The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Getting the coupon price for a gift is my best consumer experience this week, while a letter from my bank with an error disappoints

It brought joy to be able to give a nice present to my great-niece. However, I was furious to get a letter from my bank with a mistake.

My best consumer experience: Getting the coupon price on a gift

When my sister and I went to visit my niece in the Fort Lauderdale area, we went to the mall for a walk before we headed to Bahama Breeze for dinner.

We went in the Justice shop, a store with clothes for kids and teens, which is the favorite brand of my niece’s daughter Savannah. My niece showed us two dresses that Savannah liked that were on sale.

When we finished our walk and went by the shop, I suggested we buy the dresses for Savannah for an early birthday present.

When the sales associate scanned the first dress, she said the dresses weren’t on sale without a coupon. They would be $50, not $30.

We were flabbergasted. We didn’t notice that a coupon was required. My niece had other coupons for Justice, but they weren’t valid until the next day.

We looked at each other and were getting ready to leave when the sales associate rang up the first dress at the sale price. Then the second one.

It turned out well, but we noticed as we were leaving the mall that none of the other retail clothing shops required coupons for their sales.

My worst consumer experience: Getting a letter from my bank with an error

This month, my mortgage is paid off. Hurrah.

However, I was very upset when I got a letter from my bank saying that I had requested my automatic payments be stopped, so I would be getting statements or a payment coupon book for future payments.

What? Doesn’t my bank know that I only have one partial payment left?

When I called on Monday, the person at the Payoff Office said the letter was a form letter that was generated. The bank can’t take a partial payment from my bank account so the letter was sent.

I told the banker that I’d paid thousands and thousands of dollars of interest over the years on the mortgage and I expected a higher level of customer service.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Paying less for ink jet cartridges is this week’s best consumer experience, while cashing a check at Walmart is upsetting

By Rita R. Robison

This week, I had so many good and bad consumer experiences, it’s difficult to choose what to write about. Here are two among many:

My best consumer experience: A good price on ink jet cartridges

Usually, I buy my Canon ink jet cartridges at Office Depot. The black-and-white cartridge costs $22; the color cartridge $27. I wait until I get a coupon for $10 off on a purchase of $50 or more to buy them.

At Costco, I found a package with two black-and-white and one color cartridge for $17 each. A big savings.

My worst consumer experience: A check transaction at Walmart

Due to Walmart’s land use and employee practices, I don’t shop there often. However, a Walmart has opened next to Costco where I shop occasionally.

When I went to get the one thing I buy at Walmart, getting a check cashed was a big hassle. The cashier asked to see my driver’s license. That’s not common at a retail store. I don’t want to have that information stored in Walmart’s computer. Hacking happens too often, in my opinion.

I asked the cashier if Walmart kept my driver’s license number on file. He wasn’t clear in his answer, so I asked to see the manager.

She didn’t know for sure, so she asked the assistant manager who she said knew more about computers. The manager said that not every customer is asked for the driver’s license number. If I shop at Walmart, frequently I might not be asked to show it.

The manager said my driver’s license number isn’t stored in Walmart’s computer. That every 24 or 48 hours, my number gets erased. However, if that’s correct, then what are they comparing my number to if nothing is stored in their computer system.

I’m not sure I received the correct answer about how Walmart’s check cashing system works. If I go in the future, I’ll use my credit card or pay cash.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What to look for at this year’s Memorial Day sales

Planning to hit the stores on Memorial Day weekend to look for great bargains?

Many times, holiday sales are a lot of hype with savings just average.

However, dealnews.com is reporting that Memorial Day is different for a few product categories.

For the past two years, dealnews.com has seen many retailers offer respectable sales that feature sizable stacking coupons. In many cases, these extra discounts were the best dealnews.com had seen so far that year. In fact, 50 percent of Memorial Day branded discounts from 2010 and 2011 were the best it had seen since that February, if not earlier.

What makes up the bulk of those "best of the year" offers?

Sales from apparel retailers and a few home goods stores top the list. The hottest sales from last year, for example, included discounts from Perry Ellis, Last Call Neiman Marcus, ShopEcko, Designer Living, Pottery Barn, and West Elm.

