"Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are." - James W. Frick

SavingAdvice.com Blog

Bridging the gap between saving money and investing

Fourth of July

Fourth Of July: Are There Any Banks Open on July 4th?

By Leave a Comment

Banks Open on July 4th

Eighty-seven percent of Americans plan to celebrate the Fourth of July. Because many of us are planning big family gatherings, we need to keep cost in mind. It has become increasingly popular for hosts of parties to ask for guests to chip in for food or bring a dish. You certainly don’t want to show up empty-handed. With that in mind, many people may be searching for banks open on July 4th.

Banks Open on July 4th

Bad news: typically, banks and credit unions aren’t open on the Fourth of July because it is a federal holiday. So, you’ll want to get any serious business out of the way before the end of the day July 3. Otherwise, make sure it can wait until July 5th.

Those in need of a bank on the holiday will find that some locations of US Bank may have limited hours. If you have an account with them or you need to perform some urgent business, call the nearest location to verify their hours for Wednesday, July 4th. You may also have luck with some banks located in retail or grocery stores, however, you’ll want to call ahead to verify if they will be open and for how long.

Remember, if you aren’t a member of the bank you may incur charges. Banks charge for things like cashing checks and withdrawing money, however, you may be able to avoid those charges.

Even though your banks or credit union may be closed on the Fourth of July, mobile banking apps will still be fully functional. You will also be able to conduct any deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries at your bank’s ATM.

Keep in mind any transfers or deposits made on July 4th may be delayed until after the holiday and could take up to two days to post. (See: How long does it take a check to clear?) All in all, it is probably best to get your banking done before Independence Day.

Have a question about banking, investing, couponing, debt management, or saving? Join us in the Saving Advice forums for discussion on everything personal finance (and more). 

Read More

Here’s Where to Buy Fireworks (No Matter Where You Live)

By Leave a Comment

where to buy fireworks
Fourth of July is just one week away and more than 216 million Americans are planning to celebrate the holiday – of these nearly 106 million will celebrate with fireworks. If that’s you, you may be wondering where to buy fireworks legally.

Fireworks Regulations

fireworks regulations fourth of julyAs you can see in the photo above, all but four states allow some or all types of consumer fireworks permitted by federal law.

Your city or state may have more specific regulations on large-scale fireworks displays. For instance, North Carolina permits fountains, snake and glowworms, sparklers, trick noisemakers such as party poppers, string poppers or snappers, and smoke devices. The only requirement is that you are 16 years of age or older.

They prohibit aerial fireworks, explosives, roman candles, and rockets or similar devices. Alabama permits consumers to use items that are within the regulation of DOT and CPSC definitions and trick noisemakers.  Y  ou must be 16 years of age. Yet they strictly prohibit your possession, manufacture, ground salutes, sale or use of “illegal fireworks containing more than 2 grains of explosive composition; any fireworks that are sent via mail order.

You can view a directory of all 50 states and their fireworks regulations here.

Buy Fireworks Online

Yes, you can buy fireworks online. In many cases, it is a good way to get a marked down price. Many online warehouses have overstock and are able to cut shoppers a deal. Some companies are offering deals like free shipping on orders over $500 or special deals on fireworks assortments. If you want yours in time for July 4th, you’ll want to order as soon as possible.

You can also find coupons for fireworks on the internet. Many of them must be redeemed in person at a local stands or fireworks supercenter but they include up to $120 in savings, buy one get two free deals, and even free fireworks.

Cross the Border

It may sound controversial but many of the best fireworks can be found just over the border. Many fireworks stores and stands set up shop right around the border of the state. In some cases, people do this to get around their own state’s fireworks regulations. Moreover, it can also be a great way to save some money. If the neighboring state has a lower sales tax or overall better deals on fireworks (and it’s reasonable distance), why not take the trip?

If you’re considering traveling for the “good” fireworks you may want to think about heading out to an Indian reservation. In some cases, it is perfectly legal to buy (and use) otherwise illegal fireworks as long as you are on the reservation.

