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Deals and Freebies on Memorial Day 2021

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Deals and Freebies on Memorial Day 2021

Memorial Day is a special day for many Americans. The federal government recognizes this as a day to honor American military members who died during active duty. The day includes picnics, parades, and various celebrations. You’ll also find that there are a lot of deals and freebies on Memorial Day 2021, especially for members of the military.

Who Are Memorial Day Deals and Freebies For?

Many of the deals and freebies on Memorial Day 2021 are specifically for military members, whether active duty, reserves, or veterans. Quite a few of those deals are also available to the family members of military members.

This year, a lot of businesses have also expanded who their deals are for to include first responders, teachers, nurses, and others who have really stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a few instances, restaurants and stores also extend special deals to everyone, regardless of whether they’re military, first responders, etc.

Restaurant Deals and Freebies on Memorial Day 2021

Parade shared a list of great Memorial Day 2021 restaurant deals and freebies. Note that some of these deals are actually available to veterans all year long whereas others are specific to Memorial Day.

Year-Round Restaurant Discounts for Military Members

  • 99 Restaurants offers 10% off all meals to military members / veterans with military ID.
  • Boston Market has a Veterans Advantage Program. Use that to get 20% off of your Memorial Day 2021 meal.
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp gives 10% off to military members / veterans every day. Therefore, it’s a good Memorial Day choice.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings gives 10% off to military members / veterans.
  • Burger King offers 10% discounts to military members / veterans. However, only some locations honor this. Therefore, check with your local store.
  • Cafe Rio also offers regular military discounts. Most locations don’t offer Monday discounts but some do.
  • Like Burger King, some Chick-Fil-A stores offer 10% off if you’re a member of the military.
  • Chuck E. Cheese offers daily discounts.
  • Cici’s Pizza has discounts for military members / veterans. However, only some locations honor this. Moreover, the specific discount percentage varies.
  • Cracker Barrel has varying discounts at different locations, usually 20-30% off for military members.
  • Similar to many other franchises, some Dairy Queen locations offer military discounts.
  • Get 10 – 15% off at some Fuddrucker’s locations when you show your military ID.
  • Get 10% off at some Golden Corral locations. Again, you should show your military ID. In fact, generally speaking you should plan to show ID for any military discounts on Memorial Day.
  • Similarly, get 15% off at Hard Rock Cafe with military ID. However, alcoholic beverages aren’t discounted.
  • Johnny Rockets gives 50% off to anyone who arrives in their military uniform.
  • Logan’s Roadhouse offers 10% off to all military every day including Memorial Day 2021.
  • Get 10% off any online order at Omaha Steaks if you’re military or family.
  • Outback Steakhouse offers 10% off to military members daily.

Restaurants with Military Mondays

These restaurants offer Military Mondays discounts year-round. Since Memorial Day is on a Monday, that counts:

  • As aforementioned, Cafe Rio has Monday discounts in Virginia and Maryland only.
  • Hometown Buffet has Military Mondays which includes Memorial Day. Get 15% off with ID or if you’re in uniform.
  • Lonestar Steakhouse offers 20% off to military members on Mondays.
  • It’s Military Monday over at Melting Pot as well. Most locations give 20% off to military as well as police, firefighters, and EMTs. Each are allowed one guest.
  • Military Mondays includes up to four family members over at Old Country Buffet. Get 15% off with ID or in uniform.

Restaurant Discounts on Memorial Day Only

  • Bub’s at the Ballpark is another great place to get discounts on Memorial Day. Military and first responders with proof of ID get 15% off.
  • Feltman’s of Coney Island offers 15% off through June 1st for all people using code Parade15.
  • Hooter’s offers free limited-menu meals for veterans at some locations on Memorial Day. They also offer 20% off of takeout orders for all military.
  • Buy 3, Get Three Free on Memorial Day at Kolache, whether or not you’re in the military.
  • Mission BBQ provides one free sandwich to military members and veterans during Armed Forces Week.

Want to cook at home? If so, then place your first order with Home Chef and get 50% off that first delivery if you’re a member of the military.

Retail Deals and Freebies on Memorial Day 2021

Restaurants aren’t the only ones offer deals and freebies on Memorial Day. Here are some of the retail stores offering discounts.

Military Discounts: Shoes

First, let’s talk about shoe stores. After all, most shoe stores seem to offer military discounts.

