Shop the Dollar Tree to Save MoneyI am an avid shopper and I research a lot. Do something for yourself and you will see what I mean. Go to Dollar tree and then search anything you like. The lotions and body washes are just as good as the national brands.
Product Review: Zout Stain RemoverI want to share with my fellow Thriftyfun readers a product I have been using for years. "Zout" is the most amazing stain remover. My husband had back surgery and blood leaked through his bandages onto several different articles of clothing. "Zout" took it out.
Washer Fluid Spray Bottle for Ice Free WindowsLiving in a very cold climate I found this to be a very useful tool for winter days. Purchase a gallon jug of the re-fill windshield washer fluid and fill a small spray bottle with the liquid.
Prevent Your Car Doors from FreezingSpraying the rubber gaskets on your car doors with PAM or similar cooking spray will keep the doors from freezing shut.Just spray and then rub in with paper towel.
Monthly Coupons at GoodwillI frequently shop at Goodwill for clothing, household items, etc. I found that for only $5 I can get a mailing of monthly coupons for $5 off if you spend $10.
Price Accuracy Guarantee at Vons/SafewayI took a picture of the Vons/Safeway policy while at self check out. They have a Price Accuracy Guarantee, where if you are overcharged and the item is less than $5, it will be free. And, if it was more than $5, you will get a gift card and price adjustment.
Prevent Frost On Car Mirrors With Plastic BagsIf you do not have a garage for car during the stormy winter months, cover mirrors with a baggie. (The best are Hefty Ziplock Gallon Freezer bags). That way your mirror stays frost and snow free.
Ice Proof Car WindowsThere is an easy and cheap way to make sure you don't end up with iced over windows every morning on your car. Vinegar! Just fill a spray bottle 3/4 of the way with vinegar and the rest with room temp water.
Disinfecting Old Hats And ShoesI read recently somewhere that among the things you should NOT buy used are shoes and hats. Hmmm - I have been doing that for years with no bad results, but in this day of proliferating bugs, I suppose we all should be very careful.
Be Careful Using Spray N Wash Dual PowerJust a heads-up I wanted to pass on to other readers. If you use Spray N Wash Dual Power stain remover for your clothes, don't apply it to the stain and then leave it sit for a long period of time. . .
Stretching Tight Boots and ShoesI have really big muscular calves and wide feet (thanks, Mum!), making it very hard for me to fit into shoes I fancy. I bought these suede boots and pumps online because they were dirt cheap and super cute. When they arrived, not surprisingly, I could not fit into them.
Homemade "No Show" SocksMake your own "no show" socks. Cut the panty part off the pantyhose. Stretch the open end of the cut off stocking over your foot. Cut off the excess stocking off, leaving a seam allowance of 1/4 inch.
Passing Car Smog Check (California)Last year, one of our cars did not pass smog the first time around. We had to pay the regular smog fees, then a retest fee when the car passed the second time around. It would have passed if we knew the basic knowledge so this year, we made sure our car will passed before going.
Product Review: Dinnerly Meal DeliveryRecently, I tried a meal delivery service, Dinnerly. My teen daughter has been more interested in cooking lately and I thought it would be a good way to teach her some techniques and recipes that are different than my usual meals. Here's how it went:
Using Digital Coupons and Rewards When ShoppingIn addition to coupons sent by mail or in newspapers, many stores have their own system for digital savings too. This is a great way to save money at the checkout. It encourages customers to be "loyal" to that store and allows the store to send you specific promotions based on your shopping history.
Review Your Subscription Services
Many of us have cancelled cable but quickly found we're spending the same money on streaming services. Even worse, it's sometimes hard to remember what streaming services we're actually paying for. With subscriptions not just for TV but also music, ebooks, newspapers, video games, and fitness it can be hard to keep track.
Product Review: LED Clamp LampI do a lot of close up work when crafting and this light is amazing! The neck is long and flexible, the clamp stays very snug and is great for saving space on your work table. The light is bright, and the magnification is perfect. The light was not that expensive either. It would also make a great gift for someone that does close up work. I don't know what I ever did without it!
