Every time I go to a big-box store, or the grocery store, I need someone to help me lift my chin off the ground after I look a the prices. Is there no end to this? The news say inflation is slowing down, but the truth of the matter is that these prices are the new norm, we’ll never go back to pre-pandemic prices. So instead of complaining about it, I’m fighting back and these 12 retail hacks are a nice start. I hope you find them as helpful as I have.

1. Know Target’s Markdown Schedule

Target does department specific markdowns throughout the week.

For example, shop on a Monday for fresh deals on electronics and kid‘s clothing.

Tuesdays are great for women’s clothing and pet products.

Thursday is the day for deals on housewares, shoes, and toys.

Use this insider info to your advantage and save money on stuff you’d be buying anyways.

2. Amazon Package Arrive Late? Score a FREE $10

If Amazon Prime does NOT hold up their end of the bargain of 2-day shipping, hit up Amazon live chat and let them know.

Chat reps are handing out a $10 credit or 1-month of free Prime for the inconvenience.

Late delivery happens to me all the time and it basically pays my annual fee for Prime.

PRO TIP

Many Amazon Business account have been getting deliveries in 2-days since day one. If you’ve ever considered a free business account, this may be the time to give it a try and potentially get much faster delivery.

See Also: Shrinkflation is REAL and Here’s How to Fight Back

3. Save Big On Meats at Walmart

When shopping for meats at Walmart, look for packaged meat that has a Sell By Date of today or tomorrow’s date and politely ask an employee if they can mark it down for you.

99% of the time they‘ll print out a yellow Clearance price tag to put on the meat, which will save you a whopping 40% off the original price.

If you have the freezer space, this is a great time to stock up and save BIG.

4. Become an Expert Price Negotiator at Lowe’s

I recently saved $110 at Lowe‘s by negotiating the price on a washer/dryer.

They WANT you to do it.

The KEYS are to look for imperfections, bundle Items when possible, and to look for returned special orders.

Managers want all 3 out of the store ASAP making them great chances to save.

5. Save By Knowing the Best Values at Trader Joe’s

I talked to over a dozen TJ employees and was told in NO uncertain terms that the best buys include their specialty cheeses, frozen meals, dried pasta, 5 seeds almond bars, private label beer, wine, bananas, and coffee.

Check out the full list here.

6. Shop on Tuesday Mornings at Costco

I interviewed several Costco employees and was told TUESDAY mornings is the best time to shop.

You avoid the Monday business owners, the Wednesday coupon users, and of course the busy rush that comes with shopping on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

7. Learn TJ Maxx Price Tag Secrets

Learn how to read price tags at TJ Maxx to determine what kind of a deal you’re getting.

For example, if you see an item with a red price tag sticker, it means the item has been marked down at least once, sometimes 2 or 3 times.

If you see an item with a yellow price tag, it means the item has been reduced to FINAL markdown and is the lowest the price will go.

8.Get Creative and Save BIG at Starbucks

A 24 oz. Venti Frappuccino at Starbucks is about the size of a gas can.

When indulging with a friend, order a Venti with 2 Tall cups (12 oz each) and split it yourself.

Politely ask for two cups and they’ll happily oblige.

You’ll pay $6.25 for the Venti instead of a ridiculous $10.90 for two Talls.

ALWAYS opt for the Venti and split it and save money.

If you don’t have anyone to split it with then save half in the fridge.

9. Vets and Active Military Get 10% Discount at Home Depot

The best part about this little-known 10% Home Depot military discount is that it‘s good for spouses as well.

It’s all done through the Home Depot app and requires you to show a QR code via your phone when checking out.

10. Amazon’s Hidden Coupon Page

Did you know Amazon has a page full of coupons?

They keep it hidden for a reason as they’d rather NOT have every shopper know about it.

The coupons will save you up to 40% off baby and child care products, home and kitchen stuff, and even name brands electronics.

Always start your shopping on this page and save every time you shop.

11. Negotiate a Lower Price at Best Buy As Well

The stuff at Best Buy you can always ask for a lower price on includes open-box products, damaged packaging, clearance items, and bundled items.

Bundled items include things like buying a TV and soundbar together and asking for a 15% discount.

PRO TIP

Also try to negotiate at Best Buy towards the end of the month when managers are trying to meet sales goals. So you know I’m not blowing smoke, I personally talked to a manager who gave me this tip.

