Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn't typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you're likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
Big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco are known for their convenience and low prices, but that doesn’t always mean every product on their shelves is safe. From furniture to electronics, several popular items have recently failed independent consumer safety tests, raising serious red flags for shoppers. These failures aren’t about minor cosmetic flaws—they’re…
You may think your favorite snack is just a harmless indulgence, but in many parts of the world, it’s considered unsafe. The U.S. allows several food additives and chemicals that are banned overseas due to health concerns. These ingredients have been linked to issues ranging from hyperactivity to cancer, yet they still make their way…
Breakfast should start your day on a high note, not with health hazards or recalls. But recent news shows that some familiar breakfast brands have been pulled from shelves due to contamination, allergens, or mislabeling. Whether it’s cereal, sandwiches, or hashbrowns, these recalls matter—especially if you have kids or sensitive diets. And knowing which products…
You walk through the grocery aisle expecting truth in advertising. But what if that “real fruit” snack contains zero fruit? Or your “butter-flavored” spread has no butter at all? It turns out that misleading food labels are more common than you think, masking cheap substitutes and artificial fillers as the real deal. For health-conscious shoppers…
We all love the convenience of frozen meals—just pop one into the microwave and lunch or dinner is served. But nutritionists are raising red flags: many so-called “healthy” options are actually loaded with hidden sodium, fat, sugar, and weird additives. Eating these meals regularly can derail your health goals without you even realizing it. Knowing…
Stockpiling groceries can feel smart—until your freezer fails or that bulk bread molds in weeks. Many commonly stashed items are actually not safe to stockpile long-term. These foods spoil, degrade, or lose nutrition far faster than advertised, especially without refrigeration or proper packaging. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies or just buying in bulk, it’s critical…
Inflation has already driven up grocery bills, but 2025 may bring something even tougher: new taxes on everyday eats. From sugary beverages to dairy products, governments are now eyeing food staples that once escaped taxation. This shift could impact your weekly budget in unexpected ways. Here’s what you need to know so you’re not caught…
Dating doesn’t always have to mean fancy restaurants or expensive outings. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen during everyday routines—like a simple trip to the grocery store. With a little creativity, your weekly grocery run can become a fun, intimate experience that brings you and your partner closer. It’s about turning the ordinary into something…
I didn’t set out to quit drinking entirely—I just wanted to spend a little less and feel a little better. But after skipping alcohol for one month, I found myself $300 richer and surprisingly more content. What started as a budget experiment turned into a lifestyle shift that changed how I spent my weekends, how…
If you want to save money, skip the crowds, and score the best selection, the day you shop matters more than you think. While weekends are the go-to for many people, savvy shoppers know that Tuesday holds some hidden advantages. From grocery store restocks to travel deals and retail markdowns, this underrated weekday is packed…
Nobody likes battling packed parking lots, long checkout lines, or weaving through crowded aisles just to grab a loaf of bread. Shopping during peak hours can add unnecessary stress and waste valuable time. Luckily, there are specific windows throughout the week when most stores are much quieter. Knowing when to go can make your shopping…
Dating without alcohol used to be rare, even awkward—but not anymore. As more people embrace sober curiosity, wellness, or recovery, alcohol-free dating is becoming more accepted and even refreshing. For those who don’t drink, whether by choice or necessity, dating brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the absence of alcohol removes some…
Grocery shopping is a significant part of any household budget, and where you live can impact how much you spend. With the rising cost of living, knowing whether it’s cheaper to buy groceries in the suburbs or city can make a big difference in managing your expenses. It can also make an impact on where…
Yes, Safeway is still doing their $5.00 Friday deals! Safeway $5 Fridays are a weekly sale event that allows shoppers to purchase selected items for just $5 each. The sale items vary from week to week and are usually announced a few days before the sale to give shoppers ample time to plan their shopping…
Anyone who is on a tight budget knows that coupons can be a wonderful way to save money. Sometimes saving an extra dollar or two can make a huge difference in your weekly finances. While coupons definitely have a lot of benefits, they also have some downsides. Most of the time, the downsides of coupons…
The ultimate coupon strategy involves matching up store sales with available coupons, rebates, and other offers to get the lowest price possible, and then stock up. To do this, most couponers use some basic strategies to find the savings. If you’ve tried saving money at the store, and don’t seem to find the super savings…