You Don't Have to Buy a New Car If You Have a ToyotaI am a female, through and through, old fashioned, not old, old enough to know better, so I know very little about cars. I have a "new" transmission in my 2000 Chevy Malibu when it was the motor mount that was doing something--and didn't need replacing!! After that, I'm scared to DEATH of any mechanic. I finally said, Hey, I'm going to buy a better car.
Don't Shrink Your CrocsI purchased my first pair of Crocs this year and was really enjoying them especially working out in the garden. Crocs are made of Croslite which is a comfortable material that shapes itself according to the wearer's feet. I learned to not put my Crocs out in the hot sun for a long time, especially if they are wet.
Keeping Track of Screws When Assembling a TreadmillOrdering a treadmill in the middle of a pandemic has its own challenges. Just having to wait a month for delivery was the first. Add to that the delivery restrictions that were in place. There was no option to have it delivered to the house or to pay to have someone assemble it.
In-Store Return Policy Extended During COVID-19Do you need to make an in-store return for an item you don't need, no longer need it, bought extra of or are unsatisfied with? I'm here to share with you with my in-store return and experience at Lowes.
Shop Semi-Annual SalesLadies, we all love smelling good and treating ourselves, but why break the bank in the process? Back in January, I went to Bath and Body Works semi- annual sale where they basically have all their fall and winter scents on major clearance while gearing up for spring.
Paper Bottle OpenerOpening a bottle can be so hard without a bottle opener. Last night my partner solved it with a piece of paper. It was shocking! I never thought a piece of paper could become a bottle opener.
Check Street Signs ThoroughlyHere is my lesson learned that resulted me in paying a $60 ticket that I wanted to share with you all. Be sure to check street signs carefully, especially street signs on both sides of the road even if you plan to park on just one side.
Always Tip Your Servers/DriversUsually I would say this to people when dining in a restaurant. But because of the current situation the whole world is facing, delivery or curbside pick up is the IN thing at the moment, right? So, my tip is: Always tip your server or driver because they're so worth it! (Especially NOW)'
Ordering Groceries from AmazonIf you need groceries an alternative would be ordering off Amazon via Amazon Fresh or Amazon Whole Foods. It is free shipping if you spend $35 or more for Amazon members.
Faster Economical Grocery ShoppingArmed with your list, pick up frozen food first. Yes, it sounds crazy, but knowing that your frozen items might melt, you will now be propelled through the market and out the door. You won't dawdle looking at items you do not need but might be tempted to buy.
Drying Out Wet Shopping BagsHere in Oregon, single use plastic bags have gone the way of the beta. I am glad. I had a particularly soggy shopping today today, and I came upon a trick that you might want to modify. I happened to have a wicker basket that I got and it was perfect for up-ending the wet bag and letting it drain.
Stick to Solid Color PursesOne way to economize in the closet is to purchase solid color purses. I know there are several designers who produce vividly patterned quilted purses, and they look great in the store, but really, how often are you dressed in solid colors top to bottom? Those patterned purses will clash with any outfit that boasts a print top, skirt, jacket or dress.
Divide Bulk Purchases and SaveBuying food in bulk can help save money but not if you throw half of it away because it goes bad. I buy cheese and meats in larger quantities if the price is low enough. Dividing my purchase into more manageable servings and freezing helps me save time and money.
Hidden Treasure When ShoppingWhen I make my grocery list, I put how much I'm willing to spend next to each item. If I catch something on sale or have a coupon for it, it's like a hidden treasure. I put the difference in savings. Also, I keep my lists in a spiral noteook. I can look back to see how much I paid for an item, and I can usually tell what items I have on hand so I don't buy stuff I already have.
Household Bleach ReviewI've read labels all my life. One of the first I remember reading was on a brown glass Clorox bottle. A lot of accidents occurred with that thin glass container. Here, plastic is definitely an advantage. My focus in this review will be on the percentage of sodium hypochlorite in the cleaner.
Freebies on Tuesdays at VonsIf you are a frequent shopper of the grocery store Vons, every Tuesday you can check Von's Facebook page for the WORD OF THE DAY. You will find the freebie in the store, tell the cashier at check out - the word of the day and the item is free.
