinds of fans you plug into the wall — let alone air conditioning.

Readers, what’s your favorite way to stay cool during summer?

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Plan Your Financial Future with WeVest

August 2, 2017 By Mary Newton Leave a Comment

Financial planning apps are everywhere, and each has something different to offer. WeVest is a fairly new financial planning app that offers a new perspective on saving money and growing your net worth. The app promises a straightforward and inexpensive solution to you financial planning needs. But how well does it keep those promises?

How WeVest Works

When you create a WeVest account, you have to answer a few questions. In order to get your full financial picture, WeVest asks you basic questions about your assets, debt, income, age, and more. These questions allow their algorithm to create separate accounts on your dashboard for each item, as well as categorize you with peer groups who use the app. Then, WeVest asks about your saving goals. Their primary options are saving for retirement, building a college fund, and paying off credit card debt.

WeVest% and Your Financial Plan

The primary goal of WeVest is “to optimize the growth of your net worth in a way that achieves your goals.” Using your answers, WeVest algorithms formulate a financial plan specific to you, using the money you are willing to invest in yourself. Your WeVest% is the percentage of your income that you want to put towards growing your net worth. Your WeVest% is divided according to your goals – savings, retirement, college debt, etc. – in the most efficient way possible.

While this seems a lot like putting your money in someone else’s hands, fear not: WeVest also allows you to compare several recommended plans and pick the one you prefer. You have total control over your financial plan, supported by WeVest’s professional advice. In addition, you have constant access to that financial plan whenever you need it.

Once all your information is in and you have decided which financial plan you prefer,. Your dashboard shows how much money is going to which “bucket” – savings, debt repayment, retirement, etc. – for that month. You are given a graph that will measure and predict the growth of your net worth and savings, as well as whichever other buckets you prioritize. Finally, you can also see your exact current net worth with assets and liabilities, your financial plan, and a savings comparison between you and other users in your peer group.

WeVest Pricing

WeVest is not a free service. Their plans consist of a $4/month plan or a $35/year plan. Both plans have identical benefits, with the exception of the $35/year plan offering a 27% discount from the monthly plan. When you sign up, you have to select a plan and input your card information. However, you have a 45-day free trial before WeVest takes money from your account. You may also cancel your account at any time. This way, if you think you may use the app regularly, you can still sign up for the yearly plan knowing you have time before fully committing. This app boasts the low cost of its services in comparison to face-to-face professional financial planners.

WeVest Drawbacks

WeVest offers some fantastic insights into your financial planning, but it does have its drawbacks. Its primary drawback is its accompanying app. Rather than having an app which allows you to log in and view your information on your phone, WeVest’s mobile app is a simple calculator. It is free, and allows you to calculate simple savings projections for a large purchase, your child’s college tuition, or retirement. While these are useful, they are also pointless if you have an account with WeVest. Furthermore, toggling the “See The Full App” option within the mobile app simply opens the WeVest page in your mobile browser.

WeVest also caters more toward adults starting in their mid to late twenties with a stable, full-time job. College saving plans are geared towards planning and saving for your child’s future tuition rather than your own. Each financial plan prioritizes retirement funds. If you are a college student with a part-time job looking to get ahead in the financial planning game, or you are retired but still looking for a place to manage your finances, WeVest is not that place.

WeVest also requires a separate account for each individual item. For example, you need a separate account for student loans, a separate account for your retirement fund, a separate account for your savings, etc. Having this many accounts seems impractical, and having to input this many different accounts gets confusing on the website.

Is WeVest Worth It?

WeVest is perfect for the right people. If you are looking to keep track of your retirement fund, flesh out your savings, or invest in a home, WeVest has exactly what you need. If not, you may be better off looking elsewhere. WeVest is an incredibly thorough financial planning app that is truly a bargain for all it offers. If you want to invest in your financial future through financial planning, look no further than WeVest.

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Photos: WeVest

20 of the Best Personal Finance Books to Add to Your Reading List

July 25, 2017 By Mary Newton 1 Comment

In a world of misguiding money advice, how do you find the right personal finance book for you? Covering everything from saving money to the consistent habits of the wealthy, these personal finance books offer a wealth of tried and true advice. Listed in no particular order, each book offers sound council rooted in experience; no frills, no tricks, just the honest truth about getting your finances in order. So, if you’re looking for a list of the best personal finance books to read in 2017, here you are.

1. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing by Benjamin Graham

“The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham’s philosophy of “value investing” — which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies — has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.” If investing is your game, start off with Graham’s essential work. Updated and revised to apply to modern markets, this text offers everything you need to know to make smart investment choices, and thus has earned a spot on our list.