12. Over 55? Shop at Ross on a Tuesday

Every Ross store offers seniors a 10% discount on Tuesdays and the discount can even be used on clearance merchandise.

If you‘re not 55, be sure to shop on a Monday.

I had an employee tell me that Monday is the day they do their markdowns so you‘ll get FIRST DIBS on the new clearance deals.

Ask the Reader: Give me your favorite little unknown “hack” at any of these spots or maybe a different retailer or restaurant. Would love to look into it and potentially add it to my article.

By Kyle James

Hobby Lobby is a haven for craft enthusiasts, offering a wide range of supplies for everything from scrapbooking and painting to home decor and seasonal decorations. However, frequent trips to this wonderland can quickly add up, so savvy shoppers need to know the best ways to save. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of tips and tricks to help you maximize your savings at Hobby Lobby.

1. The Famous 40% Off Coupon is Gone…BUT

Hobby Lobby was well-known for its perpetual 40% off coupon, which they offered until 2021.

Although this specific coupon is no longer available, the store frequently releases similar high-value coupons.

Always check their website Weekly Ad or the top of your store receipt before shopping to see if any such coupons are available.

These can be applied to the highest-priced item in your cart, providing significant savings.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Sales Cycle

Hobby Lobby’s sales cycle is predictable, which can be a MAJOR advantage if you know how to use it.

Most categories go on sale once every three to four weeks.

Home decor items might be 50% off one week, and the next week, crafting supplies or fabric might be on sale.

By understanding this cycle, you can plan your purchases around when your needed items are likely to be discounted.

PRO TIP

Don’t be afraid to talk to employees, I’ve found they are very open with sale cycle information. Some locations do things differently so it’s totally worth your time to strike up a conversation and get some insider info on when stuff tends to go on sale.

3. Shop Seasonal Clearance Sales

One of the best times to save at Hobby Lobby is during seasonal clearance sales.

After major holidays, leftover seasonal items are typically marked down 50% off the day after the holiday, with discounts increasing to 75% or even 90% off over the following weeks.

This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on supplies for the next year.

4. Price Matching Policy

Hobby Lobby will price match items from a competitor’s printed ad, provided the exact same item is in stock at their store.

This means if you find a lower price at another store, bring in the advertisement to claim the same price at Hobby Lobby.

Note that they do not honor competitors’ percent-off ads or coupons.

Also, keep in mind that they exclude the following from a price match: Holiday door buster ads, Cricut, Silhouette, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Simplicity & McCall’s patterns, clearance, and closeout items.

PRO TIP

Hobby Lobby will only do a price match in-store and NOT online. When it comes to competing stores, your best bets will be using Joann Fabrics and Michaels pricing to try and save some money.

5. Take Advantage of Online Sales

Shopping online at Hobby Lobby can also lead to significant savings, especially if you live far from a store.

Online sales are often different from in-store sales, so you might find better deals or unique items not available at your local Hobby Lobby.

Also, online orders sometimes offer free shipping promotions, adding to your savings.

See Also: Hobby Lobby Employee Discounts, Benefits, and Perks

6. Follow Social Media and Email Newsletters

For the most dedicated deal-seekers, following Hobby Lobby on social media and subscribing to their Weekly Ad newsletter can provide early notifications about special promotions and coupons.

These platforms sometimes offer exclusive deals that are not advertised through other channels.

The best platforms to follow them are Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

7. Utilize Discount Gift Cards

Purchasing Hobby Lobby gift cards at a discount is another clever way to save.

Websites like Gift Inventory or Card Cash sell gift cards for less than face value.

Buying these discounted gift cards ahead of your shopping trips can save you an additional 5% to 10%.

8. DIY with Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby not only sells craft supplies but also provides countless free DIY project ideas and tutorials on their website and YouTube channel.

Utilizing these resources can inspire you to create something truly unique while also being cost-effective.

Sometimes, making something yourself with simple materials can be significantly cheaper than buying the finished item.

9. Watch for Daily Specials and Limited-Time Offers

In addition to the regular sales cycle, Hobby Lobby occasionally offers special daily discounts or limited-time promotions that aren’t widely advertised.

These can include deep discounts on specific product categories or flash sales available only for a day or two.

Checking their website or signing up for push notifications through the Hobby Lobby app can keep you informed about these timely offers.

