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Return to the True Meaning of the Season – Get In on Giving Tuesday

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what is giving tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a way to de-emphasize some of the commercialism of the holiday season, by remembering what the holidays are really about – not Black Friday riots or Cyber Monday deals. But, instead, giving to the less fortunate, fostering goodwill toward all, and helping your fellow man. So, what is Giving Tuesday? Here’s a brief explanation and some Giving Tuesday ideas to get you started.

What Is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 as a way to counter the consumerism encouraged by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday sales. Founding organizations included the United Nations Foundation, the 92nd Street Y, Skype, Mashable, Phoenix House, Starwood Hotels, Microsoft, Case Foundation, Aldo, Sony, Cisco, and Heifer International.

Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and represents an international day of giving that allows nonprofits, charities, and causes to push for a big boost to year-end fundraising. The intention is to create a new, unselfish habit of donating to charitable causes at the end of the year. In just a few years, Giving Tuesday has exploded in popularity, generating $274 million in donations in 2017. This year, it’s sure to be even bigger, and your organization shouldn’t miss out.

Giving Tuesday Ideas

Your organization can join the fun at GivingTuesday.org. Most organizations take to social media to promote their Giving Tuesday campaigns using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. Designate a point person within your organization who can round up volunteers from your network, spearhead the fundraising efforts, and collate the results with lessons for next year. Then get creative with some of these ideas to make the most of your 24-hour fundraising drive:

  • Ask each person who donates to tag five friends and ask them to donate. People are more likely to respond to a personal appeal from someone they know and trust – that’s why the Ice Bucket Challenge was so successful. Amplify your fundraising power by asking each donor to challenge specific friends to participate, too.
  • Start your campaign early. With Black Friday sales starting earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving Day, it’s fair to start your Giving Tuesday event on Monday night.
  • Promote the event on social media. Don’t be afraid to use hashtag power to get the word out. Use a platform like Hootsuite to schedule posts. Use YouTube or Facebook Live to run a traditional telethon event, announcing new donations and interacting with donors. Make things exciting – put your CEO in a dunk tank, show a progress meter, or hang donor’s names on a wall of giving.
  • Encourage supporters to use the hashtag #Unselfie to identify them on social media. If you’re having a brick-and-mortar event, use temporary tattoos with your logo, or some other identifying mark that supporters can photograph and post on social media.
  • Match gifts. Offer to match gifts given within the 24-hour timeframe to incentivize donations.
  • Collaborate with other organizations. Find out what other organizations or local businesses you can collaborate with to promote your Giving Tuesday event. Perhaps a local business can help you match donations, or contribute prizes to give away to lucky donors.
  • Perform challenges. Your staff can celebrate campaign milestones by performing challenges, such as posting a silly video of employees singing and dancing, jumping into a frozen lake, or getting an interesting haircut.
  • Ask supporters to donate the price of a morning coffee. Lots of people buy a coffee on the way to work. Ask supporters to donate the price of their drink, and when they get to your fundraising page, use price anchoring to encourage a larger donation.
  • Make Giving Tuesday a regular affair. Now that Giving Tuesday is becoming more established, many organizations are extending the holiday into First Tuesday, a monthly day of giving. Encourage donors to commit to a regular, monthly donation.

Giving Tuesday gives charitable and nonprofit organizations a chance to ramp up year-end fundraising numbers. It’s the perfect time to celebrate an international day focused on giving to your favorite causes and organizations. Don’t miss out on the fun! Last year, supporters gave $274 million, and they’re sure to give even more this year.

Is your organization ready to rake in some year-end donation dollars? Who will you be donating to this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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When Is Hanukkah This Year?

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when is hanukkah

When is Hanukkah in 2018? This year, it begins at sundown on Sunday, December 2 and lasts until Monday, December 10.

What Is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah was considered to be a minor holiday until about 100 years ago. The holiday still has not gained the religious importance of other Jewish holidays though. Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashana, and Passover are still more popular holidays in the community.

Because of its proximity to Christmas, it has evolved into a mainstream occasion. This led to the giving of gifts on Hanukkah, which was typically not part of the celebration. In general, gift-giving only seems to happen in Jewish households with children. Gifts may not be given every day of the eight-day holiday either.

Eight Nights of Celebration

As you may know, the holiday is generally celebrated over eight nights. Each night, a new candle on the menorah is lit. During this time, families also say prayers and eat fried foods. Many people are familiar with the popular Hanukkah treat latkes or potato pancakes.