Support Your Local Stand or Store

You’ve probably already noticed tents popping up in parking lots, as well as local stores reopening or vamping up. These stands and stores may have some of the best deals. In some cases, you may even be able to haggle prices with the store manager, depending on how small the store is.

Target

Target has fireworks on the shelves from Memorial Day until Labor Day and usually brings them back out around New Year’s Eve. Although most of what the retailer has are basic fireworks, they have some great deals.

  • TNT Fireworks Thunder Boom USA: $19.99
  • Fireworks Assorted Lightning Blast by TNT: $29.99
  • TNT Fireworks 2-Pack: $10

You can save even more money at Target by using coupons or using popular gift card hacks. Not to mention, if you buy your fireworks with your Target REDcard you’ll get 5% back on your purchase.

Walmart

Walmart sells most of the basic fireworks displays as well. It has basically the same prices as Target does, but you may have an easier time finding sparklers at Walmart than Target.

  • TNT Clay Smoke Balls #1 Selling Brand, Assorted Colors, 72 Pieces (Full Display Case): $24. 50
  • Blast Zone TNT Fireworks: $29.97
  • Party Favors 8/Pkg-Sparklers 7″: $9.89

Saving money at Walmart is fairly easy with the store’s Savings Catcher app. It helps you compare prices locally and will refund you the difference.

Don’t forget if you are trying to save money on your Independence Day celebration to ask for any discounts you may be eligible for, such as a senior discount. Additionally, more businesses will also be offering military discounts for the holiday.

All in all, remember to abide by your local laws and put safety first. Read instructions, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and – of course – don’t operate any fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

Readers, are you planning to buy any fireworks this year? Where are you finding the best deals?

Read More

Independence Day: What’s Open and What’s Closed on the Fourth of July 2018?

By Leave a Comment

what's closed on fourth of july
One of the biggest celebrations of the year is the 4th of July. You get to look forward to plenty of fireworks, great food and parties. This is one of the major holidays when family and friends get together. More than 216 million Americans plan to celebrate Independence Day and are expected to spend $6.9 billion on food, according to the National Retail Federation. This is just slightly less than last year’s $7.1 billion in spending.

This year, the fourth of July is on a Wednesday. This means that although many establishments and organizations will be closed, look for them to reopen the next day.  Organizations like government offices, banks, post offices, schools and the stock market will all be closed for independence day.

Although many organizations or closed, most major chain retail stores and restaurants will be open. There are many deals and freebies to be had for the holiday. Let’s check out what’s closed on the fourth of July.

What’s Closed on the Fourth of July

Most, if not all, retail stores are open on Independence Day. Walmart and Target will remain open for shoppers this year, while Costco will close its doors for the holiday. Which other types of establishments will be closed?

Get a $10 Costco Shop Card

Drug Stores

Drug stores, like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS, remain open 365 days a year and will be open on Fourth of July as well. If you frequent a locally-owned pharmacy, you may want to confirm their holiday hours.

Grocery Stores

Most grocery stores will be open on Fourth of July. Some will have reduced hours though, so you’ll want to check ahead of time to confirm their schedule.

Restaurants

Major chain restaurants will be open on Independence Day. However, many locally-owned sports bars may close their doors. You’ll want to call ahead to be sure they will be open and for what hours.

Gas Stations

Locally-owned gas stations and small convenience stores are normally open, but many of them may have reduced hours.

Banks

Banks and credit unions will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th. Many institutions will still allow you to use ATMs and online banking applications though. For the most part, any transactions made on the holiday won’t clear until the next business day though.

Stock Market

The stock market will be closed on the Fourth of July. You can also expect the market to close early – at 1 p.m. EST – on Tuesday, July 3.

Public Schools

For the most part, both public and private schools are out for summer vacation on July 4th.

Libraries

Similarly, libraries are closed on the Fourth of July. They should reopen on Thursday.