2.The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

“Acclaimed as a modern-day classic, this celebrated bestseller offers an understanding of—and a solution to—your personal financial problems that will guide you through a lifetime. This is the book that holds the secrets to keeping your money—and making more.” Included for its classing standing, Clason’s parable-style novel is rich with all the right solutions to your financial problems.

3.Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life by Gail Vaz-Oxlade

“Make no mistake: Getting out of debt isn’t easy. But in Debt-Free Forever, Gail gives you a clear strategy and the steps needed to implement it. So if you’re finished with excuses, overdue notices, and maxed-out credit cards, pick up this book, follow Gail’s plan, and start becoming debt-free forever.” In this remarkable book, Vaz-Oxlade makes the path to becoming debt-free look like the yellow brick road: long and difficult, but also clear, straightforward, and definitely possible. We selected Vaz-Oxlade’s book for its unique yet universally applicable problem solving.

4. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Michael LeBoeuf, and Mel Lindauer, with a foreword by John C. Bogle

“Invest like a Boglehead, and let their grassroots investment wisdom guide you down the path of long-term wealth creation and happiness, without all the worries and fuss of stock pickers and day traders. If you face a financial crisis or problem, or simply want to know what is prudent to do with the money you save, the Bogleheads will have the answers you need to help you gain your financial footing and keep it.” In keeping with John C. Bogle’s investment advice, this witty and clever guide has all you need to know about investment. We chose this guide for its all-around, easy to follow, and thorough information on investing.

5. Pirates of Financial Freedom: A Novel by Joey Fehrman

“Through the financial advice they receive and the other characters they meet along the way, you will learn how to take control of your destiny and start achieving the thriving life of financial success you deserve!” Told through the eyes of fictional pirates, this entertaining read offers essential lessons on the most essential personal finance skills. This is the perfect book for learning those essential healthy financial habits through the experience of relatable characters.

6. The Wealthy Barber: Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent by David H. Chilton

“David Chilton simplifies the complex puzzles of personal finance and helps you achieve financial independence. With the help of his fictional barber, Roy, and a large dose of humor, Chilton shows you how to take control of your financial future–slowly, steadily, and with sure success.” See also: The Wealthy Barber Returns. Selected because it is one of the top-rated financial books ever, Chilton’s plan makes it possible to achieve financial independence, no matter your salary.

7. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt

“Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.” While this book does not offer twelve-step plans for financial independence or a six week get-rich-quick program, it is essential in transforming your worldview. Understanding the freakonomics mindset will allow you to make smart and beneficial financial decisions.

8. Your Money: The Missing Manual by J.D. Roth

“Guides readers with practical advice for getting — and keeping — their finances in order, covering all the money-management bases, from saving and spending to getting out of debt to investing, and planning for retirement.” Roth’s sensible advice on money management is important in any financial journey. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive and simple guide to an essential aspect of financial health: taking control of your money.

9. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker

“According to T. Harv Eker, it’s simple. If you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you’ll get rich too!” Finances start with the person, and Eker’s approach to thinking like a millionaire will get you in top shape to begin your financial journey. We selected Eker’s book for the way it will transform your mindset on wealth.

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10. Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey

“With practical and easy to follow methods and personal anecdotes, Financial Peace is the road map to personal control, financial security, a new, vital family dynamic, and lifetime peace.” A radio host and best-selling author, Dave Ramsey is a giant in the personal finance world. His advice for achieving financial peace comes from real experience grappling with gaining — and losing, and regaining — wealth and financial health. His financial plans are hailed for their honesty and effectiveness, which is why we had to include one of his works on our list. Ramsey’s acclaimed work focuses not only on financial peace, but also on peace in your life.

11. Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller by Napoleon Hill

“In the updated version, Arthur R. Pell, Ph.D., a nationally known author, lecturer, and consultant in human resources management and an expert in applying Hill’s thought, deftly interweaves anecdotes of how contemporary millionaires and billionaires, such as Bill Gates, Mary Kay Ash, Dave Thomas, and Sir John Templeton, achieved their wealth.” We included this classic in motivational literature as it offers an updated version of Napoleon Hill’s 1937 work with a modern perspective on success.

12. Effortless Savings: A Money Management Guide to Saving Without Sacrifice by Richard Syrop

“Effortless Savings is the ultimate guide to saving without sacrifice. Perfect for readers of any income level or household size, it contains hundreds of ways to save money that are easy and manageable.” We chose Syrop’s guide to saving money because it offers a wealth of ways to save money without having to make sacrifices.