Memorial Day weekend sales are timed well if you're looking for clothes, as spring apparel is already starting to see late-season discounts. A large stacking coupon will make for some good bargains. Expect to see promotion codes that take up to an extra 50 percent off, but more regularly an additional 30 percent to 40 percent off.

However, despite the good news within the apparel category, that doesn't mean all Memorial Day weekend sales are great. It's always an awkward period for electronics and summer-specific items such as patio furniture and grills will see better discounts the longer you wait in the season.

So, as you prepare to shop at one of the many Memorial Day weekend sales, first consider what you're looking to buy. Apparel is more likely to see the best discounts. But, in order to know whether that sale or coupon is something special or about average, check the comparison information that dealnews.com offers.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts for your mom

By Rita R. Robison

Mother's Day is Sunday, and it's crunch time to get mom that perfect gift.

It’s getting too late to order from the Internet, but you can check out dealnews.com for ideas and to see what stores are offering bargains and coupons.

If you still haven’t bought Mom a gift, dealnews.com advises avoiding the traditional. That’s because, for the past two years, dealnews.com has seen a lot of jewelry styles actually increase in price at the beginning of May.

Your favorite department or discount store may be offering good last-minute bargains. Here are some examples:

Sears

• 50 percent off spring clothing.
• Up to 75 percent off on jewelry, plus 20 percent off diamonds and gemstones.
• Save 15 percent on Teleflora orders with use of your Sears card by using promo code: MOM15.

RitzPix

• 8 x 10 photos for $1 each.
• 20 percent off personalized photo books.

Nordstrom

• Jewelry, clothing, sleep wear, summer hats, purses, belts, scarves, and cosmetics suggestions for mom for under $50.

FTD

• Up to 25 percent off on Mother’s Day orders of flowers.

Best wishes with your last-minute shopping. And, I hope you and your mom have a good time on Mother’s Day, if you live close enough to visit her on her special day.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Grocery shoppers rate Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Fareway highly, while giving low marks to Wal-Mart, survey shows

Consumer Reports subscribers rated Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Fareway tops among 52 of the nation’s major grocery stores.

While most respondents were quite satisfied with their experiences, the survey also showed even some of the high-rated chains gave many shoppers something to complain about.

One-third of subscribers surveyed said they’d stopped shopping at a nearby grocery store. Forty-three percent changed in search of lower prices; about 25 percent, poor selection, long lines, or lousy food; 17 percent, employee rudeness; 14 percent, crowds.

Of the 24,203 readers interviewed, more than half had at least one complaint about their current store; almost a third cited two or more.

The biggest complaint overall: Not enough open checkouts, cited by 27 percent of shoppers, followed by congested or cluttered aisles and advertised specials that were out of stock. Other complaints included inept bagging, missing prices, and scanner overcharges

Wal-Mart, Pathmark in the Northeast, and Pick ’n Save in Wisconsin had the most complaints with about three-fourths of shoppers having one or more problems.

Consumers who shopped at Wal-Mart were most likely to be upset about the lack of open checkouts, out-of-stock regular items, indifferent employees, spotty pricing, and confusing store layout.

On the other hand, those interviewed said Costco and Trader Joe’s, along with Fareway Stores in the Midwest and Wegmans, offer quality meat and produce, clean stores, and very good or exceptional prices.

All but Costco also earned the highest possible marks for service, defined as employee courtesy and checkout speed. Service is minimal at warehouse clubs such as Costco, and lengthy lines are a trade-off for deals.

For details, see Consumer Reports May issue or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

Smart shoppers can slash bills by 60 percent

Also in the report, Consumer Reports found you can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year by doing homework and adjusting shopping habits.

Consumer Reports’ shopping expert Tod Marks cut his bill by about 60 percent using different shopping strategies.

Getting free shipping is my best consumer experience this week while new rules at health care offices irritate

By Rita R. Robison

I was pleased this week to save money on face and body soap, while a new Federal Trade Commission ruling was upsetting.

My best consumer experience: Saving money on shipping costs

Since I have allergies, I order some of my personal care products from N.E.E.D.S., a New York firm that specializes in items for sensitive consumers.

