"Veterans Day Freebies & Discounts"

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919 - the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance and November 11 became a national holiday in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. Corporate America is also honoring veterans. From cookies to car care - SAVED BY THE BELL has a list of the deals and freebies some businesses are offering. 

VETERANS DAY DEALS & DISCOUNTS

APPLEBEE'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR: For the eighth consecutive year, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar will honor current and former U.S. military personnel by providing them with free meals at its nearly 2,000 restaurants on Veterans Day. On November 11, Applebee's expects to serve approximately 1 million free meals to veterans and active duty military personnel.

IHOP: Participating IHOP restaurants will be serving a stack of red, white and blue pancakes (buttermilk pancakes crowned with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping) free for veterans and active duty military on November 11 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

MENCHIE'S: The world's largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise will be giving active and retired military members a free six ounce cup of frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. To receive the special offer, guests must present a valid military ID.

BASKIN ROBBINS: In honor of U.S. troops, military families and veterans, Baskin Robbins will donate 11 cents to from each ice cream scoop sold at its U.S. locations on Veterans Day to the United Service Organizations (USO.)

MEINEKE: Meineke car centers across the country are offering free oil changes to America's service men and women on Veterans Day.

CINNABON: Treat yourself and the military beginning on November 7 through November 11. For every CinnaPack purchased, Cinnabon will donate $1.20 to Operation Gratitude. The non-profit volunteer based organization delivers personalized care packages to the military and first responder communities.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Outback Steakhouse is honoring all active and retired military members and their families on November 11 with a free Bloomin' Onion and a beverage.  Beyond Veterans Day, Outback is offering all active or retired military members and their families, 15% off their check from November 12 thru December 31.

RUBY TUESDAY: Ruby Tuesday is offering a free appetizer for all veterans, active duty and reserve service members. The restaurant chain has 16 appetizer selections including the Thai Phoon Shrimp, Big Dipper Sampler, 6-Cheese & Tomato Sauce Flatbread and Fire Wings.

RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is inviting all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free Red's Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11. Beyond Veterans Day, the restaurant chain is rewarding its military Red Robin Royalty members with a 20% discount at participating restaurants between November 12 and December 31. 

DOLLAR GENERAL: Dollar General will offer active duty service members, veterans and their family members an 11% discount on all qualifying purchases made in store and online on November 11.

SIZZLER: Sizzler is honoring U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free lunch and beverage on Veterans Day. Guests with proof of military service can choose a six ounce Tri Tip Steak, a single Malibu Chicken or Half Dozen Fried Shrimp. The free beverage choices are coffee, ice tea or a fountain drink.

DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON: As part of the hotel brand's worldwide #CookieCare campaign, DoubleTree Hilton is inviting veterans and active duty members of the military to any of its properties in the U.S. and Puerto Rico for a free cookie - with or without a reservation. Just last year, the company celebrated the milestone of handing out more than 300 million cookies worldwide.

RED LOBSTER: To thank veterans, active duty and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert from November 9 through November 12. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem the offer.

DENNY'S: Denny's is inviting active, inactive and retired military personnel to stop by for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11 from 5 am to 12 noon.

WHITE CASTLE: White Castle is honoring military veterans on November 11, by offering them a free Breakfast Slider and a small coffee or a small soft drink.

GOLDEN CORRAL: Golden Corral will thank active duty and retired U.S. military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans.) A tradition started 14 years ago; Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Night has served more than 4.4 million complimentary meals.

SAVED BY THE FACTS: 10 VETERANS DAY STATS

DID YOU KNOW??

1) 19.3 Million: The number of military veterans in the United States in 2014.

2) 9.4 Million: The number of veterans 65 and older in 2014.

3) 1.7 Million: The number of veterans younger than 35 in 2014.

4) 7.0 Million: The number of Vietnam War veterans in 2014. 

5) 5.5 Million: The number of Gulf War era veterans in 2014.

6) 1.1 Million: The number of World War II veterans in 2014.

7) 2.0 Million: The number of Korean War veterans in 2014.

8) California, Texas and Florida: States with 1 million or more veterans in 2014. 

9) $37,307: The annual median income of male veterans in 2014, compared with $32,433 for male non veterans. 

10) $31,810: The annual media income for female veterans in 2014, compared with $21,804 for female non-veterans.