13. On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar

“Succinct, straightforward, and visually appealing “On My Own Two Feet” will redefine “personal finance 101” for women in their 20s and 30s.” If you want a go-to guide for personal finance, look no further. Included because it meets the need of a modern target audience, Thakor and Kedar cover the basics of personal finance in fun and simple way.

14. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns by John C. Bogle

“Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing will show you how to incorporate this proven investment strategy into your portfolio. It will also change the very way you think about investing. Successful investing is not easy. (It requires discipline and patience.) But it is simple. For it’s all about common sense.” Bogle’s common sense approach to basic investing from the man himself is sure to offer the best advice out there for those looking to polish their investment game. We chose to include this book for its standing as an essential investment read, as well as for its short and sweet length.

15. Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Plan for Getting Your Financial Life Together… Finally by Nicole Lapin

“In RICH BITCH, money expert and financial journalist Nicole Lapin lays out a 12-Step Plan in which she shares her experiences—mistakes and all—of getting her own finances in order. She talks to you not like a lecturer but as your friend. And even though money is typically an “off-limits” conversation, nothing is off-limits here.” Included for its spunky yet expert perspective, Lapin’s 12-step plan is offered in a fun and funky style, perfect for those seeking a bit of pizzazz in their financial advice.

16. Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner

“From tackling taxes to boosting credit scores, Get a Financial Lifecan show those just starting out how to decrease their debt, avoid common money mistakes, and navigate the world of personal finance in today’s ever-changing landscape.” Since Finance 101 is not a class offered in high school, Kobliner’s guide to finances for young people offers the best and most thorough advice for young adults starting out in the scary world of finance. We chose this book because it offers the most comprehensive basic guide to beginning your financial journey.

17. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

“Personal finance author and lecturer Robert T. Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective from two very different influences – his two fathers.” Kiyosaki’s honest observations of his and his friend’s fathers was chosen for its unique perspective on wealth and what it takes to make it financially.

18. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

“A completely practical approach delivered with a nonjudgmental style that makes readers want to do what Sethi says, it is based around the four pillars of personal finance— banking, saving, budgeting, and investing—and the wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship.” Perfect for young adults seeking structure, Sethi’s 6-week financial plan will have you starting on the right foot.

19. Money: Master The Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Anthony Robbins

“Based on extensive research and one-on-one interviews with more than 50 of the most legendary financial experts in the world – from Carl Icahn and Warren Buffett, to Ray Dalio and Steve Forbes – Tony Robbins has created a simple 7-step blueprint that anyone can use for financial freedom.” Robbins’ guide follows advice of financial greats and was included for its merit as a well-rounded first read for anyone looking to learn the ins and outs of the financial game.

20. The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich by David Bach

“David Bach gives you a totally realistic system, based on timeless principles, with everything you need to know, including phone numbers and websites, so you can put the secret to becoming an Automatic Millionaire in place from the comfort of your own home.” Centered around an anecdote about an average American couple, Bach’s insights into financial health will change your world. We selected this book for its comprehensive information on how to make modern technology work for you.

Personal finance books offer a wide range of advice. While these twenty personal finance books cover a range of topics and financial situations, one thing remains true: their advice is the best of the best. These authors have proved their worth in the financial game, and now they are passing that wisdom on to readers like you. With all these topics out there, you are sure to find the right one for you! Have you read any great personal finance literature? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: Christopher

Saving Money on Your First Home Purchase

June 9, 2016 By Elliot Caleira 1 Comment

Buying a home. It’s a quintessential part of the American Dream and, to this day, still one of the main goals to which millions of Americans aspire. But it is no small decision, and it’s something that takes a great deal of research and preparation to build towards. Buying a house is a difficult process whether it is your first or third time, so you can imagine how daunting it is to try to figure it out yourself without any prior experience.

One of the main things that you are likely concerned about when entering the housing market for the first time is the price. Naturally, you want to keep the costs as low as possible, without sacrificing on the things that are really important to you. Here are some ways to keep the costs down and save money on your first home purchase.

Shop Around for a Good Loan

It is not exactly a thrilling process to visit different banks and lenders to find a good mortgage on a house, but it is one of the most important parts of buying a new house. Don’t be tempted to simply take the first offer that you receive on a loan. Instead make sure that you shop around and be discerning in your final decision. You also need to make sure that you have a realistic budget set aside, for how much you can spare each month without harming your finances seriously.

Know Your Limits

Lenders will decide your loan amount based on your credit and tax information, but occasionally they will approve loans that are slightly above what you can really afford. It is important that you know what you can and cannot afford before you even go to the mortgage lender. You don’t want to end up with a house purchase that is going to put you in severe debt for the rest of your life. For this reason, you need to stick firm to your upper limit. It is also important to remember that, even if you see a good deal on a bigger house, there are things like higher utility costs to take into consideration.

