Savings.com Blog - Shop Smarter

Save more money with Cartwheel by Target

FreeHotSamples — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Have you heard about Target's Cartwheel? It's a new way to save on your favorite items at Target.

I'm still on the fence about this one.

First, you have to have a Facebook page to join Cartwheel. No other options, Facebook is required.

Everyone gets 10 empty spots on their Cartwheel they can fill with items just for joining. You choose from the items on the Cartwheel site under "collections" (there's a lot to choose from). The discounts range from 5% - 25% (that was the highest discount I saw).

You will always have at least 10 spots and you can remove items as well. Expired items come off automatically. Once you've picked out your items online, a barcode will be generated and you can show it at checkout for the additional discount.

If you want to add more than 10 items to your Cartwheel you can earn "Badges." Honestly, this is where Target Cartwheel loses my interest. You gain "Badges" by doing things such as; "Your friends have good taste. Check out their Cartwheel," or "Go big or go home. Earn this badge by saving $25 using Cartwheel." Also, if any of your Facebook friends use Cartwheel, you (and they) get extra spots on the Cartwheel.

This is a Facebook app, so they will share what you saved on at Target. Yes, they will post to your Facebook page. This can be easily changed by going to your apps on your Facebook page and locating the Cartwheel app and click "edit." There you can change who sees the post to "only me," that way no one can see what you purchased (unless you want them to). You'll want to change your settings to "private" in your Cartwheel account too.

You can still use a manufacturer's coupon plus a Target coupon on top of your percentage off Cartwheel item. Let's not forget about the Red Card which gets you another 5% off your total.

To access your Cartwheel on your mobile device, you'll need to click on the Cartwheel app in your Facebook account and then click "Send to Mobile". You can also print it at home by going to "My Cartwheel" then click on "Redeem in Store" on the right of the page.

Your Cartwheel doesn't show up on your Target app. Personally, I think it should because it would make the whole process a lot easier.

Whatever happened to just a good old fashioned sale? Not to mention, my Facebook friends don't need to know (and probably don't care) about my Target, or any other purchase I make. But, there are some good deals. It depends on what you're willing to do and share to get them.

As of now, the Cartwheel is only available for U.S. Target stores and Cartwheel is not available online.

Jackie lives in Seattle, her blog is Free Hot Samples. Where there are hundreds of freebies & deals up for grabs.

(Source: Savings.com)

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Top 5 Mother's Day bouquets 2013

SavingsMommie — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Mother's Day is only one week away!

It's one of those days I look forward to because I get waited on hand and and foot by my children and husband. From breakfast in bed to flowers, it's a day that I can proclaim where I can do nothing and get away with it.

On the flip side, I'm also a daughter myself. It's the one day I want to express my gratitude towards my mom and make her feel extra-special. My mom is a sucker for flowers, so she always looks forward to getting her home delivered bouquets each year.

If you're like me and plan on sending flowers to your mom, but you have no idea where to start, I've got this year's top five Mother's Day picks from 1-800-Flowers.com:

1. Pink Perfection

Your mom's type: Sophia Loren

This bouquet epitomizes elegance and beauty. If your mom reminds you of Sophia Loren, this would be perfect for her. The bouquet includes roses, lilies, alstroemeria and more. They are all hand-arranged in a clear glass cylinder vase. If you need to make up for some past Mother's Day gifts, this will make up for it.

Price: $149.99 for Large, $124.99 for Medium, $99.99 for Small

2. Floral Embrace

Your mom's type: Martha Stewart

This bouquet would make a nice centerpiece for your mom's dining table. Not only will it bring a smile to her face, it will add that special designer touch to her home. Whether your mom is into crafting or baking like Martha Stewart, these flowers will unleash her artistic spirit. The bouquet includes roses, lilies, stock, sunflowers and alstroemeria in a classic cylinder vase.

Price: $69.99 for Large, $59.99 for Medium, $49.99 for Small

3. Timeless Tulip

Your mom's type: Lucille Ball

It's definitely Spring when you start to see those tulips blooming in your garden. Appropriately, they symbolize fresh new beginnings. If your mom is vibrant, fun and has lots of energy like Lucille Ball, this would be perfect for her. The bouquet includes assorted colors of tulips in a clear vase tied with a raffia.