Shopping Rewards for Healthy ChoicesMany companies today will reward you with cash prizes to use in-store for making healthy life decisions. One of my favourite ones is called Balance Rewards for Healthy Choices by Walgreens. You can sync your smartphone with their app and allow it to track how much you walk around.
Misleading PackagingDon't be fooled by packaging. I ran out of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, so when I went to Walgreens, I did not see the brand I previous purchased. Instead, I noticed this new brand called Guru Nanda. It was the same price and from what I recalled, a much larger bottle. Wow, I thought, what a deal, but come to find out, it was just the packaging!
Take Advantage of Store Rain ChecksFinding big sale items in weekly store ads is great, until you get to the store and notice they've ran out of stock. It can be frustrating, especially because you've made an effort to make it out to the store only to find there was nothing there for you.
Contact Company Directly About Food IssuesHave you ever purchased a food item whether it may be fresh, canned, frozen and you are not satisfied? Sometimes the item is spoiled or in my case moldy even before the expiration date, you could contact the company and provide your feedback.
Product Review: WhipIt All Natural Fabric CleanerI've recently discovered the fabulous fabric cleaning product called: WhipIt. It has a citrus-based, all natural compound and is made in Florida. It works like magic and smells divine! If one needs serious (not to mention non-noxious!), remedial help with stained and or dingy textiles, this miracle in liquid form is the answer.
Many Stores Accept Competitor CouponsDo you know some stores accept competitor coupons? It will vary depending on store, location, policy, manager but it doesn't hurt to try to ask/use them. I was able to use 20% Harbor Freight coupon at Home Depot and that helped me save some money.
Buying in Bulk SmartlyI don't like buying household items in grocery stores. The prices are outrageous! I'm sure most will agree! I am a household of just one, but strongly believe in saving as much money as I can. I have priced products online and in club stores and have found a great online company that beats all prices!
E-Receipts instead of PaperIf you don't want to bring home additional trash (receipts) that will eventually get tossed out or misplaced having the e-receipt option sent to your e-mail is extremely useful. E-receipt is better than not getting a receipt because you can still review your purchase immediately and have your receipt saved encase you need to make a future exchange or return!
Shop After Easter ClearanceIf you're in need of home decor, shop after holiday clearance sales and be open minded. You will save a ton of money! These pillows retail for $19.99 each at Target. I paid only $1.99 each.
Prolonging the Life of PantyhoseOk, I am a HUGE pantyhose fan and I try to wear them every day. I adore the way they add contrast to my legs, help shape my body, the delicate hug and compression, the sexy "Hey, here are my legs!" shimmer, and the concealment of imperfections and their transformation into testaments of feminine power and grace. Even their scent is admired by many men and women alike.
Find Parking Meters With Time LeftIf there are parking meters in your area and parking is not limited, try to pull into a parking space that still has some money left from the previous car.
DIY Windshield Defroster and Water RepellentYou don't need to buy expensive window treatment solutions to repel rain, nor do you have to spend your whole morning trying to scrape ice off your car windows before you go to work. All you need is a spray bottle, rubbing alcohol, and water. Save time and money!
Shopping Tips for In-Store Pick UpBuying online and picking up in-store is a free and convenient method of shopping. However, I would highly recommend inspecting the items before allowing the cashier to finalize the purchase.
Use Sticky Rice as Postage Stamp AdhesiveDon't you hate it when you incorrectly address an envelope you have already applied postage too? Then peel off the stamp and it no longer has adhesive?
Buying Holiday Clearance CandyChristmas is now over. All retailers are getting rid of their holiday items by pricing them 70 to 90% off!
Take Screenshots of Purchase ConfirmationsWhen you order things online, always take screenshots of the order summary and guaranteed delivery date immediately after purchase. Whether the purchase information is on the retailer's website on in your email, they can suddenly delay your delivery date and not inform you. The information for shipping can be altered, even in your original email.
Jot Down Expected DeliveriesI recently experienced a couple of lost deliveries which was extremely disappointing and frustrating not to mention lots of time wasted! I had to be on the phone with the company I purchased from, delivery service as well as my credit card company. All together I spent over 5 hours of my time being placed on hold, switched to different departments and finally was able to dispute the charges. Not only did it take a big chunk of my time, but over a weeks course to resolve everything!