The Story Behind Hanukkah

The story behind Hanukkah, also known as The Miracle of Hanukkah, is something that is told over the eight nights.

In 168 B.C., this great temple was seized by Hellenistic-Syrian soldiers. Mattathias Maccabeeus, a priest in the Jewish faith, refused the soldiers’ demands and his eldest son, Judas, fought to reclaim control of Jerusalem. Their last holdout was at the great temple, and when they returned, they found that there was only one day’s worth of oil left in the temple.

Despite there only being one day’s worth of oil left in the temple, it lasted for eights days and nights. This miracle is essentially the focal point of Hanukkah. It is celebrated by lighting candles instead of oil (one candle per day).

That is only one of the traditions that tie into the story of Hanukkah though. The tradition of eating fried foods is to remind people of the oil that burned for eight days. Another popular tradition is playing dreidel. Whichever side the dreidel lands on indicates how much gelt (or chocolate coins) will be rewarded.

When Is Hanukkah in Future Years?

Hanukkah falls on a different day every year. All Jewish holidays fall on the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds with the moon. As mentioned above, this year the holiday will begin after sundown on December 2 and end on December 10.

According to the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah begins on 25 Kislev. In 2019, this will make the holiday fall on December 22 and end on December 30, making it coincide with Christmas. The following year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 10, 2020, through December 18.

Readers, do you plan to celebrate Hanukkah this year?

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Is Costco Open on Labor Day?

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is costco open on labor day

Most large retailers mark holidays with major sales. The intention is to draw in customers, especially since many people have the day off work, making it more convenient to hit the stores. This makes days like Labor Day big shopping events, particularly for families who still need to finish their back-to-school shopping.

However, since federal holidays lead government offices, banks, and a range of retail shops to close, not every retailer decides to open. Costco is one of the few retail giants that shut its doors on many federal holidays, leading many to wonder, “Is Costco open on Labor Day?”

Is Costco Open on Labor Day?

No. Costco closes on Labor Day. That means, for 2018, Costco is not open on Monday, September 3.

However, the warehouse stores will open on the Sunday before Labor Day. Typically, they operate from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, though this may vary by location.

Costco Business Centers are not open on Sundays. This means, if you need to handle anything there, you will need to go on Saturday at the latest. Usually, the locations are open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays, though this can also vary by location.

After Labor Day, Costco returns to its usual schedule on Monday, September 4. The warehouse stores should be open from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm in most cities. The business centers typically operate from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, though some locations don’t open until 8:00 am.

Is the Costco Gas Station Open on Labor Day?

People that want to know is Costco open on Labor Day also have questions about their gas stations. On Labor Day, Costco gas stations will not be manned. This means you can’t interact with an employee, so paying in cash or buying snacks typically isn’t an option.

However, since most gas stations allow you to pay at the pump, you can still fill up at a Costco gas station with a credit or debit card. As long as you don’t think you will need assistance, you can take advantage of the Costco gas station’s low prices any day at any time.

Why Does Costco Close on Labor Day?

With the number of potential shoppers around, it may seem odd that Costco would close on Labor Day. However, the holiday recognizes the contributions of the American workforce, so they likely believe that letting every employee enjoy a day off is the right way to celebrate the occasion.

In general, Costco is known for valuing its employees. This leads them to shut their doors on certain holidays, even when other companies choose to open.

Does Costco Have a Labor Day Sale?

Since Costco stores close on Labor Day, they typically don’t hold an official Labor Day sale. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t have items available at discount prices. They just may not advertise them in conjunction with the holiday.

The August sale flyer is good through September 2, the Sunday before Labor Day. They don’t explicitly mention Labor Day in their member-only savings area, even though the discounts are available until right before the holiday.

Currently, they have offers on a variety of items, ranging from energy drinks to tires to ribs. Even clothing and a few laptops are available at a discount.

Some of their summer goods, like patio sets, are also typically on sale this time of year. Labor Day usually marks the unofficial end of the summer season, so many retailers get rid of these large items. Additionally, since school is back in session near Labor Day, certain back-to-school products may also be relatively inexpensive.

If you aren’t shopping at Costco until after Labor Day, you’ll want to review their September sale flyer once it releases, which usually happens a few days in advance.

Does Costco Close on Other Holidays?

Costco doesn’t close for every federal holiday, but they do for more than the half of them. Here are the six federal holidays where Costco doesn’t open:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Costco also isn’t open on Easter, even though that is not a federal holiday.