Price: $69.99 for Large, $59.99 for Medium, $49.99 for Small

4. Modern Embrace Pink Rose & Lily Cube

Your mom's type: Audrey Hepburn

Is your mom a classic beauty? Audrey Hepburn was not only beautiful she was a fashion icon who always had a modern twist to her wardrobe. These flowers can modernize the feel of any traditional room while it can perfectly fit in with the lines of a mid-century modern A. Quincy Jones home. The bouquet includes pink roses and white lilies that are hand-designed and arranged into a clear cube vase lined with exotic Ti leaf ribbon.

Price: $79.99 for Large, $69.99 for Medium, $59.99 for Small

5. Fields of Europe for Mom

Your mom's type: Florence Henderson

If your mom is the all-American mom, then these flowers would be perfect for her. Florence Henderson of The Brady Bunch played the part of a mom who was raising 3 girls of her own and 3 boys from her husband Mike. Even though it was a blended family, she made it all work. Whether you're a single mom, step-mom or mom to many kids, you could relate to her on many levels. This bouquet includes roses, lilies, carnations, snapdragons and more, placed in a glass vase tied with a raffia.

Price: $59.99 for Large, $49.99 for Medium, $39.99 for Small

With flowers, you can't go wrong. At least, that's what my husband says. If you want the opportunity to win any of these 5 large bouquets, please join us for our Celebrating Mom Twitter Party on Tuesday May 7th, 2013 at 6pm PST/9pm EST. If you're in a rush to place your order, use this exclusive coupon from 1-800-Flowers to save $10 off your purchase over $49.99. To all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

(Source: Savings.com)
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5 workout shoes under $100 that will get you bikini ready

SavingsMommie — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

It's time to get ready for this year's bikini season. Ditch the cover-ups and start working out to feel your best this summer. If staying healthy wasn't part of your New Year's resolutions, maybe having a nice beach-bod will get you motivated to start exercising.

Most people think that exercising will cost you a boat load of money, but guess what, if you have a good pair of shoes and some motivation, you can literally walk out the door and get your groove on.

To help you get started for this year's bikini season, we've come up with the top 5 workout shoes from FootSmart.com that are under $100 and will keep you moving beyond the beach-going season:

Saucony Women's ProGrid Kinvara 3 Running Shoes (Price: $99.99)

The Rundown:

- Lightweight
- 4mm heel-to-toe drop (this allows close to the road feel)
- Heel ProGrid™ Lite (which is the lightest version of ProGrid technology)
- EVA+ midsole (this provides the cushion)
- FlexFilm™ nylon mesh upper (makes it lighter, more supportive and flexible)
- XT-900™ carbon rubber on the outsole (offers durability)
- Orthotic-Friendly
- Recommended for normal and high arches

Put to the Test:

If you hate the bulk of some running shoes, these are the perfect ones for you. Not only is it lightweight, it has the perfect heel-to-toe drop which makes you feel like you are closer to the pavement as you walk. Plus, comfort is not sacrificed because of the wonderful cushion. If you've ever felt claustrophobic in your shoes because of no air circulation, mixed in with perspiration, these will let your feet breathe a little better with each stride.

New Balance Women's 770v3 Running Shoes (Price: $94.95)

The Rundown:

- ACTEVA™ LITE midsole (keeps the shoe light and offers cushion for each step you take)
- ABZORB® insole (adds extra cushioning, plus it's removable)
- A medial inside post (keeps foot from rolling inward too much)
- Stability Web® (supports each stride or step you take)
- Ndurance® rubber compound on the outsoles (helps maximize durability)
- N-ergy® in the midsole (advanced shock absorption)
- Synthetic / mesh upper
- Orthotic-Friendly
- Recommended for normal arches

Put to the test:

If you want stability without losing the lightweight feel and comfort, this makes for the perfect shoe for a nice walk or run in the neighborhood. My neighborhood has uneven roads that keep going up and down and these shoes did so well. If you're the type that trips over things, these shoes will be great to keep you grounded in your steps. If you like the traditional design of running shoes, these are perfect for you!

Saucony Women's ProGrid Kinvara TR Trail Running Shoes (Price: $99.95)

The Rundown:

- FlexFilm nylon upper upper (holds food in place while making it lighter, more supportive and flexible)
- 4mm heel-to-toe drop (close to the road feel)
- EVA midsole (offers cushion for each step or stride)
- Soft HydraMAX collar lining (keeps moisture away to keep your feet dry)
- Heel ProGrid (cushions and absorbs shock which helps reduce impact on the heel)
- External Bedrock rubber outsole (protects your feet from rock and rough trails

Put to the test:

Are you a barefoot kind of gal that likes to run in nature? These shoes are made specifically to handle those rough trails but still provide comfort, stability and remain lightweight. If you've experienced running on top of a rock and felt that stinging pain in your midsole, I feel your pain and no longer do you have to endure that. I took a test run/walk at a hiking trail near my home and they got high marks for comfort, breath-ability and stability. I purposely ran on top of branches and they did great (I was a wimp to run on top of rocks that were larger than a walnut, but I did the small pebbles and they felt fine too).