Sources: The Census Bureau, The American Community Survey

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"The Job Offer"

Your resume and qualifications were impressive. You aced the job interview. You finally get the call you've been waiting for. "We want to offer you a position at the Saved by the Bell Company!" Before you accept or reject the job, SAVED BY THE BELL has some tips to help guide you through the process.

BREATHE AGAIN:
What's the first thing you should do after you're offered the job? Sincerely thank the person who presented the offer. Don't be rude and let your excitement get the best of you! You wouldn't want to rub the hiring manager the wrong way when you're near the finish line. Always remember: when searching for a job - from the application to the offer - you are always being evaluated. Be on your best behavior!

BLACK AND WHITE:

What's the second thing you should do when you're offered the job? Take notes. If the company contacts you by phone, write down all the information you're given about the position.  Ask the hiring manager to present all details of the offer in writing: such as the compensation, benefits, hours, etc. You want to make sure you're clear on all of the details regarding the job. This will help you make an informed decision on whether to accept or reject the position.


DO NOTHING:
What's the third thing you should do when you're offered the job? Nothing. Don't accept or reject the offer. Ask for a few days to think about it. Any reputable company will let you take some time to consider the offer. Agree on a deadline. Find out the best person to contact if you have any questions.

PAID IN FULL:

A key part of the job offer is the compensation. Is the salary offered on the low side or is it standard? Consider two things when reviewing the compensation: what's the average pay for the role in your industry and what's the average pay for the role at your desired company? The numbers could be very different. Researching the compensation will put you in a better position to negotiate. Need some help crunching the numbers? Glassdoor.com lists salaries for over 180,000 companies worldwide. You can find out what salary to expect for any job, in any location.

NEGOTIATE:

Do you think the compensation offered is too low? Don't be afraid to negotiate. A Salary.com survey found that most people don't negotiate due to fear or lack of skills.  Salary.com says failure to argue your self-worth often means leaving thousands of dollars on the table. This could potentially cost you millions of dollars over the course of your life! A negotiation tip: the compensation presented at the initial job offer is not always firm and final. Hiring managers typically have some additional money to work with. Researching the company and the job will help you determine your next move.

ALL I HAVE: 

While compensation is important, it shouldn't be your only deciding factor. Are you in line with the company's culture? What are the work hours? Do you find the company perks desirable? Make a list of the pros and cons to determine if the company is right for you. Take into account employee reviews at Glassdoor.com. It's a good way to find out what current and former workers think of the company. If you have any contacts at the company, reach out to them for their opinion.

QUESTION OF U:

Before the deadline, reach out to the hiring manager/human resource representative with any questions you have about the company or the job. Don't wait until right before the deadline to ask. Make sure you stay true to the final decision day that was agreed upon - no exceptions.


I DON'T WANT IT:
You reviewed the job offer and decided the role is not the right one for you. Contact the hiring manager via phone and email and let him/her know you will not be taking the position. While I think a phone call is best, you may decide to reject the position via email. Need some help constructing the email? Monster.com has sample declining letter:
http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-samples/sample-letter-declining-job-offer/article.aspx

SIGN YOUR NAME:
You've decided to accept the offer. It's time to let your new company know of your intentions. I think a phone call and an email is the way to go, definitely do both - don't just send an email. I'm sure you've heard of spam folders and missing emails, right? We want to make 100% sure the company knows that you have accepted the position. Not sure how to construct the letter? Monster.com has a sample acceptance letter:
http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/starting-a-new-job/job-accpetance-letter/article.aspx


BURNING BRIDGES:
Now it's time to let your current employer know you will be leaving. Give them at least two weeks' notice and tell your soon-to-be employer when you will start. Some companies will want you to leave as soon as you announce your pending departure. Regardless of the company culture, always give two weeks' notice when leaving a job. Make sure your exit is gracious, even if you hated working at the company. It's a small world! We don't want your bad manners and actions following you to your new company.

GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW JOB!!

You've just been SAVED BY THE BELL!!

"Celebrating National Coffee Day"

I'm not a coffee drinker, but it doesn't mean SAVED BY THE BELL can't help you celebrate National Coffee Day today! It's no surprise that the U.S. workforce loves its coffee. According to a Staples survey, 37% of people say they can't even get dressed for work without their first cup of coffee. And nearly half of American workers consume at least three cups of coffee day. Would you say goodbye to Facebook or Twitter forever for coffee? Three out of four U.S. employees say they would give up social media instead of coffee. Don't panic - we aren't asking you to give up anything! SAVED BY THE BELL is here with some places to get your caffeine fix as you celebrate National Coffee Day.