At last, they’ve begun offering free shipping and coupons.

On my order of a gallon of shampoo and body soap, I got my shipping costs of $11 canceled.

My worst consumer experience: Having to show my ID when I go to a medical appointment

It’s irritating. When you go to the doctor or other health care provider now, you have to show your identification. I went to two offices that I have gone to for 30 years, and I had to show the receptionist my driver’s license.

Apparently, it’s a new Federal Trade Commission regulation. The reason for the requirement, I was told, is that so someone else doesn’t use your insurance card.

It seems like more Homeland Security nonsense to me. You would think that the doctor’s offices I have been going to for 30 years would know me.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What interests you on Presidents’ Day? Finding bargains, traveling, or celebrating America?

By Rita R. Robison

It’s a strange custom. The holiday to honor two great presidents and the history of our country is becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

However, if you want to shop rather than contemplate history, President’s Day sales do offer consumers great deals on cars, furniture, clothing, suits, handbags, and white goods. Prices on some items, such clothing, are better than Black Friday. For cars, it’s the biggest sale of the year.

To keep from making “sale fever” mistakes, follow these tips:

• Make a list of what you’re looking for.
• Compare prices. Check the Internet for what’s up in sale prices before you hit the mall.
• Start early so you can get the sale items in your size before they’re gone.
• Use apps that scan bar codes to see what others are selling the item for.
• Look for coupons on sites such as RetailMeNot before you go.
• Check social media sites, especially Facebook, because companies may be advertising their sales there first.
• Look for travel deals. You can still get big savings and there’s lots to do in historical cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and New York.

If you want to do some serious thinking about Presidents’ Day, see “Presidents’ Day Is a Time to Help America Move Foreword.”

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Free Shipping Day is Dec. 16

By Rita R. Robison

If you find it’s mid-December and you still have some gifts you’d like to order from the Internet, check out Free Shipping Day on Dec. 16.

More than 2,000 merchants, such as JCPenney, Macy’s, Dell, Neiman Marcus, Disney Store, DSW, and Kohl’s, will provide free shipping with the promise that your gift will arrive by Dec. 24.

Be careful, however, that you don’t pay too much. Do research on the Internet first with other companies to make sure you’re not being overcharged.

Luke Knowles created free Shipping Day in 2008.

With nearly $1 billion in Internet sales in 2010, Free Shipping Day was the third largest online spending day in U.S. history, beating Black Friday for Internet sales. More than 1,750 merchants participated last year, double from the previous year.

“Free Shipping Day encourages consumers to continue buying online late into December,” Knowles said in a statement. “It's a money-saving measure for consumers and a way to extend the online holiday shopping season for retailers. Everyone benefits.”

Visit freeshippingday.com to find out which merchants are participating in Free Shipping Day. Offers and coupon codes will be posted on Friday, Dec. 16.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Which stores are opening first for Black Friday sales?

Retail stores are racing to see who can open earliest for this year’s Black Friday sales, with some opening on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.

Kmart is taking the lead this year, opening at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Toys R Us is in second place with a start time of 9 p.m., one hour earlier than 2010. Wal-Mart takes third, opening at 10 p.m. on the big Turkey Day.

Here is a list of opening hours for 15 major merchants from CouponSherpa.com, along with a special deal each is offering. Remember that hours are subject to change and some states don't allow stores to open on Thanksgiving Day. For a detailed guide to Black Friday store openings and hours, check out CouponSherpa.com.

Ace Hardware - Midnight Friday

Enter to win a Craftsman 5-drawer Tool Center.

A.C. Moore - 5 a.m. Friday

Free $10 gift card to the first 50 customers.

Bealls - Midnight Friday

First 100 customers per store have a chance to win an iPad2, $250 gift card or $5 Bealls Bucks.

Best Buy - Midnight Friday

Best Buy will distribute entry tickets up to two hours before midnight.

Half Price Books - 7 a.m. Friday

First 100 people per store receive a tote bag and $5 gift card.

JCPenney - 4 a.m. Friday

Free collectible Disney snow globe, while supplies last.