ASICS Women's GEL-Sustain TR Cross Training Shoes (Price: $84.99)

The Rundown

- Synthetic and mesh upper (gives lightweight feel while still offering support)
- Flexible EVA midsole (offer easier foot movement as it bends with the motion of your foot)
- Breathable mesh lining (helps keep the foot cool and dry)
- Rearfoot GEL® cushioning (absorbs shock from each step)
- Recommended for normal to high arches

Put to the Test

If you want a pair of athletic shoes that's good for walking and used inside the gym to lift weights, these are the perfect shoes for you. It's a hybrid of all different kind of athletic shoes since it's a cross-over shoe. They are one of the lightest training shoes on the market, but that doesn't mean they lack support (I felt supported all throughout my feet). I tested these shoes to run errands, go to the market and walk around the mall and they were super lightweight. The bottom feels hard enough that it could probably tackle some of the rougher pavements as well.

Merrell Women's Road Glove Dash 2 Lace-Up Shoes (Price: $99.95)

The Rundown:

- Cement construction (lightweight feel and durability)
- 0mm drop (gives barefoot feeling)
- 4mm EVA midsole cushions your steps
- Breathable mesh lining with antimicrobial Aegis® treatment (cool and fresh foot environment)
- Reflective details increase visibility in low light
- Fused toe bumper (extra durability to the fabric and mesh upper)
- Vibram TC-1 rubber outsole (traction in a various conditions)
- Stitched Strobel construction (gives flexible feel)

Put to the test:

First off, these shoes are very stylish and really sleek. They are the sneaker version of the Vibram Five Fingers without the ugly look of the "fingers" or shall I say "toes". Walking along concrete, the shoes were super comfortable, breathable and very lightweight. Even under warm weather, my feet did not sweat and the cushion made every step very comfortable. I also felt like I was walking barefoot which was another huge plus in my book.

So are you pumped at getting fit for this year's bikini season? To help you get started, you can use this coupon from FootSmart for free shipping on your purchase over $75. Now, let's get this party started!

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

What to do when you HAVE to take the kids to the grocery store

BlinkieApp — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Kids in the Grocery Store…Probably brings up a mixture of emotions. Perhaps dread. Perhaps excitement, maybe if it's your first trip to the store with your new baby (or your first trip out of the house with baby!). I have certainly felt many emotions on the spectrum between dread and excitement, depending on the situation surrounding each grocery trip!

I generally have 1 or 2 kids with me when I head to the grocery store. My goal is to take a few kids with me as possible, as it usually doesn't work out in my schedule each week to go alone. That would be my ideal…but by the time 9 pm rolls around and all the kids are asleep, I'd rather crash into bed than head to the grocery store.

I've become quite adept at navigating the aisles with the giant car carts, while my 3 year old "drives" us around, and the baby watching the lights on the ceiling pass by. I've also learned a few tricks to make the shopping experience more palatable when I have all 4 kids with me.

1. Set expectations and rules before you go into the store. "If it's not on the list, then we aren't buying it." "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." "Remember…here are the 2 things you are responsible for getting into the cart."

2. Tiny kids – These would be 2-4 year olds who ride inside the cart. Because they are riding with the groceries, make it their job to "guard" the groceries. Play on whatever superhero or princess they happen to be into and make it a fun way for them to take care of what's in the cart. Also, have a snack ready in your purse…as they might get hungry looking at all the snacks and food as you wheel through the store.

3. Small and medium kids – These guys are too big to ride in the cart, but old enough to stick with you…but also spontaneous enough to wander right in front of your cart, just in time for you to "clip their ankles"…ouch! With my older kids (5-7 yo), I play the "ducks game" with the boys, where I'm the mother duck and the 3 big boys are my ducks who have to follow behind me. I can hear them walking behind me, so I don't have to worry about clipping their little ankles, or them getting in the way of other people and their carts. I also give each kid 2 items from my list that they are responsible for making sure it gets into the cart. This helps them pay attention to where we are in the store, so we don't miss their item and have to go back for it. These 2 games generally keep them occupied, out of trouble and out of the way of other shoppers when we are in the store.