However, Costco is open on some federal holidays, including:

  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
  • Washington’s Birthday / President’s Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day

It’s important to note that on the day before certain holiday closures, many Costco locations close early. Usually, this only includes early closing hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when they shut their doors at 6:00 pm instead of the typical 8:30 pm if the day before the holiday falls on a weekday. If the day before Christmas or New Year’s is on a Saturday or Sunday, then they may close even earlier.

However, this may vary by location, so it’s wise to call ahead if you want to confirm that Costco is open. This is especially true if you have to travel a significant distance to reach a Costco, as you wouldn’t want to spend a substantial amount of time and gas on a wasted trip.

Did you need to know if Costco is open on Labor Day? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about holiday closures? Here are a few to get you started.

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.

Don’t Miss Out on These Father’s Day Deals (UPDATED)

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Father's day deals
Father’s Day spending is estimated to reach a startling $15.3 billion this year, with the average person spending around $133 on dad. Popular gifts for dads this year are outings, clothing, gift cards, and electronics. What if you’re celebrating on a dime? Where are the best Father’s Day deals and freebies?

As of this writing, a lot the Father’s Day deals that have been publicized involve restaurant gift cards.

Most of these promotions started before Mother’s Day and last until the day after Father’s Day. For a complete listing of these restaurant gift cards, please click here.

Beyond that, below are Father’s Day gift deals that are known so far — please check back here for updates on other promotions as they become public.

23 and Me

Save 30 percent on a health and ancestry kit as a Father’s Day gift.

3D Laser Gifts 

Save 35 percent sitewide when you use the discount code BESTDAD at checkout.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Get 33 percent off the price of an outdoor six-burner gas grill; 33 percent off an Intex 14′ by 42′ round Ultra Frame Pool Set; and 27 percent off a Perception Pescador Angler 12″ kayak. Save up to 30 percent on apparel and footwear for golf and also fishing.

Plus there’s also savings of up to 25 percent on clothing and apparel from Nike and Under Armour. Additionally, there’s apparel and footwear at up to 60 percent off and free shipping on orders over $25.

Ace Hardware

Save up to $100 on Traeger Pro Series 22 wood pellet grills; get a free $50 gift card with the purchase of a $249 Yeti Cooler; save 20 percent on Adams Adirondack chairs and loungers; and save $150 on a Monaco gas firepit seating set.

Allen Edmonds

Save up to $200 on men’s shoes for Father’s Day. Save 20 percent on matching belts and wallets.

Amazon

Amazon is offering up to 60 percent off Dewalt Tools (and free two-day shipping) for Father’s Day. You’ll also be able to score other great deals via the Father’s Day section of the site, which includes other types of tools along with grills, and other things that appeal to men.

Ancestry.com

For a limited time, Ancestry.com is offering its genealogy research for $69 (it’s normally $99).

Apollo Box

Use the code HAPPYDAD at checkout to save $10 on Father’s Day gifts priced over $50 and $25 on gifts priced over $100.

The Art of Shaving

Shaving kits are another ideal gift for dad, and right now, The Art of Shaving is offering $30 off orders of $100 or more for Father’s Day.

Barnes and Noble

Get up to 40 percent off books that dads might love; buy two paperbacks and get the third one free. And, clearance items are marked down by as much as 75 percent.

Bass Pro Shop

Bass Pro Shop is celebrating its annual outdoors sale in conjunction with Father’s Day. That means you will receive up to 50 percent off items throughout the store and online. Plus, get free shipping with any order of $50 or more.

Bath & Body Works

Although this might not be the first retailer you think of as a possible source for Father’s Day gifts, you might be surprised. The store does have items for men that include scents, candles, and spa items. Best of all, you can save up to 75 percent here.

Beer of the Month Club

Use the promo code FD10 to save $10 on any four-shipment order; use the code FD15 for $15 off any prepaid six-shipment order; or the code FD25 for $25 off any prepaid 12-shipment order.

Best Buy

Best Buy is holding a number of sales in honor of Father’s Day and graduation season. Shoppers can get 20 percent off one regular-priced item. You’ll also be able to get up to 40 percent off appliances in the store.

Cabela’s

Shoppers can enjoy up to 50 percent off a large number of items in the store — including savings on hundreds of items that would make great Father’s Day gifts.

CafePress

Save 20 percent on customized gifts for Father’s Day when you use thecode DAD18.

