Thursday, February 19, 2009

IF I WERE A RICH MAN.....YA DE YA DE

Yep, if we were all rich we wouldn't have to worry about
s t r e t c h i n g our dollars. But we're not, so here's another post
on saving $$$, this time at the dollar stores....what are the
'deals' and 'rip-offs'?

DOLLAR STORE DO'S

-cleaning products -- except for dishwashing liquid...check per oz. prices.

-dishes & glassware -- mainly because you can buy individual items instead of sets.

-gift wrap & gift bags

-greeting cards -- my secret card store!

-grooming tools -- basic things, eg: hairbrushes, emery boards, mirrors, tweezers, etc.

-kitchen accessories -- can openers, spatulas, ladles, dish racks, etc. Exceptions: avoid knives!

-Mops, brooms, scrub brushes - just the basics, but do the job.

-plastic storage bins -- stackables, garbage pails, etc.

-holiday decor & party favors -- I get a lot of our 'empty nester's FHE stuff there!

-simple tools -- No, not dad's quality, but if you need a basic hammer or some screw drivers!

-socks -- compare to $2.50 dept store quality.

DOLLAR STORE DON'TS

-baby food - most is fine, BUT there have been dangerous chemicals found in some.

-bagged candy - Walmart is cheaper, especially in larger size packages.

-batteries - Target & Walmart usually cheaper...but Costco beats them all.

-bottled water - ditto on the above

-children's toys - they often break easily & can even be hazardous...some contain lead.

-disposable plates, cups & napkins - again, Walmart & costco in large amounts. better: cloth!

-extension cords - low quality & can cause fires!

-off-brand foods - check expirations dates. Poor quality or lower standard quantities.

-pet food & toys - some unsafe, lower quality & check expiration dates. Leashes & collars okay.

-resealable sandwich bags - Walmart & Costco again top out.

-toothpaste - some have found dangerous ingredients & sales/walmart/costco again win out.

-vitamins - studies have found they don't deliver the content they claim.

And did you know.... wealthier people use cents-off coupons more often
than lower-income folks? Biggest coupon users have incomes of $150,000 or
more a year! Also, better educated people are more likely to use them too.























3 comments:

Keira said...

I'll have to pick up wrapping tissue paper--Between all the kids it really ads up.

AM Runner CA said...

Good tips as usual! We have been belt tightening as well and it all adds up!

Debbie said...

I do buy some toys there - but not for little kids...wiffle balls and hula hoop type stuff - they work just fine for seminary age kids - I'm pretty sure they don't put them in their mouths.