4. Big kids – Older kids who can venture out on their own into the store can be very helpful. Ask them to help you find everything on the list with a "divide and conquer" approach. Also, ask for their assistance when you realize you forgot something on your list when you are standing in the checkout line.

I'd love to hear from you…what are your favorite ways to get through the grocery store with your kids in tow…without losing your mind?!?

Helping you cut your grocery bill in half, by offering the best sale and coordinating coupon information, all available in the palm of your hand. Find out when we're offering deals and sales in your area at Blinkie.com.

(Source: Savings.com)
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What meal planning really saves: time, money and most importantly sanity

TheHappyHousewife — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:00:00 GMT

(photo credit: SuperGlue Mom)

Have you ever stared into the fridge at 5pm wondering what in the world to make for dinner?

Have you ever ordered take out or delivery pizza because you didn't have the right ingredients available (or thawed) to make dinner?

Have you ever made multiple trips to the store each week because you needed one or two ingredients to complete your meal?

The bad news, these habits are wasting time and money. The good news, they can be fixed with one simple change.

Meal Planning.

I often tell people that meal planning saved my sanity and my budget. Before I learned how to meal plan, I was easily spending $1200 a month on groceries for my family of six. After I committed to making a meal plan and sticking to it, I was able to cut my grocery bill to less than $600 a month!

Meal planning saves time.

Every week I spend 30 to 45 minutes creating our family's meal plan. I plan breakfasts and dinners, with lunch in our house being an on-your-own thing. I check store sales and my pantry to find the most budget friendly meals for the week. I also check last week's plan to make sure we aren't having the same foods too often, unless they're a favorite.

I write out the week's plan and then create a shopping list based on my plan. I cut coupons (or load them to my phone) and within an hour I'm finished thinking about meals for the rest of the week.

Every morning during breakfast, I make sure everything is ready for tomorrow night's meal. This allows time for meat to thaw, beans to soak, or any other prep to be done.

Planning also makes shopping faster and easier. Instead of walking up and down the aisles looking for potential dinner items, I grab my list, buy the items I need and check out.

Meal planning saves money.

Planning allows me to shop from my pantry, buy meats when they are at rock bottom prices, and get the best prices on food. When you are planning dinner thirty minutes before it's time to eat you are often forced to rely on convenience food which is more expensive.

Planning allows me to avoid last minute trips to the store or eating out because there is always something available for dinner in my home.

Planning helps me stick to my list. I only buy what I need, and usually when it is on sale. It helps avoid those impulse purchases because I know that sticking to my list will keep me under budget.

Planning saves my sanity.

"What's for dinner?" is a phrase I hear several times a day in my house when I don't have a plan. Instead of being pestered with the same questions over and over, I simply stick the meal plan on the fridge and everyone knows what we are eating all week.

I'm also not frazzled during the "witching hour" because I know what we are eating and usually it has already been prepped and started.

Since my children help with meal planning they are happy with the dinner plan because they helped with the process. There are fewer complaints and whining during the dinner hour, and we are eating together as a family more often.

Meal planning is a simple way to save time, money, and your sanity. Take thirty minutes and start today!

The Happy Housewife, where she blogs about practical ways to live well, save more and have fun. Toni is a military wife and stay-at-home (schooling) mom to seven kids. She is also a Savings.com DealPro and teaches Savings Nation workshops that help people learn how to save up to 50% off their grocery bills.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

10 ways to protect yourself on Craigslist

Rick.Broida — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Whether you're looking to unload an old TV, scoop up free goodies, or score a MacBook on the cheap, it's hard to beat Craigslist. The service lets you browse and create local classified ads, all free of charge.

That said, Craigslist can be dangerous. If you're not careful, you could encounter fraud, robbery, identity theft, or worse. While the vast majority of transactions proceed safely, legally, and beneficially, there's always the chance you're dealing with a scam artist.

With that in mind, the folks at Scambook--a complaint-resolution service--have put together some tips for staying safe on Craigslist, which I've tweaked and listed below:

1. Trust your instincts

The number-one rule is to trust your gut going into any transaction. If a Craigslist ad seems phony, or too good to be true, don't bother with it.

2. Stay local

Craigslist is designed to be city/region specific. If someone makes up excuses for why they can't meet in person, it's a red flag.

