Prioritized Living

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Purchase New or Used? Surprise Savings and Hidden Dangers (Part 2)

This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Purchase New or Used?

Purchase New or Used

If you missed last week’s post on Part 1 in this series, click here to check it out!

Helmets

Picking up an inexpensive bicycle helmet at a yard sale may seem like a great deal at first, but the potential pitfalls negate the financial savings.

First, there’s the issue of sanitation.  A helmet – typically stored in a garage, in a basement, or even outdoors – may be rife with mold, bacteria, or insect eggs.  Plus, the previous owner likely left behind some combination of dead skin cells, hair product residue, dried sweat, skin infection, and head lice.

Second and more important, there’s the question of safety.  Older helmets may not meet current safety standards for protecting your head and neck.  Even more troubling, a helmet, which is designed to protect the wearer from a single accident only, may have been damaged beyond the point of proper functioning.  Plus, according to an article in the Health section of The New York Times, the plastic of every helmet deteriorates due to frequent exposure to sunlight and ozone.

With new, clean, undamaged helmets available online and in many stores for less than $20, there’s no reason to risk your life and health for a few dollars’ savings. [Read more…]

How to Save Big at Bed Bath & Beyond

How to Save Big at Bed Bath and Beyond

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Mega-retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has it all.  For many people, it’s the first store that comes to mind when looking for home goods, décor, furniture, baby gear, storage supplies, and dorm room fixings.  If you’re getting married or having a baby, it’s likely you’ll set up a registry with this popular retailer.

The great news is that Bed Bath and Beyond adores couponers.  Here’s a look at the many ways you can save on your next BB&B purchase. [Read more…]

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at CVS

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at CVS

Photo courtesy of Chain Drug Review

If you’re a Drugstore Game fanatic, you know that the major arenas for savings are Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS.  To make the game even more challenging, savvy shoppers have to adopt to dramatically different savings programs and policies at each store.  (Check out my definitive guides to saving at Walgreens and Rite Aid.)

If you’re craving information on how to land big savings at CVS, here’s the ultimate guide you need.
[Read more…]

Is Shopping at Aldi Really That Great?

Is Shopping at Aldi Really That Great

Photo courtesy of Kiplinger

For a while now, I’ve heard great things about Aldi — how savings-minded moms are saving lots of money by shopping at this unconventional store.

It’s not a supermarket, and it’s not a club store.  I learned that Aldi contained mostly store brand products and only four or five aisles, making it much smaller than a standard supermarket.  Still, people raved about it.

I decided I needed to check it out for myself.

Okay, I wasn’t technically by myself.  One Saturday, I told my toddler that we were going somewhere new called Aldi.  He took in my enthusiasm somewhat suspiciously but dutifully retrieved his sneakers for me and sat happily in the car for the 10-mile drive.  On the way, I even taught him the word “Aldi” — something I now regret, since he spent the next week intermittently asking to go to Aldi. [Read more…]

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at Rite Aid

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at Rite Aid

Photo courtesy of Rite Aid

With more than 4500 stores nationwide, it’s likely you’ve got a Rite Aid in your neighborhood.

The world of Rite Aid is in a state of flux.  In the last couple of years, Rite Aid has eliminated some of its popular savings programs, introduced a new rewards program, and made plans to be acquired by mega-retailer Walgreens.  (How coupon policies will change at that point is anyone’s guess.)

Maximizing your Rite Aid savings means having the latest information on the chain’s policies and best practices.  And winning at the Drugstore Game with Rite Aid requires a whole different playbook from the one you’d use at competitors like Walgreens.

Here’s what you need to know. [Read more…]

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at Walgreens

Coupon Your Way to Crazy Savings at Walgreens

Photo courtesy of Walgreens

The Drugstore Game is addictive.

Never heard of it?  Whenever you visit the drugstore, you challenge yourself to buy the items you need for as little as possible – or even without paying a dime!  Every drugstore has its own set of policies that determines exactly how you can (and can’t) play the game there.

Walgreens is one of the leading drug stores in the country to which deal-hungry shoppers flock for big savings.  Whether you’re new to shopping at Walgreens or you’re an experienced bargain-hunter looking to up your game at this popular retailer, we’ve got all the information you need to start saving big today. [Read more…]

You HAVE to Do It . . . or Do You?

You HAVE to Do It or Do You

There’s just so much stuff you HAVE to do in life.  You have to go to work.  You have to make dinner and clean yours house.  You absolutely have to do your taxes each year.

But do you really?

Are you a victim of a massive list of must-do items . . . or are you unconsciously choosing to do those things?  Your to-do list may actually be a reflection of your priorities and goals.  If you look at each item on your list as something moving you one step closer to your goals — financial health, family relationships, a welcoming home, pursuit of your career dreams — you’re no longer a slave to your list.

You’re the master.

But what if your must-do list is out-of-whack with your goals?  Then it’s time to consider some alternatives!  Realign your life with your priorities.  What’s right for someone else may be totally wrong for you.  Reserve judgment, and ask yourself whether these common have-to tasks are activities you want to do or activities you’re prepared to change. [Read more…]