Rewards for Playing GamesGood day Thrifty Fun, I am here in hopes to share a few things. Let's begin. I play a game called Very Dice. I will say this if you have children you don't want to be without this on each phone. They will be able to roll and have so much fun.
Improved Totes WarrantyI like buying products with lifetime warranties, such as Totes umbrellas. The last time I had to use the warranty, I had to mail back the entire umbrella, plus a $5 check to cover postage for the return umbrella. They have changed their policy for the better.
Provide Feedback About Online PurchasesIf you are a frequent online shopper like myself, there are some times where you may not be happy with the item quality, or damages upon arrival. For example, I ordered a couple of new books online. The books were not packaged with care and just tossed in an oversized box. All the books suffered dented spines and that just breaks my heart to see!
Snap Photos of Grocery Items PurchasedLately, I have been snapping quick photos of all the items I place in my grocery cart that I will be purchasing because accidental price errors can occur at check out.
Money Back for Grocery ShoppingAre there items you wish you could afford but they just don't fit your budget? Items you would like to try but unsure how they'd taste and don't want to consider it a waste of money. Or, did you know items you already shop and buy can qualify toward cash back?!
Take a Peek at Corn Before BuyingIt's corn season right now. Here's a tip if you don't already know - to get the best corn, you have to take a little peek! Peel a little bit of the corn husk down and inspect kernels to ensure plump and all there.
Ask for a DiscountI shop at TJ Maxx or Marshalls for past season sneakers because they are always 50%+ off from retail price.
Car CurtainsHere is a way to add shade in your car inexpensively and without tinting or obscuring the driver's view. It helps to give everyone including baby and pets extra shade, plus great for road trips. All it takes are simple curtain rods with small hooks and screws and semi-transparent kitchen window curtains. Some cars may already have hooks in the back, like our van. Stay cool and enjoy!
Label Purchase Dates on Personal/Beauty Care ItemsIn my free time, I enjoy to coupon or find deals for items that my family and I use, or items that I could gift. My little stockpile is building up so now, I label each item with the date I purchased so I know which one to grab first (the older date).
Blue Magic Metal Cleaner to Restore Darkened Stainless SteelWe have a new RV that we live in. I used Lime Away to get rid of some hard water deposits and it blackened and my stainless steel faucet. After much ado I tried the Blue Magic metal cleaner. It works; all I can say is it works, it works, it works!
Free Fruit for KidsIf you're going shopping with your young ones, several grocery stores have free treats or fruit for your kids.
Free Expired ItemsI went to Sprouts today and an item on my grocery list was parmesan cheese for a baked chicken dinner. I came across this brand called BelGioioso on sale for $2.99. Sounds great because there's parmesan cheese as well as 3 other cheeses so I could make pizza too, but when I checked the expiration "best by" date, it had already passed, 7 days ago!
In-Store Pickup to Save on Shipping CostsI refuse to pay shipping fees when it comes to ordering online, only because the items I am purchasing may not work out. If I end up returning the item, I'll be at a loss of the non-refundable shipping fee. I usually wait when there are promotions to order online and receive free shipping.
Craft Stores for New T-ShirtsWhen I was working as a secretary and later a teacher, I dressed to the nines every day. I bought classic clothing that lasted a long time and didn't pay much attention to trends, so some of my secretary clothes spilled over into my teaching career.
Supermarket FreebiesMost of the large supermarket chains offer free full-size items every week. They work via mobile phone app or mailing list. Just sign up and they'll notify you when something free is available for pickup. You usually have 2 to 3 weeks to get it, so it's pretty convenient.
Motorcycle Sissy Bar AlternativeI love riding on my boyfriend's motorcycle but the passenger seat isn't too passenger friendly. Without installing a sissy bar, you will be sliding around the back which may cause the wheel well to rub or, worse, you can slide off. My boyfriend doesn't like the sissy bar look, and mounting/detaching one every time I ride with him can be a hassle. To purchase a detachable sissybar was far too expensive.