3. Avoid cashiers checks, money orders, and wire transfers

If something goes awry when making a wire transfer (through Western Union or MoneyGram, for example), the money will not be protected. Exchange cash instead, with large transactions being safely performed in a bank.

4. Never use online escrow

If someone insists on using an escrow Web site, cancel the transaction immediately. These sites are frequently run by scammers.

5. Don't commit without seeing the goods in person

Make sure an item meets your standards, and be cautious of those willing to buy an item without seeing it first.

6. Don't fall for job scams

Be wary of "employer" who don't require an interview, and make sure to visit the job's physical location prior to sending personal information, like for a credit or background check. Scambook offers more info about job scams.

7. Use a counterfeit-detection pen

This pen's ink will change color on wood-based paper, allowing consumers to detect fake bills (because real money is printed on fiber-based paper). You can buy one of these from your local office-supply store, or order one online for as little as $3.

8. Craigslist doesn't certify listings

Anyone who claims to be "certified" or "guaranteed" by Craigslist is likely a scammer.

9. Research the buyer/seller

Use both Scambook and Google to search someone by their name, e-mail, and/or business name. Make sure their identity is not an alias and that this person comes up clean. You might not always find useful information, but it's worth a try.

10. Don't give out more personal information than necessary

Don't release any personal information in a public listing. The only potential exception is a phone number, in which case I highly recommend a disposable phone number (for which Google Voice is ideally suited). If someone needs to retrieve an item from a home address, put the item outside and don't let the buyer in for any reason.

Scambook offers even more tips for safe selling on Craigslist. While you're at it, be sure to check out my three tips for Craigslist success.

Do you have any of your own Craigslist safety tips to share? List them in the comments!

Veteran technology writer Rick Broida is the author of numerous books, blogs, and features. He lends his money-saving expertise to CNET and Savings.com, and also writes for PC World and Wired.

(Source: Savings.com)

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Best Buy price matching began on March 3rd

FreeHotSamples — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:30:00 GMT

I've written about "showrooming" before. It's when someone goes into a store to actually see and touch a product, then goes online to shop for a better price. They will make the purchase online rather than the store where they looked at the product. You can't blame anyone for doing that, we're all looking for the best price.

Best Buy is jumping on the online price matching ban wagon to get you to make your purchases in their stores. Price matching started Sunday, March 3rd.

All you have to do is find the item you like at a Best Buy store and do a little research finding the best price through these online retailers; Amazon.com, Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Buy.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, Frys.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com and Walmart.com. Furthermore, they'll even match prices between their stores and BestBuy.com and match prices post-purchase if they lower their price within 15 days of your purchase.

What it comes down to, Best Buy is willing to price match because they want you to spend your money at their store, not somewhere else. So, take advantage of it. The next time you're in Best Buy, bring your smart phone and do your search there. Or, research prices before you get to the store and save time. Get your best price!

Jackie lives in Seattle, her blog is Free Hot Samples. Where there are hundreds of freebies and deals up for grabs.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Find an affordable rental—Even in an expensive city

Cheryl.Lock — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

(photo credit: The Modern Agent)

Apartment hunting. It's probably one of the least fun things to do. Sure it's fun to take stock of all the different types of apartments out there (Exposed brick! A decorative fireplace! Two closets! Oh my!), but if you're anything like me (small budget, expensive city), the fun stops there.

Believe it or not, it is possible to find an amazing place in an expensive city—even if you're on a tight budget. At least that's what Mukul Lalchandani, broker with The Modern Agent, says.

Here are Lalchandani's tips for finding affordable rentals in expensive places. Keep these in mind the next time you're in the market for a new abode:

Avoid condos and co-ops. These tend to have higher fees, says Lalchandani, including broker fees and miscellaneous application fees. "If you go to a rental building, where all the units are rentals, there should be no broker fees, and usually there is only a credit check fee somewhere between $50 and $100," he added.

Know when to shop. Existing tenants tend to give their notice of vacant apartments at the beginning of the month, so this is when the most inventory hits the market, with the best prices available.

Besides shopping around at the beginning of the month, March through September is the main rental season in Manhattan, adds Lalchandani, which is when most inventory hits the market and new rental buildings open up for leasing. This is a good time to get additional perks, like one month of free rent if you sign a lease early in their opening.

Negotiate. You can usually negotiate the rent in a rental building by at least $50-$100 off the asking price, says Lalchandani. For condominiums, you can try to go higher, to $100 or more. Plus, for a condo or co-op lease, try to negotiate some of the application fees to be shared by the landlord. Since they're individual owners, they tend to be more willing to negotiate.