Government Offices

Because the Fourth of July is a federal holiday, all government offices will be closed. This includes offices like the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security offices, and courthouses.

Postal Services

There is no mail delivery on the Fourth of July. All post offices will be closed, although some locations may have self-serve options available in the lobby for individuals to mail letters and check P.O. boxes.

Not only will USPS be closed, but FedEx and United Parcel Service will also be closed – with the exception of those companies’ critical services.

Readers, what kind of plans do you have for the 4th of July this year?

Give the gift of savings! Learn more

Read More

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is Walmart Open on July 4th 2017?

By 3 Comments

Walmart Open July 4th
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday and it is just around the corner. Many people will be departing on beach trips and traveling to visit family this weekend. However, many people will also need to stop by a “one-stop-shop” to get items for their cookouts. Many people will think of Walmart as the place to go. With Monday being a federal holiday though, people are asking, “Is Walmart open on Tuesday, July 4?”

Many people rely on Walmart as their first choice for many of their shopping needs. Store hours during the holidays can be a bit confusing so you are not the only one wondering about the Independence Day holiday hours. Fourth of July is recognized by the stock market and other institutions so it makes it difficult to know what will be open and closed.

Is Walmart open the day before Independence Day?

Walmart will be open on Monday, July 3. Walmart does not close its doors very often and the day before Independence Day is not one of the few times it closes its doors.

Is Walmart open on Fourth of July?

Walmart will be open on Fourth of July. According to Walmart’s holiday schedule, Christmas is the only holiday in which Walmart closes its doors entirely. So, if you need anything from the retail giant on Tuesday, you will be able to get it.

Are other services available?

Most Walmart stores have a bank, hair salon, nail salon, an optician and income tax preparation service inside the store. Those service providers are independent of Walmart and do not follow the same operating hours as Walmart stores. Check with your local store to see if those service providers will be closed on Fourth of July or any of the days surrounding the holiday.

What days is Walmart closed?

Walmart only closes on Christmas each year. On Thanksgiving, some Walmarts close their doors and reopen in the evening for early Black Friday sales. These are the only two days that Walmart has an altered schedule.

When will Walmart stores be open?

Since Walmart will not be closed on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day, none of the days around it will be affected by the holiday either. They will be open the following hours:

Saturday, July 1, 2017: Regular hours

Sunday, July 2, 2017: Regular hours

Monday, July 3, 2017: Regular hours

Tuesday, July 4, 2017: Regular hours

Is there a Fourth of July sale?

Walmart has a sale on most major holidays. Around Independence Day, Walmart usually puts outdoors items on sale such as grills, beer and food, beach supplies, sparklers, fireworks and other outdoor activity supplies. You will also be able to find small American flags, large flags and other patriotic items on sale.

Will Walmart.com be available?

Because Walmart is still open for Fourth of July, Walmart.com will still be fully operational. In fact, Walmart.com is operational everyday, but delivery around holidays, such as Christmas, from the website may take a bit longer.

Because Independence Day is widely celebrated, many people get confused as to what is open and what is closed for the holiday. However, you have no need to worry the Walmart superstore nearest you will be open.

Photo: Flickr: eric lynch

Are Banks, Credit Unions and Post Offices Open on the Fourth of July 2015?

By Leave a Comment

Fouth of July Independence Day

Holidays can be a great time, but they can also cause some confusion as to what is and isn’t open on that particular day. It’s never fun to head out to a place to get something done only to find it’s unexpectedly closed. A good example is the Fourth of July.

As Independence Day for the US approaches, some people begin to wonder what is and isn’t open on that day. They wonder if post offices, credit unions and banks will be open on July 4, 2015. Knowing what is open and what is closed can help avoid a lot of frustration. Nobody likes to arrive at their destination only to find the place they were going is closed.

Since the Fourth of July is a federal holiday, the vast majority of government offices will be closed for business for the day. There are some exceptions (National Parks will be open), but most government offices will be closed. This year is a bit different because July 4 lands on a Saturday, so the federal government is observing the holiday on July 3 making it a bit more complicated. If you have any doubts, your best bet is to contact the institution directly to confirm.

