ConsumerMom

Before you Go to the Store....

Before you go to the store, I want to share this video and the tips offered from Consumer Reports on saving money at the grocery store:

-         Unit pricing is the “Holy Grail” of saving money.  People assume the smaller size always costs more.  However, according to Consumer Reports, at least 25 percent of the time, the smaller is cheaper.  Always compare the unit price!

-         Be careful about what is on sale.  If it is in the store flyer, do not assume it is a good price.  Flyers could mention items because the company has paid for the placement in the flyer.

-         Read the fine print.  The devil is in the details.  Grocery stores will offer sale promotions like: “5 for $2”.  See if the fine print requires you to buy all five items.  You may be able to get a discount on one – instead of having to buy five!

-         Consider buying from the store bakery.  Stores and their bakeries are becoming more health-conscious.  Consumer Reports says that store-made bread items can save you 40 percent compared to name brand bread.  The store brands also will have fewer preservatives.

-         Check your receipts.  Consumer Reports says you are overcharged about 6 percent of the time at grocery stores.  If you are overcharged, the supermarket will give you a refund or the item free. But the onus is on you to check your receipts and know the price.

 

Now get out there before the storm hits!  

Snow, Again? Time to Plan.

My children have gone to school three days over the last two weeks because of the weather, and another storm is expected tonight.  I need to get prepared for the next storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers these suggested “to do’s” before a storm hits. I am adding them to my list today:

Stock up:

• Make sure to have rock salt and sand to melt ice and improve traction on walkways.
• If you have a fireplace, buy wood and make sure you keep it dry.  FEMA advises, “Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.”
• Check your snow shovels and other snow-moving supplies. Do not wait until there is a foot of snow on the ground to discover your shovel or ice scrapers are broken. (Check your snow clothes, too.  I just found out my son lost his snow gloves...But that's another post!)

 Plan:

• If you have time, cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Think about your pipes.  Make sure you know how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).  To keep pipes from bursting, you can insulate them with newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Make sure you have batteries! If the power goes out, you will feel better and be better informed – if you have a battery powered or hand-crank radio.
• Make sure you have the food and medical supplies you need.

Before you run out to get your supplies, check in with a neighbor – especially those that are older – and see if they need anything. 

Once I have these “big” items taken care of, I can start worrying about how to keep my kids busy. I have a feeling they are going to be home again.  Here’s hoping their teachers load them up with homework!

How do you plan for winter storms?

Got a Gift Card? Know (your rights)..and Go (spend it)!

 Did you get a gift card as a present during the holidays? You are not alone -- according to research firm the Tower Group, Americans spent more than $90 billion on gift cards last year; that's billion – with a “B”.  What is more surprising is that the Tower Group predicts that about $2.5 billion worth of gift cards will go unspent.

Do not let your gift card fall into that $2.5 billion pile.  If you got a gift card, use it.  There are many sales and coupons out there to help make your gift card money go farther. My daughter just used a Border’s gift card and benefited from a 50 percent off coupon. 

If you got a gift card for a store you do not like, and you think you will not use that gift card, consider selling it.  You can sell your unwanted gift cards as well as buy others on gift card trading websites. I have read positive reviews about plasticjungle.com, abcgiftcards.com and GiftCardGranny.com.  You can also sell them on Craigslist.com, but the trading sites I mentioned provide you with protections that Craigslist does not.  According to an article on Kiplingers.com, with these gift card trading sites, “you won't get the full value of your card (up to 92% at best)” – but at least you will get something, and the card will not go to waste.

Here are some more things to consider if you have a gift card:

1 – Know Your Rights:  Last year consumers received increased protections on gift cards.  Before the new law, gift card rules varied state to state; many states allowed expiration fees and other complicated terms that could make them challenging to use.   New Federal Trade Commission rules went into effect in August 2010 that say that a gift card cannot expire for at least 5 years from the date it was purchased.  However, you still may face inactivity fees though if you do not use the card for a year. See all the new rules at the FTC's website.

2) Know What’s In Your Wallet: These cards are like cash: if you lose it, you may be out of luck or you may pay a fee to replace it.  So guard your gift card as you would guard your cash.

3) Know the Amount on Your Card – and spend it!  You probably will not go back to use the funds you leave on that card, so try to spend the full amount. 

 

Happy shopping!