DUNKIN' DONUTS: 
Walk in any participating Dunkin' Donuts today and receive a free medium cup of hot or iced Rainforest Alliance Certified Dark Roast Coffee. Limit is one per guest. New and current DD Perks Program members can also receive a coupon for a free coffee or any Dunkin' Donuts beverage. The coupon is available via email or the Dunkin' Donuts Mobile App and can be redeemed any time before the end of the year. Haven't joined the DD Perks program? The company is offering an incentive. Anyone who enrolls on Tuesday, September 29, will receive four free coffees. The first coupon will be emailed upon enrolling, with similar coupons for free beverages sent by email via the mobile app each week during the first three weeks of October.


KRISPY KREME:
Get a free original glazed donut and a free 12 ounce cup of coffee at participating locations. Are you a Krispy Kreme rewards member? Get double points with your purchase on Tuesday, September 29 when you purchase any coffee drink.



COFFEE BEANERY:  

Participating Coffee Beanery locations around the country will offer fresh brewed coffee all day on Tuesday, September 29, for just $1. Additionally, stores will be offering $2 off a pound of coffee. No coupon is necessary, just call ahead to make sure your local Coffee Beanery is participating. Coffee Beanery has nearly 100 locations throughout the world, with 20 locations internationally.



LAMAR DONUTS: 
LaMar Donuts is giving away free coffee on Tuesday, September 29 to all patrons. The offer is good for one 12 ounce cup. Anyone visiting a LaMar's store will also receive a free LaMar's branded coffee mug. If you come to one of its stores from September 30 through October 4, you will receive free coffee. LaMar's Donuts has nine stores in Colorado and 16 locations in five additional states.



PILOT FLYING J:
Never heard of Pilot Flying J? It's the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America. It's celebrating National Coffee Day on Tuesday, September 29 with free 16 ounce cups of coffee when customers show an online coupon available on the company's Facebook page. Pilot Flying J has more than 650 retail locations.


WAWA: 
In celebration of National Coffee Day on Tuesday, September 29, Wawa is offering customers a free coffee of any size all day. The offer is good at Wawa's more than 700 locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. The company says it expects to give away more than 1 million free cups of coffee to customers across all of its stores. Wawa says this is the first time it has participated in National Coffee Day


SHIPLEY DO-NUTS:
All Shipley Do-Nuts customers will receive a free small coffee with a purchase on Tuesday, September 29. The offer will be valid at participating locations from 5am to 12pm. The company is rapidly expanding with over 300 locations in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Shipley Do-Nuts has plans to reach 400 stores by 2020.

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"Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day"

 Fire up the grill or head off to your local restaurant - September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day! We certainly love eating them! NPD Group says 7 billion cheeseburgers were ordered at restaurants and food service outlets in the year ending July 2015. That's up 1% from a year ago. There are many theories about the origin of the cheeseburger. One story claims it was created in the 1920's by a chef named Lionel Sternberger. A man at Sternberger's restaurant suggested the addition of a slice of cheese to his hamburger order. Sternberger eventually added the new item to his menu. And as they say - the rest was history.

Now that we've filled your head with information about the cheeseburger, it's time to fill your stomach!  SAVED BY THE BELL has a list of places you can go celebrate National Cheeseburger Day.

BURGER 21 

Burger 21 is rewarding guests for downloading its new mobile app and loyalty rewards program with a free Cheesy Burger offer. Sign up for Burger 21's first photo sweepstakes and you might win free cheesy burgers for a year! Burger 21 operates 17 locations in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, California and Virginia.



DENNY'S 

Denny's is inviting guests to the #BigBurgerBash. Available now through October 12, Denny's is offering cheeseburgers starting at $6.99. Its burgers include the new Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger, the Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger and the Double Cheeseburger. As of July 1, Denny's had 1,696 franchised, licensed and company restaurants around the world.


  

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE 

Cheeseburger in Paradise kicked off football season with game day specials available every Monday, Thursday and Sunday through the Super Bowl. The menu highlights the Twisted Pretzel Burger and the Linebacker which are made with cheese. Luby's operates eight restaurants under the Cheeseburger in Paradise name.