Char-Broil

Right now, you can get 20 percent off and free shipping on your order from Char-Broil. And it’s the ideal retailer to check out if you’re looking to get a new grill for dad, by the way.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Get a free $20 gift card when you spend $100 or more on the site. Save up to 50 percent on Under Armour rand items, and save up to 25 percent on Nike footwear and apparel.

There are also buy-one-get-one deals on swimsuits, shirts, athletic gear and other items. Additionally, get free shipping with any online order of at least $49.

Famous Smoke Shop

If your dad enjoys a cigar, you can get 10 percent off orders of $100 or more online or within stores. Additionally, more than 140 different cigars have markdowns of up to 51 percent.

Fitbit

Save up to 50 percent on fitness trackers, and get free shipping with any purchase of $50 or more.

eBay

The online auctioneer and commerce site is offering up to 70 percent off select items for Father’s Day. Like Amazon, eBay has an entire  section catering to those looking for the perfect gift for dad.

GNC

Get 15 percent off any order at GNC for Father’s Day. Also, for a limited time, the company is offering a buy-two-get-one-free sale for most of the items in its store.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

Get 15 percent off Father’s Day gifts when you use the discount code DAD15 at checkout.

Guitar Center

Save up to 25 percent — for a maximum discount of $500 – on musical instruments and accessories when you use the code JUNE25 at checkout.

Hayneedle

Hayneedle is offering 35 percent off patio furniture, fire pits, and grills for Father’s Day. Online shoppers will also have a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree.

Holiday Wine Cellar

Save up to 50 percent on Father’s Day gifts. Save $5 on bourbons worth at least $50 when you use the discount code BOURBON50 at checkout.

Home Depot

Select power tools will be up to 20 percent off at Home Depot for Father’s Day. You’ll also be able to capitalize on the company’s Memorial Day Sale for a little while longer (40 percent off appliances) and free two-day shipping on thousands of items.

Loot Crate

Use the code SUPERDAD30 to save 30 percent on subscription crates with a gaming or nerdy theme; offer valid through June 19.

Lowe’s

Save up to 20 percent on select grills, which make ideal Father’s Day gifts. The retailer is also offering 40 percent off some appliances.

Massage Envy

Get a free half-hour total body stretch session when you buy $125 in gift cards. The offer’s good through Father’s Day and can’t be redeemed at the same time.

Modell’s Sporting Goods

Save up to 50 percent on tee-shirts for Father’s Day; save 25 percent on Nike apparel.

Monoprice

Save up to 50 percent on headphones, speakers, amps and other electronics.

Mrs. Fields

Save 25 percent on Father’s Day gifts when you use the discount code DAD25 at checkout.

Nordstrom

Save up to 35 percent on clothing, shoes, fitness trackers, watches and cologne — through June 18.

Omaha Steaks

For Father’s Day, Omaha Steaks is offering customers four free burgers plus free shipping on orders of $49 or more. You’ll also save up to 66 percent on all orders for dad. Finally, for a limited time, you’ll receive a $20 gift card with orders over $89.

Oster

Save up to 25 percent on clippers, blenders, deep fryers and other Father’s Day gifts when you use the code DAD25 at checkout. Get free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Sears

Like other retailers, Sears is offering great deals on grills around Father’s Day; save up to 40 percent off select grills for dad.

Shari’s Berries

Save 20 percent on gifts that cost at least $29 when you use the discount code SBPLA29 at checkout — offer valid through June 18.

Shutterfly

Create a personalized one-of-a-kind photo book for dad and save up to 50 percent on it. Save 50 percent on customized barware when you use the discount code GIFTSFORDAD at checkout.

Snapfish

Another popular photo service, Snapfish, is offering 60 percent off sitewide for Father’s Day. There’s also an entire section of the site devoted to gifts less than $15.

Sur La Table

Save up to 70 percent on cutlery; save up to 60 percent on Nespresso machines; and save 45 percent on a Breville Smart Oven Pro. Save $50 on Pico Home Brewers and get 20% off De’Longhi Espresso Machines. Plus, clearance items are up to 65 percent off.

Target

Target’s Father’s Day sale gives shoppers up to 50 percent off various items in the store and up to 25 percent off patio furniture.

Threads 4 Thought

Save 30 percent on men’s styles when you use the discount code DADSDAY30. Get free shipping with any purchase of $70 or more.

Walgreens

Father’s Day deals are in the photo department: receive 40 percent off prints, posters, and enlargements, and 30 percent off everything else related to photos.

Walmart

Walmart has a number of electronics on clearance just in time for Father’s Day, with markdowns of up to 85 percent. Save up to 35 percent on select workbenches, and get 30 percent off toolsets and power tools.