These stores offer deals year-round:

  • Converse offers 15% off to military members and their families.
  • Get 10% off at Nike if you’re a member of the military.
  • Reebox offers 30% off all year-long with the Heroes Discount. Therefore, you can get this discount if you’re a member of the military, government, medical field or are a teacher.

And here are some Memorial Day / Weekend shoe sales:

  • Adidas offers a Memorial Dale sale to military members and veterans, teachers, medical professionals, and first responders. They get 30% off in store and online 0r 20% off at the Adidas factory outlet.
  • Asics has extended their Memorial Day discount to include military members as well as first responders, medical professionals, teachers, and even students. Get 40% off all online full-price purchases for Memorial Day 2021.
  • If you need shoes, then consider Payless. They’re offering 40% off all orders on Memorial Day. Plus they’re offering 30% off all shoes, with free shipping, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding Memorial Day. This applies to everyone, not just members of the military.
  • Get 20% off at Rack Room Shoes on Memorial Day if you’re a military member or dependent. Obviously, military members get good shoe sales at a lot of different places!

Other Year-Round Military Discounts

  • Clarks is a clothing store that offers discounts to military members and their spouses as well as to first responders and to teachers.
  • Cooling Cuff offers 25% off of their Amazon prices. Note that this is a veteran-owned business, which is always nice to support on Memorial Day.
  • Dell is giving 10% discounts to military members.
  • Hylete has clothing and more on sale at 30% for military members as well as first responders and staff of hospitals.
  • You can get 15% off at Jiffy Lube on Memorial Day and every other day if you’re a military member or veteran.
  • Lowe’s offers 10% off to members of the military on Memorial Day and every day.
  • Get 20% off at Pretty Hunter if you’re military or a first responder. Therefore, take advantage of that opportunity.
  • Military members get discounts on Rosetta Stone. Therefore, if you want to learn a language, here’s your chance.
  • Get 25% off of the unique sockets sold by Secret Sockets if you’re an active member of the military.
  • All military members and their spouses get 15% off at Sherwin-Williams on Memorial Day and every day. Therefore, you need to paint, go here.

Memorial Weekend / Day Sales

  • Academy Sports + Outdoors has an extended sale for military members and veterans. They’ve also included first responders in this sale this year. The deal is 10% off all purchases from now through July 5, 2021.
  • Alpha Industries celebrates military members including reserves and veterans all month long with 30% off plus free shipping throughout the month of May.
  • Armitron has a 10% off Memorial Day discount. This goes to military members and veterans as well as their depends. Military ID required.
  • Bandalettes has a sale now through Memorial Day 2021 for everyone. Get 15% off using code MEMORIAL21.
  • Get discounts off of contact lenses and glasses at DiscountContactLenses.com and DiscountGlasses.com. Use the code MILITARY15 for 15% off contacts. Then use the code MILITARY25 for your glasses discount. This deal is for everyone on Memorial Day.
  • Take 20% off one purchase at Each and Every if you’re a military member or veteran.
  • All military members and their dependents can take advantage of 20% off at Eyemart Express from now until Memorial Day ends.
  • Fotile offers up to $200 off their Amazon appliances through the end of June 1, 2021. No military affiliation required.
  • Home Depot offers 10% off on Memorial Day to military members with ID.
  • Life Extension supplements and beauty products are discounted now through June 3, 2021. Anyone can use the code BRAVE10 to get a $10 discount plus free shipping on purchases of $75+.
  • Mabel’s Labels is a unique place to shop on Memorial Day. From May 28 through May 31, 2021, use code “MEMORIAL15” for 15% discount.
  • Shark OFF sells shark repellant jewelry. Perhaps you might want that if you’re traveling to the ocean this summer. Anyone can get 20% off through Memorial Day with the code SALUTE21.

Other Deals and Freebies for Memorial Day

Remember that there are many places that offers discounts and free days for military members, veterans, and their families all throughout the year. Keep those places in mind when you go out on Memorial Day 2021. For example, movie theaters such as Blue Star Theaters offer free and discounted tickets to military families. Similarly, hotels and resorts such as Caesar’s Palace offer year round discounts to military members with extra special discounts for Memorial Day weekend.

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What Retail Stores Are Open/Closed on Memorial Day 2021?

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What Retail Stores Are Open/Closed on Memorial Day 2021?

Do you want to do some shopping over Memorial Day weekend? You’re definitely not the only one who wants to take advantage of the long three day weekend to get supplies. Whether you need last-minute party snacks or you’re ready to stock up for summer fun, Memorial Day weekend can provide a good opportunity to get some great shopping done. In fact, many retail stores have terrific Memorial Day weekend sales. But, not all stores are open during the holiday. What retail stores are open/closed Memorial Day 2021?