FARMER BOYS 

Farmer Boys is celebrating National Cheeseburger day with $1 Big Cheese Cheeseburgers. You can claim the offer on Farmer Boys' Facebook page. The Big Cheese is Farmer Boys' best-selling burger. Farmer Boys currently operates 84 restaurants located in 13 counties across Southern and Central California and Nevada.



THE HABIT BURGER GRILL

Stop by the Habit Burger Grill and donate $2 or more to No Kid Hungry, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in the United States. In return for your donation, you will receive a certificate for a free charburger with cheese. The certificate can be used beginning the next day and is valid through October 31. Habit Burger Grill has more than 120 restaurants in 12 markets throughout California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey and Utah.

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"The School Bell: ATM Anniversary & Tips"

It's a modern day convenience found everywhere from gas stations to cruise ships. We're talking about the automatic teller machine (ATM). Can you believe it's been more than four decades since the ATM made its debut in the United States? That means it's time for "The School Bell" - a special edition of SAVED BY THE BELL where we reflect on an event in history and share the tips you need to know. The date is September 2, 1969. Today's lesson is on the ATM machine. Get ready students, it’s time for class. "The School Bell" is ringing!

 THE HISTORY LESSON

The Birth of ATM's

1939:  An American inventor and businessman named Luther Simjian is best known for the Bankograph - a machine that could accept cash or check deposits any hour of the day or night. In 1939, Simjian applied for 20 different patents related to his ATM invention. He managed to convince a New York bank to take a few of his machines. Unfortunately, the Bankograph didn't take off. After six months, the bank reported there was little demand for the new invention and discontinued its use. Simjian said: "The only people using the machines were prostitutes and gamblers who didn't want to deal with tellers face to face."

September 2, 1969: America's first automatic teller machine (ATM) makes its public debut, dispensing cash to customers at Chemical Bank in Rockville Center, New York. Luther Simjian and other inventors worked on early versions of a cash-dispensing machine, but Don Wetzel, an executive at Docutel, is generally credited with coming up with the idea for the modern ATM.

1977: By 1970, dozens of banks jumped on the ATM bandwagon. But it was a corporate gamble and a blizzard that transformed the future of the ATM. In 1977, Citibank took a huge risk and spent more than $100 million to install ATM's all over New York City. The investment paid off the following January when a huge blizzard hit New York, dumping 17 inches of snow on the city. Banks were closed for days, while ATM use increased 20%. After that, almost every one of the country's banks followed Citi's lead. And as they say - the rest was history.

Sources: History.com, About.com 

THE MONEY LESSON

How to Save Money & Be Safe Using ATM's 



ATM FEES:

ATM surcharges hit new highs for the 10th consecutive year in the 2014 Bankrate Checking Survey. The average fee for using a "foreign" ATM jumped 6.5% to $2.77. Residents of Phoenix are getting hit the hardest, while Cincinnati dwellers pay the lowest fees.

Cities with Highest ATM Fees

National Average: $2.77
Phoenix: $3.10
Houston: $3.06
Denver: $3.00
Seattle: $2.95
Milwaukee: $2.93
Minneapolis: $2.92



Cities with Lowest ATM Fees

National Average: $2.77
San Francisco: $2.63
Atlanta: $2.60
Baltimore: $2.60
New York: $2.60
Pittsburgh: $2.60
Cincinnati: $2.50

How can you avoid ATM fees? SAVED BY THE BELL has some tips:

All in the Family: Why pay a fee to take money out of your own account? When you can, only withdraw money from of your bank's ATM. Otherwise the owner of the ATM may charge you $2 or more for using their machine. Your bank may also charge you a fee for straying away from home.

Change Banks: Get an account at a bank with lots of ATM's. That way you won't have to go to the ends of the earth to find an ATM in your network.

Avoid Frequent Trips: Going to the ATM every few days doesn't make sense. Take out enough money to last you a while. This way you won't need to visit a "foreign" ATM in an emergency.


Refunding ATM fees: If you do go out of network, join a bank that refunds ATM fees. You may be charged the extra fee when withdrawing the money and then subsequently credited the amount on your account. Ally Bank, HSBC and PNC are some of the banks that don't charge fees if you use a "foreign" ATM. Research the bank and its policies before signing up. There may be restrictions. The bank may only offer the waived fees if you have a specific account or require that you have a minimum account balance.