Use a Realtor

You may have heard talk of the web making things so much easier when it comes to buying houses in this modern age. And while, yes, it is definitely a lot easier to buy and sell a house yourself today, it would be a mistake to forgo a realtor altogether. Especially for a first time home purchase, a realtor can lend expertise and knowhow that in invaluable to a novice, not to mention they will do most of the hard work for you. How does paying for a realtor save you money? They are likely to get you a much better deal on a property than you could ever get on your own.

Don’t Limit Your Search

Some people have preconceived ideas about what they want their first house to be like, but sometimes you have to realize that when you are entering the market for the first time you may have to make certain compromises. Of course, there are some things that are essential to each home buyer, so the best technique is to work with your realtor to put together a list of things that you would like (but are not necessarily deal breakers) and a list of your non-negotiables.

Decide What It’s Worth Spending On

This is another thing that your realtor can help you out with. Think about the things that you want out of a house, and which things you are will to pay for. For example, a home inspection and a home warranty are things that you will want to budget for, while extensive renovations might be something that you want to avoid. Again, it comes down to personal preferences, but all of the aforementioned are the kinds of decisions you will want to think about before you choose a house.

Photo: Flickr: reynermedia

10 Ways to Save Money with Social Media

January 20, 2016 By Alexa Mason 1 Comment

Everyone is constantly looking for ways to save money. There are plenty of ways to do it, and some are right underneath your nose every day. In fact, there are plenty of ways to save money by using social media.

Offers and Giveaways

Sometimes it seems as if social media is everywhere. With so many different platforms out there it’s hard to avoid knowing about social media. But you can use social media for more than just networking or leisure time. It can be a great place to save some money since many businesses have social media accounts and are eager to connect to their customers. For instance, many companies will host special offers or giveaway for their followers. Have you ever seen those contests where someone will win a certain amount of money or a specific prize if they receive one million likes on Facebook? Maybe you’ve seen a company on Twitter offer their followers a free item if they retweet something.

Coupons and Discounts from Retailers

A lot of companies also tend to reward their followers and loyal customers by posting coupons or discounts on their social media sites. One company might post an online 30% discount code on their Twitter account. Another company might offer a “buy one, get one free” coupon for people who become a fan of their facebook page. Amazon, for example, offers followers of their @amazondeals twitter account the first glance at daily lightning deals.

Deal Bloggers

Following deal bloggers can also be a great way to save some money through social media. There are plenty of different bloggers who use sites such as WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger, Facebook, or Twitter to promote different deals, sales, and coupons that are available. Some of these deal bloggers may promote anything they come across while some focus on specific industries or products.

Contacting Retailers

Have you ever tried to call your cable company or electric company only to end up on the phone for hours? Maybe you never even have a chance to talk to someone and are left waiting in phone limbo, hoping that someone might pick up the phone and address your issues. Most major companies (and a good number of smaller, independently owned companies) have social media accounts. Sometimes it’s actually quicker to have your problems addressed by taking up issue with them on their facebook page or twitter account. Since these messages are public, they’re more likely to respond to them immediately. So if you have complaints about the $20 that was randomly tacked onto your bill or want to try and lower your outrageous cable and internet bill, consider reaching out to your provider’s social media account.

Reviews

Certain sites, such as Yelp, allow you to write reviews about businesses you’ve visited. Some people also have blogs devoted entirely to reviewing products they use or businesses they’ve visited. Sometimes reviewing can lead to free items or compensation for bad service. A company might want to be featured on your review blog so much that they offer you free products, services, or gift certificates. On the other hand, a negative review about a local restaurant could cause the restaurant manager or owner to reach out to you to try and comp your meal.

Check-In or Local Deals

If you have a smartphone, apps such as Yelp, Living Social, GroupOn, or Foursquare can help you not only save money, but potentially score some free items. Apps such as GroupOn and Living Social have location based deals that populate based on your GPS location. So, for example, if you’re hungry, you can try pulling up the GroupOn Daily Deals app and seeing what restaurants are located around you and offering a deal. Apps such as Yelp or Foursquare often offer free items, discounts, or coupons if you check into specific locations.

Networking

Networking through social media can also help you save money. Let’s say you’re looking for a new TV but you don’t really have a lot of money to buy a new one. You might log onto Facebook and find that someone is trying to get rid of their television before they move. Or one of your friend son Twitter or Instagram might have a TV they’re looking to sell for a fraction of the original price. In fact, if you have enough Instagram likes, you may even be able to make a bit of extra income.