Memorial Day 2021

Memorial Day 2021 is Money, May 31, 2021. We celebrate this federal holiday on the last Monday of May. This allows people to have a three day weekend during a time of year when the weather is absolutely beautiful across much of the country. Memorial Day is a federal holiday honoring the military members who died during active duty. It’s also a time when people enjoy parades, picnics, and parties in the park.

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Most Retail Stores Open on Memorial Day 2021

The majority of retail stores are open on Memorial Day. Most of them open their usual hours. Moreover, many of them offer sales throughout the weekend, continuing on Monday, Memorial Day.

Here are some of the retail stores that you can expect to be open for Memorial Day 2021:

  • Barnes & Noble will open regular hours.
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Best Buy
  • Big Lots
  • BJ’s Wholesale club will have regular hours.
  • Crate & Barrel
  • Dollar General
  • Dollar Tree
  • Family Dollar
  • Home Depot should open regular hours.
  • HomeGoods
  • IKEA will pen from 10 – 9.
  • Kmart will open with varied hours. Call to confirm.
  • Kohl’s will open regular hours.
  • Lowe’s
  • Macy’s
  • Marshalls will open regular hours, which is typically 9:30 am – 9:30 pm.
  • Sam’s Club should open from 9 – 6.
  • Sears
  • Target should be open regular hours.
  • T.J. Maxx will open regular hours, which is typically 9:30 am – 9:30 pm.
  • Walmart will be open regular store hours.

Grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, and convenience stores typically stay open regular hours on Memorial Day.

Do note that though these retail stores should be open, it’s always smart to check with your specific location. Make sure to double-check their hours as well.

Some Retail Stores Close for Memorial Day

There are some big stores that you might expect to open on Memorial Day and yet they don’t. For example, many people are surprised when they pull up to Costco on Memorial Day because the store closes in recognition of the holiday.

Additionally, small local retail stores make their own decisions about whether to open or close for Memorial Day. Many will open. However, you will want to check in advance if there’s a store you’re hoping to shop at near you.

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What’s Open/Closed on Memorial Day 2021?

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What's Open/Closed on Memorial Day 2021?

Memorial Day is a very special day for many Americans. It’s a federal holiday honoring American soldiers who died fighting for the country. People enjoy parades, picnics, and various tributes. Although, for some people, it’s just a three-day weekend, and that’s okay, too. If you’re going to be out and about, then you might find yourself wondering what’s open / closed on Memorial Day 2021.


Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that the government recognizes as a time to honor and grieve the American military veterans who died during duty. Most governments, including those of historical times, have some form of recognition for their fallen heroes. In America, we began recognizing a form of Memorial Day as far back as the Civil War. However, in the 1970s, the federal government made it official: Memorial Day is a federal holiday.

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When Is Memorial Day 2021?

Memorial Day is always held on the last Monday of May. This year, that happens to also be the last day of the month. Therefore, Memorial Day 2021 will be Monday, May 31, 2021. Many people and places celebrate this as a three day weekend, starting after work on Friday and continuing through the end of day Monday.

What’s Closed on Federal Holidays

Memorial Day is one of ten annual federal holidays the government recognizes in America. On those days, government services and organizations shut down. Of course, our police forces and hospitals keep working. However, things like banks shut down. In fact, federal holidays are often called bank holidays. Since Memorial Day 2021 is one of those federal holidays, lots of things do close on that day.

What’s Closed on Memorial Day 2021

Generally speaking, you can expect the following things to be closed on Memorial Day 2021:

  • Banks and credit unions
  • Stocks and bonds markets
  • Schools for all ages
  • The United States Post Office including mail delivery
  • Courthouses and other government offices
  • Professional offices such as those of lawyers and doctors
  • Libraries
  • Motor Vehicle Department

What’s Open on Memorial Day 2021?

Although all of those types of places shut down for Memorial Day, there are many types of places that remain open. You can expect most retail stores to stay open on Memorial Day 2021. In fact, many of them will have holiday weekend sales. Do note, however, that the services inside big chain stores might not stay open. For example, bank branches, pharmacies, vision centers, and other similar services inside of stores like Target, Sams’ Cub, and Walmart might close on Memorial Day 2021 even though the stores themselves are open. And do note that there are somme exceptions; for example, Costco closes for Memorial Day.