10. Benefit from Holiday Hours and Special Sales

Hobby Lobby often extends its hours during the holiday season and may offer special shopping events and additional discounts.

These extended hours provide more opportunities to shop after normal business hours, which can be helpful during the busy holiday season.

Plan your shopping trips during these times to make the most of the additional hours and potential extra discounts.

11. Explore the Clearance Aisles

In many Hobby Lobby stores, there are dedicated aisles for clearance items where products are deeply discounted to make room for new stock.

These aisles often contain a wide variety of items, from home decor to crafting supplies, at significantly reduced prices.

Regular visits to these aisles can lead to finding some hidden gems at a fraction of their original price.

12. Consider the “Less Than Perfect” Section

Some Hobby Lobby locations feature a “Less Than Perfect” section where items with minor imperfections are sold at a reduced price.

These items may have slight defects or damages that do not affect their overall functionality.

Shopping from this section can save money, especially on items where appearance is not your primary concern, such as materials for practice or experimentation.

See Also: How to Negotiate a Lower Price on Things With Slight Defects

13. Participate in Store Events and Competitions

Hobby Lobby occasionally hosts events and competitions that can involve discounts or prizes.

These might include crafting contests, seasonal promotions, or DIY workshops where participants may receive discounts on their purchases during the event.

These are not only fun ways to engage with the crafting community but also great opportunities to save.

14. Educator and Non-Profit Discounts

If you are an educator or purchasing for a non-profit organization, inquire about any available discounts.

Hobby Lobby offers a discount for teachers and non-profit organizations, which can be used for buying supplies in bulk for classrooms or various projects.

This requires providing appropriate identification or documentation, so be prepared with the necessary paperwork.

15. Plan Projects Around What’s on Sale

For regular crafters, planning projects based on what materials are currently on sale can lead to significant savings.

If you have a flexible timeline for your projects, wait to purchase materials until they fall into the sales cycle.

This proactive approach ensures you’re buying materials at their lowest prices.

16. Check Out Competitor Coupons

While Hobby Lobby no longer accepts competitor coupons, being aware of competitors’ sales can still be beneficial.

You can use this information to anticipate potential price matches or to decide when it might be better to shop at a competitor based on their promotions, especially for items that rarely go on sale at Hobby Lobby.

17. Make the Most of Returns and Exchanges

Understanding Hobby Lobby’s return policy can save you money if you ever need to return an item.

Keep your receipts and be aware of the return window to ensure you can return products that are not suitable.

This helps manage your budget more effectively by preventing money from being tied up in unused items.

18. Leverage After-Christmas Sales for Crafting Supplies

Post-Christmas sales are not just for holiday items.

Hobby Lobby often includes a range of crafting supplies in their after-Christmas clearance sales.

This is an excellent time to stock up on ribbons, fabrics, and decorative items that can be repurposed for projects throughout the year.

These items can often be found at discounts of 70% or more.

19. Revisit the Basics Section

For basic crafting supplies like paper, glues, and tools that you use frequently, keep an eye on the basics section.

Hobby Lobby periodically offers discounts on these essential items, and stocking up during these times can save you money in the long run.

These sales are ideal for buying in bulk, ensuring you never run out of your most used supplies.

20. Check End Caps for Deals

End caps—the displays at the end of aisles—often feature discounted items and special buys.

These are placed prominently to catch shoppers’ attention and can sometimes offer the best deals in the store.

Products on end caps might be overstock items, last season’s products, or new items promoted at an introductory price.

21. Use the Hobby Lobby App

The Hobby Lobby app is a convenient tool for accessing coupons, checking the weekly ad, and tracking the sales cycle.

Additionally, the app can simplify the shopping experience with features like barcode scanning to check prices and availability, making it easier to plan your shopping trips and ensure you are getting the best deals.

22. Shop Off-Season

Purchasing seasonal items off-season can result in significant savings.

For instance, buying summer crafting materials in the fall or winter holiday items in January.

Hobby Lobby reduces the prices on these seasonal goods to clear out inventory, which means you can get them at a fraction of the cost if you’re willing to store them until the next year.

23. Join Crafting Classes

Hobby Lobby hosts classes and workshops that sometimes include discounts on supplies purchased for the class.

These sessions can offer not only new skills and a fun experience but also savings on materials used during the class.

Keep an eye on the store’s events calendar to join a class that interests you.