Read the Fine Print: Once you begin a transaction using a "foreign" ATM, a notice will pop up on the screen informing you how much extra you will be charged. You don't want to pay the fee? You can always walk away.

ATM SAFETY:

People are not only using ATM's to withdraw money - many are also using ATM's for banking. A survey by the American Bankers Association says in 2014, ATM's were the third most popular method people used to manage their bank accounts. Number one on the list was the internet, followed by bank branches. SAVED BY THE BELL has some tips on how to be safe when using ATM's:

1) Use machines in bank branches when you can. Before using an unfamiliar ATM, closely inspect it. Make sure the card slot is intact and doesn't look out of the ordinary.

2) Be aware of your surroundings. Is the area well lit? Make sure no one is watching you, especially late at night. If you have to use an ATM at night, stay away machines on the side of buildings with no protection. Anyone can come up behind you. Use an ATM machine where you have to insert your card in order to enter the building. This can give you an added layer of security.

3) Get through the transaction as quickly as possible. Have your card ready when you are approaching the ATM. Put your money away quickly after it is dispensed.

4) Is there someone standing too close to you when you are withdrawing money? Some machines have a shield which blocks the keypad, some don't. If the ATM machine doesn't have a shield, use your hand to cover your fingers as you enter the numbers.

5) Memorize the pin number for your ATM card. If you can't remember your pin, don't keep the number on or near the card. If your card is lost or stolen, someone could steal all of the money in your account. Pick a number you can remember, but don't choose anything simple like 1-2-3-4.

6) Cancel your card immediately if it's lost or stolen.

7) Regularly check your account for any unauthorized activity.


THE FUTURE:

Imagine entering your pin code at the ATM and then using your eyes or finger to confirm your identity. Iris scanners and biometric fingertip readers are already being used by some financial institutions in international markets. Think about it - combining fingerprint or eye authentication with a second factor (or multiple factors) can give us greater security when using ATM's. Why aren't these machines more widely used? Not only are there privacy concerns; but the systems are also expensive when compared to traditional ATM's.


  

You've just been SAVED BY THE BELL!!

"Back-To-School Shopping Savings"

 

The Back-to-School shopping season is officially underway! The International Council of Shopping Centers says 34% of consumers have already started filling up their shopping carts - real and virtual. Did you know that back-to-school is the second largest shopping season of the year? The National Retail Federation says total spending is expected to reach $24.9 billion. The average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs, down from $669.28 last year.  Before back-to-school spending takes a bite out of your wallet, SAVED BY THE BELL has some tips to get you shopping smart! 
 

 

                              

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE: 

Before you hit the stores or surf the web, take an inventory of the supplies your child already has. This will save you from buying things you don't need. Always remember: recycle supplies when you can. Does your child really need more pens and pencils? Can he/she still use the book bag from last year? Make a list of all the items you need to purchase and stick to your budget. Avoid impulse buys - it will save you time and money. 

 

EARLY TO RISE: 

Are you heading to the mall to shop for back-to-school? Don't forget - you aren't the only one heading to the stores. Expect lots of people. An Ebates survey found more than 1 in 4 parents are dreading the mall frenzy and long lines at brick-and-mortars. Want to avoid the crowds? If you can, shop during the week. There are usually fewer people than you find on the weekend. But remember - no matter what day you choose to shop, start early to avoid the crowds. There's nothing wrong with being the first one at the mall!

 

RETAIL ROUNDUP: 

Retailers are rolling out the back-to-school deals. Here's a sample of what some companies are offering: (Check the websites for the latest deals, as they are subject to change.)

 

Staples.com: Staples is promoting a 110% lowest price guarantee in-store and online. The retailer says it will beat competitors' prices during back-to-school by matching the price and discounting the item by 10% of the difference. The offer is valid through September 19.

 

Walmart.com: Walmart.com is offering back-to-school uniform deals starting from $4.47 and free shipping on $35 orders.

 

Kmart.com: Kmart.com is promoting back-to-school essentials starting at $10 including hoodies, jeans, tops and active wear. You get free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

 

Amazon.com: Disinfecting wipes, school uniforms, backpacks and electronics - you can get it all from Amazon.com. Some deals have specific end dates. Check Amazon's back-to-school section for more info: 

http://www.amazon.com/Back-to-School-Supplies/b?ie=UTF8&node=1065840

 

Target.com: Target.com is offering up to 20% off of some college items, 40% off jeans, up to 25% off backpacks and buy-one-get-one 50% off on school supplies. 