Also note that small, independently-owned stores might choose to close for Memorial Day. That’s entirely up to them. If you’re in doubt, call in advance. Most stores that do choose to open on Memorial Day 2021 will keep regular store hours. However, you can also call about that just to be sure.

Some of the other types of places and services that are open on Memorial Day 2021 include:

  • Gas stations
  • Convenience stores
  • Grocery stores
  • ATMs
  • Local, state and national parks
  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Many museums
  • Movie theaters and other entertainment venues

Of course, note that in some places there are closures and restrictions due to COVID-19.

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How To Make an Income by Earning Cash Back

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There are so many options out there to get cashback from your purchases. However, a lot of them can be a big hassle. Such as having a limited number of merchants to buy from, having to wait for the payout or even just keeping track of your receipts to scan them. By the time you jump through all of the hoops, the money you get back barely feels worth it. So how do you take advantage of cash back apps in a way that allows you to earn an income without all of the hassle? The trick is to use the right tools. [Read more…] about How To Make an Income by Earning Cash Back

Is Target Open on Memorial Day 2021?

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is target open for memorial day

We have a long three-day weekend coming up soon thanks to Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the last Monday of May, which means that it is May 31. 2021. As a federal holiday, Memorial Day commemorations shut lots of things down. However, not everything closes for the holidays. For example, you might wonder, is Target open on Memorial Day?

What is Memorial Day?

Although many people know that we celebrate Memorial Day in May, some folks don’t know what it’s all about. In case you’re wondering, Memorial Day honors those American military members who have died serving their country. We began commemorating those deaths as early as the Civil War. However, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in the 1970s.

What Is a Federal Holiday?

The federal government recognizes certain days (ten of them each year) as federal holidays. Therefore, they close banks, courthouses, libraries, the stock market, and other government offices, organizations and services.

Memorial Day kicks off the three big patriotic federal holidays of the year. Next comes Independence Day in July. Then later in the year we recognize Veterans Day. Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day in that it recognizes specifically those soldiers who died during wars. In contrast, Veterans Day recognizes all military veterans, whether they lived or died, and whether they served during peace or wartime.

Is Target Open on Memorial Day 2021?

Although government services close down for federal holidays, retails stores don’t always opt to do to the same. You’ll find that they close for some big holidays – such as Christmas. However, they usually remain open for many of the holidays including Memorial Day. Of course, each store is different. So, what about Target?

Target has traditionally chosen to remain open for Memorial Day. They even persevered last year and opened one Memorial Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, yes, Target is open on Memorial Day 2021.

What Are Target’s Memorial Day 2021 Hours?

Target stores should maintain their regular Monday schedules for Memorial Day 2021. Most Target stores will open at 9 am and close at 10 pm. However, you should always check with your local store to see if their hours differ. You can use the Target store locator to find the contact info for your store. Each store’s daily hours are listed on the site. However, you can also call to confirm.

Is There a Memorial Day 2021 Sale at Target?

Not only do many retail stores open for holidays like Memorial Day, they also often use the holiday as an opportunity to have a big sale. Target is no exception. They often put summer items, picnic stuff, and the like on sale for Memorial Day. We haven’t seen any specific announcements about their sales plans for this weekend. However, you can always check their online deals and coupons to see current offers.

Generally speaking, people tend to go to Target on Memorial Day for very specific items. If you’re doing any picnics or parties for the holiday, then you might pick up last minute food, paper plates, camping chairs, etc. However, you can obviously get any other things you need while you’re there as well.

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Ethical Spending: 10 Areas Where I Want to Invest

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ethical spending

Over the past few months I’ve repeatedly seen that New Money Goals commercial. People share money goals that relate to investing, spending, and obtaining good credit cards. The commercial mentions investing in black-owned businesses and green businesses. As a result, I’ve been thinking a lot about the types of places where I want to spend and invest my money.

Put Your Money Where Your Values Are

I’ve always felt that where you put your money matters. I believe that knowing your values and ethics and then spending in places that align with those are extremely important. After all, if something is cheap but it damages the world in a way I can’t accept, then I don’t want that thing. I can’t feel good about it.

Ethical Spending and Investing Isn’t Always Easy

For the most part, I think I’ve historically done a decent job of spending money with businesses that align with my values. However, I’m far from perfect. Honestly, you have to do some research and studying in order to find out the ethics behind a lot of businesses. Sometimes it isn’t easy.