24. Optimize Your Fabric Purchases

When buying fabric, always check for remnants. Ask an employee if you can’t find them.

These are pieces of fabric left over after cutting and are usually sold at a lower price.

If you need smaller amounts of fabric for projects like quilting or crafts, remnants can provide high-quality material at a reduced cost.

25. Be Strategic with Custom Framing

Custom framing can be expensive, but Hobby Lobby frequently offers sales of 50% off custom framing or free upgrades like UV glass or matting.

If you need items framed, wait for these promotions to make the most of your investment.

By using these tips—ranging from leveraging coupons and understanding the sales cycle to shopping clearance sales and using a rewards card—you can significantly cut costs. Always stay alert for new promotions, be strategic about your shopping times, and enjoy the process of creating and decorating with all the supplies you can get at a fraction of the cost.

Ask the Reader: What’s your favorite way to save money at Hobby Lobby? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Costco is renowned for its bulk purchases and substantial savings, a haven for budget-conscious shoppers everywhere. However, not every bulk buy is a win for your wallet or your storage space. So I set out on a mission to talk to a few dozen Costco shoppers and get their opinion on the worst buys. The results were awesome and definitely worth an article. Here are some items that you might want to think twice about before loading up your oversized shopping cart with.

1. Oversized Condiments

While it might be tempting to purchase that gallon of mayonnaise or a colossal bottle of ketchup, unless you’re hosting a community BBQ, these giant containers can prove impractical.

These products often have a limited shelf life once opened, leading to wastage if not used in a timely manner.

2. Fresh Produce in Bulk

Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk might seem like a cost-effective choice, but perishability is a significant factor.

Unless you’re running a restaurant or have a large family that consumes a lot of produce quickly, you’re likely to end up throwing away spoiled items before you can eat them.

See Also: Costco Employees Drop the Knowledge on the Best Time to Shop

3. Giant Packs of Baked Goods

Costco offers tempting deals on baked goods, selling them in massive quantities.

However, unless you have a plan to freeze them or you’re entertaining a large group, these items usually cannot be consumed before they stale.

This one definitely rings true to me….I can’t count the number of stale Costco muffins and dinner rolls that I’ve fed our goat over the years.

GOTTA FREEZE ‘EM

Buying the large packs of croissants, bread, muffins, or bagels at Costco is less than ideal for an average family UNLESS you can freeze them. I’ve found that they freeze quite well, especially the Ciabatta rolls.

4. Supersized Snacks

It’s easy to be lured by the giant bags of chips or snacks, thinking you’re getting a great deal.

However, not only does this encourage overeating, but it also poses a challenge in terms of storage and freshness.

Once opened, the snacks need to be consumed quickly, which isn’t always practical.

5. Specialty Appliances

While that high-tech juicer or the latest espresso machine might catch your eye during a Costco run, specialty appliances can be a risky purchase.

Often, these items are used infrequently and take up valuable counter space.

Unless you’re certain you’ll use them regularly, it’s better to avoid the temptation.

6. Bulk Dairy Products

Unless you consume a large amount of dairy quickly, buying it in bulk might lead to wastage due to its short shelf life.

Products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can spoil before they’re fully used, making smaller purchases more sensible.

See Also: Costco Bakery Hacks You NEED In Your Life

7. Clothing in Multipacks

Costco sometimes sells clothing in multipacks, and while the per-item cost seems low, you might end up with more than you actually need or want.

This can lead to unused items cluttering your wardrobe.

QUALITY CONCERNS

Be aware that name brand clothing at Costco is made specifically for budget shoppers at Costco and is of lesser quality. Brands where this is evident include Carhartt, J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Eddie Bauer.

8. Large Quantities of Cleaning Supplies

While buying cleaning supplies in bulk can be cost-effective, storage becomes an issue, especially for those living in smaller spaces.

Additionally, if you like to try new products or scents regularly, you might be stuck with a large quantity of a product you no longer prefer.

9. Excessive Quantities of Spices

Spices lose their potency over time, and while the giant containers might seem like a steal, unless you’re cooking in high volumes regularly, you’re likely to end up with stale spices.

Smaller quantities ensure fresher flavor and less waste.

10. Large Packs of Paper Goods

While stocking up on toilet paper and paper towels might seem practical, they require a lot of storage space.

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, storing a year’s supply of paper goods isn’t always feasible.