WalMart Deal Alert: Scissor and Basting BrushWalMart now has its annual display of grilling items. Grills galore and more. They also have some great deals on accessory items. You'll find a pretty large selection of items for 88 cents. Grill brushes, tongs, wiener molds, skewers, etc. The tongs were good size and quite hefty for that price.
Awesome Cleaner from the Dollar StoreMy neighbor told me about Awesome for cleaning vinyl siding. She really liked it, so last year, when I was in Dollar General, I picked up a 32 ounce bottle of it for $1.00. I had not used it until this week when cleaning the porch, getting the wood ready for painting and new screen wire.
Free Road Maps and Other Travel InformationNo need to buy a road map from the gas station convenience store. Go to the website for the Department of Transportation for your State. Request a free state road map and it will be mailed to you. You will receive the map very quickly in the mail. I live in Michigan and this was my experience to receive the map.
LED Bulbs at Dollar TreeSomeone posted about LED bulbs at Dollar Tree last week. At that time, they were $1.00 per bulb. I see that some Dollar Tree stores have quantity 2 60w LED equivalent bulbs packaged for $1.00 per package ($.50 per bulb).
Which Side of the Car Has the Gas Cap?If you switch cars, rent a car, or just cannot remember, this is a useful tip. The icon of a gas tank on your dashboard will have a triangle on the right or left. That shows you what side of the car you put the gas in. The picture shows my car takes gas on the left.
Use Your Own Mind When Making PurchasesWhat is a 'benhad'? It's not the lowest soldier rank in Xerxes Persian army, nor is it the latest hair style craze by Lauri Pedaja. A benhad is simply a person who has been had by the system.
Shop After Christmas for DiscountsAfter Christmas, that's when the sales start from 70-90%. I was incredibly shocked with the amount of selection at my local Target. I was able to stop by on January 1st and stock up on Christmas items, all for 90% off. Items that I would normally not splurge on but have always wanted:
Get Gas Before the HolidaysTry to fill up your gas before the holidays. Gas prices usually increase by the holidays or holiday weekend, so don't delay and get your gas the last minute.
Planter to Hide PackagesLiving in a strict HOA community, we're unable to plant anything out in front or put anything like a bench. Instead, we placed a planter and it's a spot where delivery people usually leave our packages. That way, from the street it won't be obvious that we have a package if we're not home yet.
Get a Raincheck for Out of Stock ItemsIf an item is out of stock, don't forget to get a raincheck. I went to CVS today and as you can see the entire sale items are wiped out. The deal is if you purchase a select Conair Hair Styling Product for $15, you get $10 Extra Bucks (essentially a coupon to shop back at CVS).
Living With Hype ~ Then And NowWe live in the age of 'Hype'. And we have for so long, the plain unadulterated truth would probably sound strange to us. Even the adjectives we use cannot be taken literally. Have you noticed things that have no weight now come in tons? 'I spent the weekend at the beach and had tons of fun'.
Shop Thrift Stores FirstI go to my local thrift store at least once a week. You never know what you are going to find. Today I found an Alex and Ani bracelet for $1, which my daughter will love. This bracelet would have cost $28 new.
Splurging on a Sweet TreatI follow brands that I like, for instance, Sprinkles Cupcakes on social media (Instagram/Facebook) and occasionally, they will post promotions like:
Attend Store Grand OpeningsAmazing Savings just opened near me. To celebrate, they gave out umbrellas. You did not have to buy anything. This was not advertised, but I have had similar experiences in other stores, so I went just to see. Who can''not use an umbrella?
Take Pictures of Cars in Parking LotWhen I park my car, I always ensure that I am parked in the middle of the lane as possible. Unfortunately being nice and considerate of others, doesn't mean other people are also. I have had a couple of incidents of minor hit/run incidents where the cars parked beside me hit my car as they reversed.
Prioritize Grocery Shopping TripsIn our household, we usually plan our cooking based on what we have leftover at home, cravings/meal requests and the circular weekly ads. There are a couple of stores where you can "double dip" circular weekly ad sales.
Always Price CheckOne of my biggest shopping tips is to always price check items. You might be surprised at the price difference at times.
