Be a Smart Shopper
Everyday Savings and Assistance
- Coupons – Need to grab that last minute coupon before you go shopping. Try the Ultimate Guide to Couponing.
- Coupon Codes – Enter special codes at the checkout page of participating merchants for instant discounts. Find online coupon codes. A new site that seems to have a very comprehensive database of coupon codes is https://dealspotr.com.
- Customer Service – Ever been frustrated trying to reach a human regarding a question or problem and instead become trapped in the maze of a computer answering system? Check out Get Human Help.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores. Did you know that Amazon accepts SNAP purchases and will deliver groceries to you?
SNAP eligible groceries and free delivery available
Spend less. Smile more: Low Prices, All in One Place
Find the Best Deals on New Technology
Everyone is familiar with Amazon. There is virtually nothing that you can't find there including the latest trends in technology and more times than not you will find some of the best prices. Combine that with their stellar return policy and it's hard to go wrong shopping there. Check out one of their newest hot tech products, the Amazon Halo Band – Measure how you move, sleep, and sound. It tracks the intensity of your activity, measures your sleep quality, and helps you discover new ways to feel your best.
Save on Your Mobile Phone Bill:
For seniors or anyone who does not require excessive minutes, we discovered the best deal anywhere for mobile phone access. You receive a sim card and a monthly plan from Red Pocket for as little as $10/month! The plan includes 500 minutes of talk, 500 texts and 500MB data. Unlike most re-sellers, Red Pocket offers service through through all four major providers.If you need an unlimited plan, they offer that as well at a very competitive price.
Save on Big Purchases:
- Decide in advance exactly what you want and what you can afford. Don't buy on impulse or because a salesperson is pressuring you.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations based on their experience.
- Get advice and price quotes from several sellers. It always pays to shop around and compare quality and prices.
- Review product test results and other information from consumer experts.
- Check out a company's complaint record with your local consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau. Ask about the number of complaints filed, and how the company responded. Compare the number of complaints to the company's volume of business.
- Make sure that the company has all appropriate state and local licenses. Occupational and professional licensing boards cover doctors, lawyers, home improvement contractors, and other businesses.
- Read and understand any contract you are asked to sign. Make sure there are no blank spaces and that any verbal promises made by the salesperson are in the contract. There is an old saying that is worth remembering "The big print giveth and the small print taketh away".
- Get a written copy of guarantees and warranties. Compare their features.
- Extended warranties or service contracts are very profitable for business. Decide whether the extra peace of mind is worth the price. To find out more, contact the Federal Trade Commission or your state or local consumer office.
- Get the seller's refund and return policies.
- Consider paying by credit card. If you later have a legitimate dispute with the seller, you do not have to pay a charge made on your credit card.