Set your focus. If you have bad credit, your best chances are to focus on Condo properties, says Lalchandani. Individual owners are more lenient in accepting bad credit situations, but expect to put down more of a security deposit because of it.

Put your detective skills to work. If you're looking for an apartment in a certain building, but there doesn't seem to be anything available in your budget, find out the name of the agent who has done the most recent deals in the building. There are several websites, like streeteasy.com, that show who listed the units in which building. "They're probably very active with the building, and know of rentals that might be coming up on the market," says Lalchandani. Since they're familiar with the building, they could try to negotiate a good deal for you from the beginning.

Go the roommate route. If you won't settle for anything less than a luxury building, but they're way out of your price range, consider going the roommate route. "A typical one-bedroom in the city is around $3,500 in the luxury apartment," says Lalchandani. "If you can convert the living room into another bedroom by putting up a wall and split the rent in two, that's $1750 per person."

And trust me when I say—in Manhattan, that's not a bad price for a one-bedroom.

Cheryl Lock is a personal finance writer at and former editor at LearnVest and Parents magazine. When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, which she blogs about at wearywanderer.wordpress.com.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Key Ring reward cards app for all your store loyalty cards into one spot

FreeHotSamples — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

If you're like me, you have a wallet overflowing with store loyalty cards. When you need one you have to search through at least a dozen of them to find the one your looking for. There's a solution, and it's FREE!

Key Ring is an app that's user friendly for even the not so techy. Grab your loyalty cards and start scanning the barcodes and follow the prompts.

One of the features I liked on this app was how you can "share" your cards. I downloaded the app, entered all my cards and shared them with my husband by entering his email address. Then when he download the app, all the cards I entered were there for him. Many of the stores on the app also included the weekly sales ad and some stores offered special deals only available for those using the app.

There are two things you should know:

First: Once you're all set up and want to use the app in a store, the barcode has to be scanned by a hand held scanner at the store. All cashiers have them.

Second: This one is from personal experience. Enter your cards in alphabetical order. After you scan your card, you'll be asked to choose the store that matches that card. This is a huge alphabetical list.

As you enter your cards, you'll be taken to where you left off on the stores list from your previous entry. Doing it alphabetically will save you a lot of time scrolling through the stores.

Download the app for free at the iTunes store for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad or for your Android phone.

Jackie lives in Seattle, her blog is Free Hot Samples. Where there are hundreds of freebies and deals up for grabs.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Five healthy, budget-friendly dog food brands

Cheryl.Lock — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:43:00 GMT

When it comes to taking care of our beloved animals, it appears that we pull out all the stops. Tons of toys. Designer dog accessories. The most high-end food we can find.

Of course, something we might want to realize is that it doesn't take a whole lot to keep our pooches happy. In fact, as long as we're around and they're healthy, they're pretty happy all the time. So we thought—why not find out if there's an area where we can save. Turns out, Americans spent approximately $20.46 billion in 2012 on pet food.

Seems like that's a good place to start.

"There are many very good dog food brands available," says Domenic Magazu, retail sales manager at Saint Francis Veterinary Center. Below, Magazu offers up the most frequently recommended foods at Saint Francis Veterinary Center, "recommended often with favorable nutritional and allergy friendly results, at budget-friendly prices."

Here's to saving more cash in the New Year! Bon appetite!

California Naturals Grain Free, Kangaroo & Red Lentils
Price: 5lb. bag for $14.70 ($2.94 per pound) or 30lb. bag for $71.70 ($2.39 per pound)
Benefits: A very unique protein with a very low probability of allergic reaction.

California Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice
Price: 5lb. bag for $11.25 ($2.25 per pound)
Benefits: Lamb is a very nutritious substitute for chicken, which is a common allergen.

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Salmon
Price: 5lb. bag for $11.25 ($2.25 per pound)
Benefits: A very special omega 3 & 6 fatty acid rich grain free diet.

Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul
Price: 6lb. bag for $10.20 ($1.70 per pound)
Benefits: Fantastic alternative to the higher priced Wellness and Pro Plan Brands. This food provides great building blocks for a healthy life at a reduced price.

Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend for dogs
Price: 6lb. bag for $14.46 ($2.41 per pound)
Benefits: I believe Purina Pro Plan is in the upper echelon of K-9 foods. Depending upon the breed and age of your dog, Pro Plan provides excellent building blocks at reasonable prices.

