Don’t Discount Dollar Stores to Save
January 20th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
I had to re-post this blog to remind myself, and you, of the little-don’t-notice-but-it-keeps-more-money-in-my-pocket ideas that can help us keep more money in our pockets. This post from VAConsumer News, June 12, 2010, offers great advice on how to effectively get bargains on everyday filler items we have been spending anywhere from just under $3 to over $5, depending where you shop. That adds up—quickly.
So now that the Dollar Store is a drive rather than a walk, I will still put a monthly stop (like CostCo) onto the radar. I mean, why pay full price for foil or ziplocks?
Dollar Store Savings June 12, 2012
OK, you’ve all seen Dollar Stores or some version thereof. For years I wondered at why people would spend money in stores that offered such “cheap items that break within a week.” Then, one day, a friend took me in and I saw how much I had been overspending in certain areas—for years!
So here is my list of Dollar Store savings that can add up in your wallet:
1. Household/Kitchen Essentials. Never pay more than $1 for foil, Ziplock bags, garbage bags, toilet paper etc. That’s right. I’d been paying almost $5 for a roll of foil and another $3 for Ziplock bags (which can add up when packing kid’s lunches). Dollar stores save my grocery budget approximately $30/mo on these items alone.
2. Party Supplies. Napkins, cups, plates, streamers, and even balloons can be found for less. If you have kids, the savings go further. Pack those party favor bags with a bottle of bubbles (pack of 3 found for $1), coloring books and all kinds of kid toys, which may not necessarily last a lifetime—but then, neither do the kids’ interest after the party is done.
3. Beauty Supplies. OK, this requires checking in on the beauty section whenever you are in for other items. Because these items are purchased as overstock by Dollar stores, you cannot always count on what brands and bargains will be available. Sometimes, you can score, BIG TIME. Imagine finding your hair color, body lotion, toothpaste etc., for only $1 each! Buy in bulk on these happy-find occasions and you can easily save yourself $100’s.
4. Holiday Happies. I call ‘Holiday Happies’ any of those cutesy little items needed to fill out a Valentine, stuff stockings or round out an Easter basket. Holiday cards and holiday-specific household decorations are all available at about $1. You can even get back into sending ‘birthday’, ‘get well soon’ and ‘thinking about you’ cards. The smiles you send are worth so much more than the $1 you paid for the card.