Comparing Prices, Sales, and Brands

The great thing about social media is that you usually have all the information you could ever need right at your fingertips. There are numerous apps dedicated to comparing store prices, for instance. There are blogs dedicated to alerting you about sales going on at major retailers or offering price or sale comparison between certain brands or products.

Track Spending

Some sites, such as Tweet What You Spend, allow you to keep track of your finances to make sure that you’re staying within your budget. If you choose to use an option like this, you might want to create a separate twitter account so your friends and family aren’t privy to your finances. The site allows you to keep use your tweets to create a spreadsheet to monitor your budget or self-imposed spending limits.

Alternative Options

You can also use social media to find other ways to save money. For instance, Twitter accounts that are focused on personal finances might offer links to money saving gadgets or advice. Pinterest has plenty of lists about cheaper product alternatives or unique ways to save money. The internet is so vast that you can find a bunch of different money saving alternatives through social media.

Social media has so many saving money alternatives that you can’t even imagine. Some of them are more obvious than others, but you have to look for the one best suited for your activities and individual goals. Do not forget to look for alternative options and technologies at your disposal. An interesting way to maximize your savings from above-mentioned techniques is the application of specialized social media management platforms, like PromoRepublic promorepublic.com/en/agencies-freelancers. Such a platform can help you to get more followers and social visitors converted into customers and loyal fans. It will choose the right posting schedule to make your posts more visible in social media network. You can also create stunning social media posts and attract more followers to them. In addition, you use all your social media accounts in one place and manage them effectively. In such a way you can contact more people with valuable content and gain higher benefits from networking. This will help you to effectively realize all the 10 saving money possibilities discussed above and enjoy your social media experience.

Photo: Flickr: Jason Howie

Dollar Store Deals

September 21, 2015 By Alexa Mason Leave a Comment

Almost every town has a local dollar store. There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable shopping at dollar stores. They are perceived as, for lack of a better word, cheap. However, for many frugal people, dollar stores are a welcome addition to their shopping rotation.

In fact, a well-run dollar store can be a place to find bonanza of high quality items that you normally shop for on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. There is a clear process to finding great items at the dollar store without compromising on quality. Here is a list of 10 items which are actually good deals you should buy at the dollar store from now on.

#1 Soap

If you’re shopping at a well-run store you will likely find soaps that you are familiar with. Brands such as Zest, Dial, Caress, and Yardley are usually found on the shelves. Buy the soap in bulk because you’ll likely go through it quicker than you think.

#2 Toothpaste

You can almost always find name brand toothpastes such as Colgate, Aim, or Ultra Bright. These brands are commonly purchased at most grocery stores, Target, and of course at Walmart.

#3 Gum

It is pretty common to find multiple packs of chewing gum at the store. Typically, these purchases work out to be 2-1 (or 50% off) the normal purchase price.

#4 Books

If you’re about to go on a trip and need books (and don’t have a Kindle) there normally are a number of books for sale in most stores. Occasionally you may find a best seller, but more often than not you will find books by writers you’ve never heard of.

#5 Body Products

If you buy products such as: hand soap, body wash, Vaseline, and some lotions, the quality tends to be consistent when purchasing brand names you know and trust. If it’s a brand you’re unfamiliar with, they tend to be a bit diluted and not as effective. The cheap shampoo at the dollar store is probably fine.

#6 Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes have gotten pretty expensive. There are almost always toothbrushes in stock at most dollar stores and all of us will always need more toothbrushes for our teeth. The best packages to purchase are the multiple packs which work out to a 50% savings. A few spare toothbrushes never hurt to have around.

#7 Party Items

If you are throwing a party, pick up your paper plates, paper towels, and table clothes the next time you visit. Normally, these are items that are thrown away after an event so it may be a lot more cost affective to purchase them from the dollar store instead of your local grocer.

#8 Items To Entertain Kids

Kids are rough on their toys, coloring books and stuffed items. Fortunately all of these are usually found on a regular basis at most well-run stores. You may want to stay away from the stuffed animals and just pick up coloring books, puzzles, and crayons instead.

#9 Socks

You can never have too many socks. Buy the thicker ones so that they will last longer.

#10 Water Glasses or Tumblers

Most people break a couple of glasses a year. Pick up a set of replacements to have on hand just in case.

If you approach dollar store shopping with the same type of intentionality as your normal shopping you will be able to stock up on items you need, and have fun embracing the challenge of dollar store shopping while searching through the store to find the best deals.

For an alternative perspective, check out posting on 10 things NOT to buy at the dollar store, top dollar store finds and when trying to save money can cost you.