Truth be told, I’ve slipped a lot in recent years. With the ease of getting things delivered directly to my door, plus the pandemic encouraging me not to go out to local shops, I simply haven’t been spending my money in the places I believe in most. For example, I hate fast fashion and have always shopped secondhand. And yet, in recent years, quite a few Amazon clothing items have managed to make their way into my closet. And I hate that. Therefore, I’m taking this opportunity to recommit to ethical spending.

10 Places Where I Want to Spend / Invest My Money to Match My Values

Here are the ten things that are really important to me when it comes to the types of businesses and people who I want my money to support:

1. Vintage Clothing Stores

I definitely want to return to my lifelong habit of only purchasing secondhand clothes. For one thing, I love vintage clothes. I also love vintage shops and thrift stores. I want to see them survive. Moreover, I really believe that it’s important to stop new fast fashion from entering the world. The more life I can give to a pre-loved item, the better.

2. Independent Fashion Designers and Small Clothing Businesses

That said, there are a few things that I don’t buy secondhand. I find it challenging to find secondhand shoes, for example. And I definitely think socks and undergarments are better when they’ve never been worn by anyone else. However, that doesn’t mean that I need to get online and put a random brand in my cart. Instead, I can seek out independent makers who knit and sew and make items like these.

3. Other Independent Makers and Artists

It’s really important to me to support people who run their own little shops. Whether it’s through Etsy, craft fairs, local markets or pop-ups, I want these people to make a living. I can’t always afford to support them. However, I do want a percentage of my money to go towards this end. One way I do that is by supporting some of my very favorite artists through  Patreon. I also try to purchase / commission art and handmade items from people that I know directly whenever possible.

4. Small Family Businesses

Akin to the independent makers and artists, I love supporting small family businesses. Of course, it’s hard to specifically define “small”. We want family businesses to grow and sometimes they grow beyond the family. However, I think you can generally sense when a family business still maintains that family feel. (A true family feel, not the Bay Area tech startup “we are a family” mindset!) When I see a family-owned-and-operated restaurant or store, I want to give them my support.

5. Local Businesses and Arts

One of my favorite things about San Francisco historically is that it’s less friendly to big box stores and more friendly to small businesses. That’s shifted some over time but there’s still a spirit here that I like to support. Of course, it’s also expensive to run a business here due to high rent prices. As a result, I can’t afford to shop at local stores too often. However, every now and then I get the chance.

More than shopping at local stores, though, I like to give my money to the local restaurants, cafes, performance arts spaces, event spaces, etc. I frequently do buy tickets to events. I always tip the performers at shows. As much as possible, I try to support the people doing business here.

Moreover, I support small and local business through SMBX bonds investing.

6. BIPOC-owned, Women-owned, Queer-Owned Businesses

I want to support businesses that are owned and operated by people of color. Moreover, I want to support businesses that hire, promote, and empower people of color.

Similarly, supporting women-owned businesses and queer-owned businesses is important to me. I also work to support organizations, event spaces, and companies that are known to empower all of these groups of people.

7. Sustainable Eco-Minded Companies

If I’m going to shop with larger companies, in particular, then I want to know that they’re doing something good for the environment. At the very least, I hope that they aren’t harming the environment. It’s not always easy to tell about this stuff because there’s a lot of greenwashing that goes on. Nevertheless, I do believe in making the effort.

Similarly, I believe in at least attempting to purchase products that are low in chemicals and processing. I try to be green in my own life in the ways that I can.

And I try to put money towards change in areas where climate concerns are a big issue. For example, I’m very interested in cryptoart and NFTs but one huge problem with that right now is that it’s terrible for the climate. I’m putting my money in investments towards greener versions of cryptocurrency.

8. Fair Trade Companies

If I’m going to purchase items from a business of any size, then I want to know that the employees are treated well. Human trafficking and slave labor are very real problems in the United States and around the world. In particular, when I’m shopping from places I know work with artisans in other countries, I try to research that they utilize fair trade practices.

9. Peer-to-Peer Lending and Microloans

When possible, I like to loan money to other people so that they can do their own cool new things. Kiva loans, microfinancing, and peer-to-peer lending are a few of the ways I’ve done that in the past. Similarly, I’ll occasionally contribute to a Go Fund Me or crowdsourced funding goal.

10. Charities

I don’t tend to give a lot of money directly to non-profits and charities. After all, it’s really difficult to tell if the money is going where it’s supposed to go. However, there are a few select charities that I’ve researched well and worked with often enough over the years to believe in their work. I do give some of my money there.

What does ethical spending mean to you? How do you approach it and what have been the challenges? Let’s have a conversation in the comments below.

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