MILDEW IS AN ISSUE

From Tina in the comments, “Can vouch for the toilet paper. When purchased in bulk, can get mildew in a long wet spell. If you are purchasing emergency supplies, store it in an airtight container. You DO NOT want to know what a mold or fungus infection feels like on your most sensitive parts.”

11. Bulk Beauty Products

Buying beauty products like lotions, shampoos, or skin creams in bulk might backfire if your skin or hair doesn’t respond well to them.

Also, the efficacy of many beauty products can diminish over time, so having too much on hand can lead to waste.

See Also: The Costco Warranty: All The Products They Stand Behind

12. Oversized Pet Food Bags

While bulk pet food can offer significant savings, purchasing a massive bag can have downsides.

If your pet is picky, has special dietary needs, or if the food has a nearing expiration date, you might end up with a large amount of pet food that goes unused.

13. Big-Ticket Items Without Prior Research

Costco often offers deals on electronics and appliances, but these items should always be purchased with careful consideration.

Make sure to compare prices and check reviews to ensure that the model offered is still relevant and competitive.

Often, these items may be older models being cleared out at a discount.

14. Seasonal Decor

Large packs of seasonal decor might catch your eye during the holiday season, but storage for the rest of the year can be a challenge.

Additionally, buying in bulk might lead you to have more decorations than you actually need, contributing to clutter.

My wife and I ran into this problem last year when I bought a large Christmas light pole…it’s REALLY cool but now I’m not sure where to store it because it’s SO tall.

I’m going to have to take it apart every January and store it in my attic which is gonna be a pain in the butt.

15. Books and DVDs

While the selection may be tempting, many people find that books and DVDs bought on impulse remain unwatched or unread.

With digital streaming and libraries offering easy access to these media, it might be more space and cost-efficient to rent or stream rather than buy in bulk.

16. Pre-Packaged Salad Mixes

While the convenience of pre-packaged salad mixes is undeniable, their shelf life can be surprisingly short.

Large bags can be impractical for small households and might lead to wastage if the salad wilts before it can be consumed entirely.

Unless you’re feeding a large group, I have no idea why you’d ever buy the salad mixes from Costco.

17. Frozen Meals and Entrees

Buying frozen meals in bulk can seem like a time-saver, but taste fatigue can set in quickly when you’re eating the same dish repeatedly.

Also, these meals can vary greatly in nutritional value, and frequent consumption of less healthy options might not align with your dietary goals.

See Also: Read This BEFORE You Buy Meats from Costco and Save Money

18. Scented Candles in Bulk

Purchasing large quantities of the same scented candle might seem like a soothing idea initially.

However, scents can become overwhelming or simply less appealing over time.

Take it from me on this one, diversifying your “aromatic options” in smaller quantities is usually more satisfying.

19. Bulk Baking Ingredients

For those who don’t bake frequently, buying ingredients like flour, sugar, or baking powder in bulk might lead to spoilage.

These ingredients have a limited shelf life and can attract pests if not stored properly.

20. Fitness Gear and Equipment

While the low prices on fitness gear and equipment can be tempting, these are items that should be chosen based on specific fitness needs and preferences rather than impulse.

Overstocking on gear that doesn’t align with your actual workout habits can lead to clutter and unused equipment.

Personal experience on this one…I have an elliptical machine that I bought at Costco that’s currently holding a few hoodies.

21. Large Containers of Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are healthy snack options, but their shelf life can be shorter than you might expect.

Once opened, large containers of nuts and seeds can go rancid quickly if not stored properly, potentially leading to both food waste and a loss of money.

22. Exotic Juices and Beverages

While exotic juices and beverage varieties in bulk might catch your eye with their health claims and unique flavors, their appeal can wane after a few servings.

This could leave you with more juice than you can—or want to—consume before it expires.

23. Office Supplies

Buying office supplies like pens, notebooks, and binders in bulk can lead to overstock and underuse, especially in small home offices.

Before buying, assess whether the quantity aligns with your actual usage to avoid unnecessary accumulation.

Final Thoughts

Costco’s bulk buys can be a boon for the right items, but shoppers should approach with caution.

It’s important to assess your actual consumption needs and storage capabilities before giving in to the allure of seemingly great deals.

Remember, a bargain isn’t a bargain if it ends up unused or in the trash.

Ask the Reader: What’s the one big ticket item you bought at Costco that you regret purchasing?

By Kyle James