Buying the Most Economical ApplianceDecide what features are must-haves. The dryer pictured was only $299. I gave up the bell that rang when the clothes were dry, because the cheapest model with that feature was $200 more.
Bring Your Own Shopping BagsTarget will give you 5 cents off for every bag they don't have to give you. Be prepared by storing some in the trunk of your car, saving money and the planet.
Remember Where You ParkedUse your phone so you do not forget where you parked. Go to your maps setting menu, and scroll down. You will see a toggle option labeled "Show parked location". Turn that feature on. The maps app will show you a notification that it has dropped a pin for your car location.
Use Browser Extensions to Save Money OnlineI have been using free extensions on my Chrome web browser when I shop online to save HUGE bucks. You simply add them to your Chrome browser then browse your favourite online shops. It will automatically try coupon codes for you, shows you price history and price drops, and tells if you if it's the best buy.
Don't Store Anything on Your Car's Passenger SeatYour car will sense the weight on the seat. If you are in an accident, the passenger airbag will deploy. It is expensive to replace airbags. This can make the difference in your insurance company deciding whether or not to total your car or repair it.
Sleeping With Your Car KeysThe red panic button on our car keys is a useful safety protection when we are in our homes. I bring my car keys into my bedroom and leave them on my night stand. In an event of an emergency, I will know where my car keys are immediately.
Carefully Inspect New AppliancesI recommend to carefully inspect your new appliances upon delivery with the delivery person. Make any notations with the delivery person and have it noted on your documents prior to signing the form. Purchasing a new appliance is very expensive and we would not want to receive a damaged, scratched, or dented appliance.
Product Review: Act Restoring Anti-cavity Fluoride MouthwashAs an adult, dental insurance no longer covers fluoride treatments after a teeth cleaning. A good way to protect ourselves is by using fluoride mouth wash. The only brand I know that has fluoride in their mouthwash is Act, which is also recommended by my dentist.
Shopping Clearance SectionsA thrifty way to shop is to check out the clearance and final sale section. Some items are still in decent shape with minor flaws that could easily be fixed with a simple DIY.
Don't Get Scammed with Buying Amusement TicketsAmusement park tickets are always increasing. If we could save any money, we would love to right? But please be careful. Many tickets that sound too good to be true can be fishy or even fake. Do not fall for the scam.
Score Deals at Store ClosingIt's sad to see so many big stores closing. I don't often visit store closings because I always thought the prices are expensive, but actually the prices are reasonable and they will only get cheaper toward the end of the closing date.
Perfect Parking in your GarageNot good at predicting how far to drive into the garage to park? Fear no more. This easy tip will help you get the perfect parking every time.
Check your License Plates RegularlyIt is very important to be familiar with your license plate number, or at a glance, know your license plate. Sometime last year, we had our rear license plate stolen and replaced with a different license plate. We noticed because when we went to close the trunk, the license plate rattled because a screw was loose.
Get a Receipt when ShoppingSome stores I go to ask if I want a receipt - the environmentally friendly method would be to say "no", however the thrifty part of me says "yes". I always get a receipt.
Bread Bag to Store Paper Towel RollUse a clean empty bread bag to store paper towels in your car. The towels stay clean and can't unroll.
Proper Disposal of Motor OilThere are many local auto shops and recycling centers that will accept your used motor oil and oil filters so they can be properly recycled - refined, reconditioned or reprocessed. It is completely free to you. Do not toss into the trash can or recycle can at your home.
Spray Bottle Deal AlertI love Dollar Tree, but their spray bottles are not worth bringing home. Out of desperation, I began buying chemicals I didn't really need just to get the sprayer. Then I spotted a nice spray bottle at Walmart.
Trying Lotion Samples from StoresI have purchased so many jars of creams and lotions that end up not having the result I was hoping for. I keep empty clean RX bottles in my bag and I just put a few pumps in the bottle when I see a sample of a new cream. That way I can try it out for three to five days and see if there is any problem with it.
Check Used Goods for RecallsI saw someone put out this baby gate and asked if I could have it. I had trouble adjusting it to fit my door. The manual online didn't seem to help, so I called the Fisher Price customer service. It turned out that there was a recall on some of the gates because of a high lead count on one of the stickers.