(From store to store prices may vary, the prices used above are from the Saint Francis Veterinary Center)

Keep in mind, there are many dog food brands that promote a healthy lifestyle in pets, it just takes a little research on your part to find them. "I've provided this group as they've helped me meet the nutritional needs of thousands of dogs that our veterinarians care for now, well into our second decade of client care," Magazu added.

Just remember-- be sure to check with your vet before making any drastic changes to your pet's diet.

Cheryl Lock is a personal finance writer at and former editor at LearnVest and Parents magazine. When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, which she blogs about at wearywanderer.wordpress.com.

(Source: Savings.com)Add a Comment

Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping

jdroth — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Ready or not, the holidays are here and the shopping season is upon us. Although I wish I could convince you not to shop during November and December -- I'm a fan of Buy Nothing Day myself -- I realize I'm in the minority. It's Black Friday. It's Christmas. People are going to shop.

If you do choose to shop this time of year, be smart about it. Make no mistake: It's a war out there, my friends, and the merchants aren't on your side. They want your hard-earned money just as much as you do, and they've got all sorts of tricks to separate you from your cash.

You see, merchants are smart. They spend billions of dollars every year conducting research into what makes people like you and me buy things. And so they put the sweetened cereal at your six-year-old's eye level. They block the aisles with displays to create traffic jams in front of the things they want to sell. They'll even use scent to encourage spending!

In his 2000 book Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping, Paco Underhill — an environmental psychologist — described what he'd learn through years of research into consumer behavior and retail marketing. Some of this stuff is very subtle.

Take this anecdote, for instance:

I once heard a talk given by the vice president of merchandising from a national chain of young women's clothing stores in which she deconstructed a particular display of T-shirts. "We buy them in Sri Lanka for $3 each," she began.

"Then we bring them over here and sew in washing instructions, which are in French and English. Notice we don't say the shirts are made in France. But you can infer that if you like. Then we merchandise the hell out of them — we fold them just right on a tasteful tabletop display, and on the wall behind it we hang a huge, gorgeous photograph of a beautiful woman in an exotic locale wearing the shirt. We shoot it so it looks like a million bucks. Then we call it an Expedition T-shirt, and we sell it for $37. And we sell a lot of them, too."

It was the most depressing valuable lesson I've ever had.

Like it or not, you're manipulated all of the time while you're shopping, and in ways you don't even suspect. But by taking Underhill's lessons for marketers and flipping them around, you can make yourself immune to marketers' manipulations. (Well, maybe not immune, but less likely to succumb to their ploys, anyhow.)

Here are a few easy changes you can make to spend less while shopping:

Spend less time in stores. Underhill writes, "The amount of time a shopper spends in a store (assuming he or she is shopping, not waiting in line) is perhaps the single most important factor in determining how much he or she will buy." Don't browse. Shop with a purpose.
Don't use a basket. Only use a basket (or shopping cart) if it's absolutely necessary. Baskets induce people to buy more. And you know how the upscale places offer to place your items behind the counter to make it easier for you to shop? That leads you to buy more too.
Only seek employee contact if you need help. Employee interaction also induces people to buy more. Underhill notes that "the more shopper-employee contacts that take place, the greater the average sale."
Don't try samples. Research indicates that people are more likely to buy something if they can sample it first. Don't try the samples as you wheel around the giant warehouse store — or stand at the perfume counter. They're likely to make you want the product.
Don't examine or handle things you don't need. The more you interact with something, the more likely you are to buy it. "Virtually all unplanned purchases — and many planned ones, too — come as a result of the shopper seeing, touching, smelling, or tasting something that promises pleasure, if not total fulfillment."
Don't try on clothes you don't need. "Shopper conversion rates increase by half when there is a staff-initiated contact, and it jumps to 100 percent when there is staff-initiated contact and use of the dressing room. In other words, a shopper who talks to a salesperson and tries something on is twice as likely to buy as a shopper who does neither."
Avoid advertising. Advertising exists for one purpose: to get you to buy things. If you don't want a closet full of clothes you never wear, reduce your exposure to advertising.
Make a list and stick to it. The majority of supermarket purchases are unplanned. Underhill writes: "In one supermarket study, we counted how many shoppers came armed with lists. Almost all of the women had them. Less than a quarter of the men did. Any wife who's watching the family budget knows better than to send her husband to the supermarket unchaperoned."
Ignore the racks of impulse items. Those things by the cash registers are high-margin products designed to make the retailer profit while parting you from your money. These are not things that you need.
Don't go shopping. The number one way not to buy anything is not to go shopping. It's obvious, but true.