 

 

STRESSED OUT: 

Are you planning to conduct your back-to-school shopping online? While web shopping is convenient, it can be stressful. The SOASTA Back to School Shopping Report Card found that 91% of parents who plan to shop online report there are stressors for them when making purchases. Shoppers cited shipping costs, out-of-stock inventory and not being able to see or test the product before buying.  So how do you reduce the stress? Here are some tips:

 

1) Shipping savings: Before making a purchase, check how much it will cost to ship. Some retailers offer free shipping deals if you purchase a certain amount. 
 

2) Send it back: Review the retailer's return and exchange policies, in the event you need to send your purchase back.

3) Be organized: Make a list of your preferred online stores. If you can't find the item you're searching for in one location, you might be able to find it in another. 

4) Take reviews into account: Are you on the fence about purchasing an item? Customer reviews can be your best friend. The reviews can give you an indication of how pleased/displeased shoppers are with the product.

 

SAFETY FIRST:

When shopping online, always remember to shop safe. Be wary of clicking on email links advertising sales from places you don't recognize. Some scammers create exact replicas of well-known sites. You order items that never arrive or they steal your credit information. What's one way to check if a site is legit? Make sure your browser is showing the padlock symbol next to the address bar. The address should also begin with https://. This indicates your site is secure. Without these signs, there’s no guarantee of security or encryption of your information. Any major online retailer should have these security measures as a standard. 

 

 

COUPONS ARE KING:
Consumers are increasingly using mobile devices to find coupon deals. TrueShip says over 95% of all mobile users will conduct a search from their laptop, tablet or smartphone to find a coupon this year. That's up from 70% in just 12 months. Have you tried using coupon websites RetailMeNot.com or CouponCabin.com? RetailMeNot is promoting online back-to-school deals at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Kohl's and Sam's Club. CouponCabin says if you spend $100 on almost anything on retail sites such as Nordstrom.com or Walgreens.com; you will earn 4% cashback or $4.

GAGA OVER GADGETS:

Forget about backpacks and books, parents are purchasing more gadgets for the classroom. The American Express Spending and Savings Tracker report shows that 82% of parents say their children use tech for learning.  Did you know that electronics are one of the largest expenses for back-to-school? Buying a refurbished item is one way to save money. In some cases, the product is as good as new and costs much less than the same brand-new item. If you are feeling uneasy about purchasing a refurbished product, make sure the retailer has a return policy. You can send the item back if you are unsatisfied with the purchase.

 

 

BUILT TO LAST:

SAVED BY THE BELL is all about finding you the best deals. But sometimes it makes sense to pay little more when shopping for back-to-school. A backpack is one example. If you invest in a quality bag, it will save you from having to buy a new one every year. The same goes for a lunch box. Unless your child is brown bagging it, spend the extra money on something durable. 


COMPARE AND CONTRAST:
Comparison shopping is the way to go to find the best deals and you can do it from your own phone. According to the Synchrony Financial 2015 Back-To-School Shopping Study, more than half of college students use their phone to comparison shop, and more than one-third of K-12 parents search for coupons and online deals with their phone. Some popular comparison sites are PriceGrabber, Google Shopping, Shopzilla and NexTag.

 

DOLLAR DISCOUNTS:

Dollar stores are a great place to get back-to-school deals. Dollar General is advertising over 100 school items priced at $1. Through September 7, customers can take advantage of an offer to save $5 on any pretax purchase of $20 or more. The deal is good for a wide variety of school items from backpacks and lunchboxes to pens and notebooks. Family Dollar has a $1 sale on select school supplies and is selling some items for less than that. Dollar Tree is advertising pens, pencils, crayons, markers, pens, notebooks, tape, glue, binders and folders for $1.

 

TAX-FREE HOLIDAYS: 

Tax-free holidays are a good way to pile on the savings when shopping for back-to-school. Most states already held their tax-free holidays for the season, but you can still take advantage of discounts if you live in these states:
 

Connecticut: August 16 - 22; clothing and footwear with a maximum cost of $100.

 

Florida: August 7 -16; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $100 or less per item, on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and on the first $750 of the sales price for computers and certain computer-related accessories when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

Maryland: August 9 -15; apparel and footwear for $100 or less per item.

 

Happy Back-to-School Shopping!!



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