Banks

Most banks will be closed on both the third and the Fourth of July (although there are a few exceptions). July 4 lands on a Saturday in 2015. the federal government is observing the holiday on July 3. As a result, many banks will be closed on both the 3rd and 4th in 2015. Banks usually observe federal holidays, and the Fourth of July is not an exception. Expect your local bank branch office to be closed for the entire Independence Day weekend.

Credit Unions

Credit unions will be closed on Independence Day. Credit unions are similar to banks and follow the same holiday schedule most of the time. While they are also usually open on Friday and Saturday, credit unions will be closed for the third and Fourth of July in 2015.

It’s important to note that even though banks and credit union branches will be closed July 3 and 4, it doesn’t mean you can’t do any banking at all. A lot of basic banking transactions can now be performed either at the institution’s ATM or through its website. Even though local branches will be closed to celebrate the Fourth of July, ATMs are usually running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The same is true with their websites. Just be aware that if you do perform a banking transaction through one of these methods while the branch is closed, it might take until the next business day for the transaction to complete. For example, if you have a check you deposit through the ATM, the funds from the check won’t be immediately available for withdrawal. Also, the time it takes for the check to clear may not begin until the start of the next business day.

If you use a bank or credit union which has branches in grocery stores, these are more likely to be open than stand-alone branches. US Bank and PNC Bank may have some of their grocery store branches open for limited hours on the 4th. Be sure to call to confirm if they will be open before going.

Post Offices

Post offices will be closed on July 4th. As a part of the federal government, the post office observes all federal holidays including Independence Day. All post office branches across the US will be closed on July 4. Even though the federal government is observing Independence Day on July 3, post offices will be open July 3 and they will also deliver mail on this day. No mail will be delivered on Saturday, July 4.

Are Banks Open on July 5, 2015?

Since the 4th lands on a Saturday, some people may wonder if banks, credit unions, and post offices will be open on Sunday, July 5. Banks won’t be open on July 5 since it is a Sunday and most banks are closed on Sunday. There are a few exceptions of banks open on Sunday. Post offices will also be closed.

(Photo courtesy of City of Marietta)

Gas Prices Look to Ease for Upcoming Fourth of July Weekend

By 1 Comment

Gas prices look to remain steady through the Fourth of July weekend
It appears gas prices are beginning to ease a bit with the Fourth of July weekend quickly approaching, but that isn’t likely going to be much of a consolation to those who are out driving for the holiday. Oil prices ended the week on a steady note, and the latest information from AAA is that prices are beginning to ease.

The price of gasoline currently sits at $3.68 per gallon, according to AAA Fuel Gauge report, but is actually down a bit from Friday. At the end of the week, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas sat at $3.681, but today it’s slightly receded to $3.678.

While it appears that the price has crested for the month, and the price will begin to ease back a bit as we head into the Fourth of July weekend (barring any unexpected geopolitical news), drivers are still going to be paying significantly more than they were last year at this time. A gallon of gas was $0.18 a gallon less expensive a year ago, making current gas prices the highest they have been at this time of the year since 2006.

It’s been an unexpected month, and gas prices have risen much more than expected in June. Gas prices traditionally fall in June, and that is what the prediction was for how June 2014 would unfold. That all changed when unrest in Iraq spooked traders into wondering if Iraq’s oil supplies were in peril. That shot oil prices up with the result of keeping gas prices from taking their normal June dip. Now that the Iraq oil supply fears have eased, it looks like prices are ready to begin easing a bit as they should have done earlier. Of course, there are still plenty of unknowns which could quickly change the course of gas prices, especially if increased unrest hits Iraq.

While those looking to take a road trip over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend are going to be paying far more than usual to fill their tanks, it seems that they aren’t going to have to pay more than they are today, and they will likely be able to pay a few cents less.

(Photo courtesy of Steven Damron)