Many of you have probably read Malcolm Gladwell's best-selling Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. That book, too, points out the power of marketing, emphasizing how shoppers are manipulated in lots of tiny ways. Even when we think we're immune to marketing, we're not.

Here's how Underhill sums up his own research:

Good stores perform a kind of retailing judo — they use the shopper's own momentum, her largely unspoken inclinations and desires, to get her to move in a direction unplanned, and often unaware. In the end, it's not enough that goods be within reach of the shopper — she must want to reach them. And having reached them, she must then wish to own them, or all this effort goes to nought. Amid so much science, we discover in the end it's love that makes the world of retailing go round.

So, be careful out there, folks. If you're going to shop on Black Friday — or at any other point during the holiday season — be smart about it. Go prepared. Stick to your budget. And, most of all, watch for the tricks that merchants use to lure you to buy.

J.D. Roth is the founder of Get Rich Slowly and the author of Your Money the Missing Manual. His financial writing can be found across the web. He also writes about More Than Money at jdroth.com.

(Source: Savings.com)
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Save Money with Tips from Department Store Employees

LearnVest — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Love to shop? Join the club; in 2011 we spent about $4.7 trillion (yes, trillion!) in retail sales, according the U.S. Commerce Department.

And who hasn't overspent at one time or another? With new merchandise refreshed every season, every month–or, at discount retailers like Target and T.J. Maxx, every week–department stores can be a minefield if you go in uninformed. Especially since stores are designed to make you drop as much cash as possible.

Floor layouts, salespeople's strategies and even storewide sales tap into our most basic consumer impulses. But not this fall: To help you engage in smarter retail therapy, we asked two former department store employees to reveal their juiciest secrets so you save more.

1. Start at the Back of the Store

One evergreen retail strategy is to bury the best discounts–clearance items, especially–in the rear of the store, so you'll encounter racks of beautiful new merchandise before you get to the real nuggets.

Furthermore, stores will try to influence your purchases by advertising their current sales, even the smallest ones, heavily throughout the store, says Abby*, a former salesperson at a high-end New York City department store. "A lot of times, the best deals are not during the big advertised sales," she says. "Usually the best sales items are on a rack toward the back or slightly hidden."

2. Befriend Your Salesperson

Salespeople aren't just trying to make sales on the spot. They're motivated to keep customers apprised of future deals, too, because they have sales goals to meet during those promotions. Ask a clerk to put you in her client book and to call or email you about other sales as they happen.

A lot of stores will let even let you come in a week or so before the actual promotion and hold the merchandise you're interested in, then email you when the sale begins. That way, you get the item at a discounted price before the sale officially starts; the industry term for this is a 'pre-sell.' "They'll swipe your card, save the info, keep your merchandise packaged up in a special area, and give you a claim ticket to come back once the sale begins," says Abby. Of course, the secondary motivation for a pre-sell is to get you back in the store to spend more, so make sure to return armed with the will power to pick up only what you already purchased.

3. Aim to Save at Least 30%

"Generally speaking, a sale isn't really worth it unless you're saving at least 30%," says Abby. "And there's always a sale happening in which you can save at least 30%." So if you're the type to cringe when you have to pay full retail, wait for the stuff you're coveting to be introduced into the sale rotation. (Again, getting extra chummy with your salesperson means you might get tipped off to just when that is.)

4. Request a Price Adjustment

If you spent more on a full-price item than you're comfortable with and having retail remorse, go back within seven days and check to see if that item's been marked down, says Lisa*, a former high-end department store manager. Most stores will honor a price adjustment within that time frame, as long as you've kept your receipt and it's a hard markdown (meaning the sale price is clearly indicated on the tag). The most foolproof way to avoid losing your receipt? Ask to have it emailed to you, and pull it up on your smartphone when you need it.

5. Beware of Bundled Promotions

Avoid buy one, get one deals (known in the industry as BOGOs) and similar bulk sales that are designed to encourage you to buy more merchandise than you ordinarily would. If you're spending more than you intended to, you're not really saving, Lisa reminds us.

6. Don't Look to the Right

Research shows that most shoppers are right-handed and instinctively look to the right, so that's where stores put the newest and most expensive stuff. To encourage that instinct, stores will often add extra lights and music to that area to entice you to come closer. The answer? Go into the store with an idea of what you need, and don't get distracted by display tricks!

*Names have been changed

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This article originally appeared on LearnVest.com

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