The Best Father’s Day Deals

These are just a few of the best Father’s Day deals that have been publicized so far. Again, please check back here for more updates on other promotions as they are announced.

Readers, do you know about any Father’s Day deals or freebies that can be added to this article? If so, please tell us about them by posting in the comments section beneath this post.

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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.

Best Buys for Father’s Day Gifts

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Best Buys for Father's Day Take Care of Dad without Breaking the Bank

Father’s Day is coming up on June 17. What can you get dad to celebrate his special day without loading up the credit cards?

Sometimes simpler gifts are the best. Simpler gifts may also be your only option if you are young and short on cash, or if your credit is not up to scratch right now.

What does your dad like to do in his spare time (if he has any)? What are his hobbies and his favorite activities outside of work? With a bit of recon before Father’s Day and the occasional leading question, you can get some idea of what he might like or need. Hint: if he is like 99.9% of dads, the best choice is not aftershave or a necktie — no matter how cool the necktie is.

Tools

There are usually plenty of good summer deals on tools for the dad who likes to putter around in his workshop, garage, or garden. These tools don’t necessarily have to be expensive power tools; they can be accessories such as new drill bits or replacements for bent and broken gardening tools. How about a new toolbox to store all his tools? Mom would appreciate that.

Grilling Supplies

Is your dad the neighborhood Grillmaster? You can probably pick up inexpensive supplies ranging from cleaning tools to special marinades to replacement tongs. Besides making dad feel special, you will get some delicious barbecue out of the deal — a win for everybody.

Golf

Consider a set of club head covers or replace those golf balls that dad lost trying to drive over the lake at #15 with a new box of his favorite brand. Tell him that if he doesn’t stop trying to drive over the lake at hole #15, next year he’s getting a telescoping lost ball retriever (or a wet suit and a snorkel).

Music

Does dad have an iPod or similar music player? Surprise him with an iTunes gift card, or if you are daring enough to figure out the kind of music he likes, download some of his favorite tunes and give him the gift of your own recommended playlist. If you are under thirty years old, don’t mix up your playlist with his. Dad is probably not ready for that yet.

Smartphone Accessories

Dad probably has a smartphone but may be too busy to look for apps that he might find interesting or useful. He may even be one of those old-school dads that use it to make phone calls and talk with other people.

Bring dad up to speed with a selection of apps that you can download and show him how to use. Throw in a few games and teach him how to use them clandestinely in boring meetings. He’ll be grateful.

Hunting, Fishing or Camping Gear

There’s always some accessory available for the outdoorsman at your local Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s. Perhaps some new fishing lures or warm hunting clothes? Maybe he can use that game app you downloaded (with the sound off) while he’s waiting in a deer stand or duck blind.

If you want to go completely cheap and personalized, try homemade Father’s Day coupons — good for cashing in on chores dad hates doing or special activities.

The best advice we can give for Father’s Day gifts is to ask dad for some simple ideas. Most dads are just looking forward to a day of relaxation and aren’t too hung up on gifts. Maybe a hammock and a cold beverage would be the way to go?

This article was provided by our content partners at MoneyTips.com. Photo ©iStockphoto.com/PeopleImages

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Click here to get started.

Is Walmart Open Memorial Day 2018?

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Is Walmart open Memorial Day?

Is Walmart open Memorial Day 2018? Yes, it will be open that day and throughout the weekend.

In fact, the retailer has a lot of items on sale during the week surrounding the May 28 holiday.

Here’s a sampling of deals you just might not be able to pass up:

  • Videogame consoles, games and accessories are up to 90 percent off.
  • Electronics items on clearance are up to 85 percent off.
  • Kitchen appliances are up to 66 percent off.
  • Baby furniture and accessories are up to 44 percent off.
  • Mattresses are up to 33 percent off.

Walmart Open Memorial Day Means Crowds

Savings of this magnitude might draw big crowds to the store — but if you don’t feel like dealing with throngs, you don’t have to: Walmart is offering free two-day shipping on all purchases made online.

Alternatively, you could try to hit the stores before or after the holiday weekend.

Walmart is indeed also open on all of the days surrounding the holiday — Friday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 29 are business as usual for the retailer.

Readers, have you seen any other deals at Walmart that aren’t mentioned in this article? Please tell us about them by posting in the comments section beneath this post. And while we’re at it, please tell us what sort of plans you’re making for the holiday weekend — will they include any shopping expeditions?

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