Shopping Tips

Halloween is going to be big this year, but not as big as 2023. According to the National Retail Federation, projected 2024 spending is 11.6B, down 5 percent from last year’s whopping 12.2B. This year’s projection is still higher than 2022’s record of 10.6B. 72 percent of us will celebrate, spending an average of $104 per person.
If the spooky holiday is your jam, here are 8 ways to save money on Halloween so you don’t break the bank.

Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the crisp air, leaf-peep, and spend time with loved ones. But getting into the spirit of the season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune—or anything at all—if you know where to look. From local pumpkin patches to colorful festivals to cozy nights in, you can fill your calendar with plenty of autumn activities.
With a little research and some creativity, you can find plenty of affordable festivities for families, couples, and friends alike. Here are some ideas to help you find and plan inexpensive fall fun in your community.

Best Buy’s Black Friday in October Sale has become a major event for shoppers looking to snag early deals. Held weeks before the traditional Black Friday rush, this sale features steep discounts across categories like electronics, appliances, and smart home devices. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop early, avoid the November crowds, and get a jumpstart on holiday gifting. But with so many deals available, it helps to know what to expect and how to strategize.
Here are our tips to make the most of this year’s Black Friday in October Sale.

Are you excited for Amazon Prime Day?

This now-massive sale event kicked off on July 15, 2015 as a 24-hour sale. Each subsequent year through 2019, Prime Day occurred in the second week of July and the sale grew from 24 to 48 hours.

If you were aghast when the credit card bills arrived this past January, now is the time to start thinking about how to avoid a repeat performance of holiday debt. Although it feels early to start thinking about the holidays, starting now will give you plenty of time to budget, build a shopping fund, and even do a little early shopping so you’ll hardly have a bill to pay.

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Prescription glasses can be a pricey necessity, especially if you need multiple pairs, specialized lenses, or if you prefer trendy frames. Between customizations, coatings, and accessories, the price for a pair of glasses can quickly add up.
Luckily, there are plenty of smart ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality, comfort, or style. By knowing where to shop, what discounts to look for, and how to care for your eyewear, you can stretch your budget while still getting exactly what you need. Here are some practical tips for saving money on glasses.

If you’ve been to a wholesale club warehouse, you know the thrill of the cavernous interior with snacks, spices, and home office staples stacked to the ceiling. You know the joy of the scent of food samples in the air. But you also know that “holy crap” feeling at checkout when you go overboard. Here are several tried-and-true ways to save at wholesale clubs in general, as well as tips specific to the big 3: Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s.

Shopping secondhand has never been easier, thanks to social commerce platforms that blend online shopping with community interaction. These marketplaces have made secondhand shopping affordable and accessible for savvy shoppers – letting us browse, buy, and sell clothing and accessories from the comfort of our phone or computer. Not only do they help consumers save money, but they also promote sustainability by giving pre-loved items a second life.
Whether you’re looking to declutter your closet or score unique finds, these platforms offer options for shoppers of all ages and tastes. From everyday essentials to luxury labels, social commerce resale is quickly becoming one of the best ways to revamp your wardrobe on a budget.

We live in a subscription economy filled with digital services to meet nearly every need. Fortunately, many services offer free trials so you can test-drive their offerings before you commit. Whether you’re looking for high-quality entertainment, easy access to food and fitness, or a way to level up your skills, here is a selection of services to try before you buy.

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Whether you’re a diehard fan of Old Navy jeans, can’t start the day without your buttery soft Gap Body underthings, only work out Athleta gear, or rely on Banana Republic for an elevated work look, you probably own something from this family of brands. If you’ve ever wondered how you can save money at Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, and Banana Republic, read on.

Fall fashion is always exciting, with the cooler weather bringing in new trends and fresh style ideas to update your wardrobe. The best part? Many of this season’s looks can be achieved affordably with pieces from your favorite budget-friendly retailers, or even items you already own.
By focusing on versatility and shopping smart, you can embrace the latest fall 2025 trends while sticking to your budget. Here are five affordable fall fashion ideas to keep you looking chic all season long.

Labubu – a quirky, elf-like plush collectible – has won over fans worldwide thanks to its whimsical design and viral appeal. However, the surge in popularity has also sparked a rise in counterfeit versions, dubbed “Lafufus,” which mimic the appearance of authentic Labubu dolls but lack the quality and safety standards. These fakes have begun flooding marketplaces, often luring buyers with lower prices, but they come with serious risks. Collectors and casual consumers alike need to make informed purchases to protect their investments and those they love.

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale is a must-shop event for beauty lovers looking to score major deals on top-rated products. This semi-annual sale features daily 50 percent off discounts on makeup, skincare, and beauty tools from high-end brands. It typically occurs twice a year, in March and again in late August, and lasts for three weeks. To make the most of this shopping event and maximize your savings, here are some smart strategies to employ.

Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest retail events of the year, marking the end of summer and offering deep discounts across multiple categories. From appliances and furniture to clothing and tech, it’s a great opportunity to snag deals before the fall season begins. But, with so many promotions competing for attention, it helps to go in with a game plan. Knowing when and where to shop, what to look for, and how to spot real discounts can make all the difference. Here’s how to shop smarter and make the most of 2025’s Labor Day sales.

TikTok has become a culinary playground, with chefs using the platform to demo recipes and influencers sharing their favorite food and bev discoveries. From delectable desserts to healthy sauces to a go-to travel brewer for coffee, we’ll explore the hottest trending items and add our own stamp of approval.

Trends come and go, but some trending products can become game-changers in your daily routine. From innovative wardrobe solutions to activities to calm and stimulate the mind, this roundup highlights TikTok trends that are worth your attention. Dive in to discover what everyone is talking about!