Kmart - 6 a.m. Thanksgiving

Earn 20 bonus points for every $1 spent, twice the normal amount.

Macy's - 4 a.m. Friday

Shop online all day Thanksgiving.

Office Max - 6 a.m. Friday

Save $15 on a $100 VISA or MasterCard gift card.

Kohl's - Midnight Friday

Receive $15 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend, through Nov. 27, with coupon from Black Friday flier.

Old Navy - 9 a.m. Thanksgiving and midnight Friday

Free Kodak Easyshare Sport waterproof digital camera bundle with $40 purchase (while supplies last).

Rite Aid - 7 a.m. Thanksgiving at select stores through 11:59 p.m. Friday

$10 reward when you buy a $50 Home Improvement gift card.

Sears - 4 a.m. Friday

Pick up a Real Deal Coupon Book with over $3,000 in savings that start Nov. 27 (while quantities last).

Sports Authority - 5 a.m. Friday

First 80 people in line at each Sports Authority receive Bonus Bucks valued between $10 and $500.

Target - Midnight to 11 p.m. Friday

Learn about unadvertised deals by texting "MORE TVs" to "Target."

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Tips on cutting the cost of your Thanksgiving dinner

By Andrea Woroch, Consumer Writer, Kinoli Inc.

Guest Blogger

That big turkey dinner won't just put you to sleep this year; it'll also cost you an arm and a wing.

The price of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner will rise 13 percent this year, according to a recent survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation. That means an average meal for 10 could set you back $49.20, up $5.73 from 2010.

Tom Turkey is the main culprit behind the biggest increase in 26 years. A 16-pound bird will run $21.57, up more than 22 percent from last year.

If you're a perennial chef, or just cooking your first turkey dinner, consider the following tips to avoid economic indigestion:

1. Smaller can be better

If you're not a fan of leftovers, buying a smaller turkey will save you some cash, since guests often fill up on side dishes anyway.

2. Buy early

Got extra space in your freezer? Then buy the bird now. Supermarkets tend to stock up early, then offer some excellent prices per pound. Shop early sales and keep an eye out for printable grocery coupons at websites like CouponSherpa.com.

3. Go traditional

You can either end up with a wine cellar full of hostess gifts or ask guests to bring their favorite dish instead of a bottle. If you're cooking the big bird, they might be willing to help with the smaller sides.

4. Be a borrower

Borrow serving dishes and specialty cookware, instead of purchasing them. That particularly applies to that tin-foil turkey roaster you end up buying each year to avoid cleaning.

5. Bulk up your drink purchases

Stock up on wine and beer from bulk retailers such Costco. They have a great selection and may offer deals of up to 30-percent less than grocery stores. Do price comparisons before you buy, however. Some bulk retailers don’t carry cheaper wines.

6. Bring nature indoors

Use decor inspired by nature, such as pinecones and intertwined twigs. Pumpkins spray-painted gold offer a festive touch, one that would cost over $30 if purchased at a specialty store. Plus, they're cheaper after Halloween. Or you could cut holes in fruit, insert tea lights, and create a natural and inexpensive centerpiece. Check out FreshHomeIdeas.com for more ideas. 

7. Do it yourself

Avoid prepared foods, which are typically marked up over 40 percent. Besides, you didn't really believe boxed stuffing tastes as good as the real stuff.

8. Save at Dollar stores

Buy paper goods, napkins, and favors at dollar stores. You'd be surprised how many party fixings you can buy for just $1 apiece.

9. Do your own preparation

Buy your veggies whole and do the preparation yourself. Pre-cut and pre-sliced produce are more expensive and often not as fresh. You can enlist a friend to help handle all the preparation and chat while working.

10. Homemake dessert

Pre-made desserts are marked up 100 percent, so it really pays to make your own. Try this Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie recipe from SimplyRecipes for down-home goodness.

11. Stick to your list

It's easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit while shopping for Thanksgiving goodies, and supermarkets guide you in the direction of overspending with these sneaky strategies. Before heading to the store, make a detailed list of what you need and stick to it. And also fix yourself a sandwich; there's nothing more dangerous than holiday grocery shopping on an empty stomach.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist