Some McDonald’s locations are once again offering Halloween-themed coupon booklets (aka “Treats Packs”) that act as non-candy giveaways or low-cost treats you can hand out (or keep). If you want to get in on the fun, there are some things you need to know. Here’s what has been revealed so far. What’s Inside/What’s Included The…
Catalina coupons — often called “checkout coupons” or “CATs” — remain a powerful tool in savvy couponers’ arsenals. They are not issued by the cash register itself but printed from a small device (the “Catalina machine”) located near the register. When you purchase certain qualifying items (or combinations of items), a Catalina coupon may print…
If you live in Texas or have visited an H-E-B, you may have noticed an extra charm in the aisles. Products you can’t easily find in Kroger, Walmart, Publix, or national chains. These H-E-B exclusive products give the grocery chain a local edge and deepen loyalty among Texans. Whether it’s a coffee flavor grounded in…
You walk into your local grocery store and the first thing you see is a dazzling, colorful display of fruits and vegetables. It feels fresh, inviting, and intentional. That’s because putting the produce aisle at the front of the store is far from random. Retailers use that placement as a psychological, aesthetic, and tactical tool…
If you think a beautiful, gourmet charcuterie board is reserved only for specialty shops and high-end deli counters, think again. Aldi has quietly become a treasure trove of affordable yet elegant ingredients that let you build a showy spread without blowing your budget. With the right picks, your Aldi charcuterie board can look like something…
If you’ve wandered into your neighborhood Publix expecting just groceries and instead spotted racks of tees, sandals, or seasonal apparel, you’re not imagining things. In recent months, some Publix locations have quietly expanded beyond food to carry clothing assortments. Why would a grocery chain venture into fashion? Because the move reflects deeper shifts in retail…
If you’ve walked down the fitness aisle lately, you’ve probably seen dozens of flashy new protein shakes promising “instant muscle,” “clean fusion,” or “ultimate nutrition.” The idea of sipping something quick, tasty, and powerful is undeniably tempting. But behind the marketing are overpriced protein shakes that often fall short, whether in actual protein, ingredient quality,…
As the cost of living continues to rise, a senior discount can be a valuable lifeline for older adults on a fixed income. While some major chains have discontinued their senior discount programs, a number of grocery stores across the country still offer them. However, these discounts are often not heavily advertised. They are a…
The price you pay at the gas pump has a direct and powerful impact on the price you pay at the grocery store. The cost of fuel is a major part of a food item’s total cost. This is especially true for foods that have to be shipped over a long distance. When gas prices…
The traditional shopping cart is getting a radical, high-tech makeover. Major supermarket chains across the country are now rolling out “smart carts.” These are shopping carts that are equipped with cameras, sensors, and a large touchscreen. The most popular feature of these carts is the ability to scan your own items and to pay directly…
The debate between shopping online versus in a traditional, brick-and-mortar store is a constant one. While a physical store offers the benefit of seeing a product in person, online retailers almost always have the advantage when it comes to price. Because they do not have the high overhead costs of a physical storefront, online sellers…
Wednesday is the best day of the week to go grocery shopping. It is the day when the store is in a “sweet spot” of low crowds, fresh stock, and the best possible deals. Most supermarket chains across the country launch their new weekly sales ad on a Wednesday. This creates several unique, money-saving opportunities…