How to Get Out of Target for Less Than a Hundred Bucks

by Tracy · 0 comments


My friends and I always joke that it’s impossible to get out of Target for less than $100. Going in for diapers and soap? One hundred dollars. Need laundry detergent and socks? One hundred dollars. Dog food and pacifiers? One hundred dollars, please. The prices are great, but it’s all the little bargains we didn’t know we needed until we got there that kill us.

Of course, our own lack of willpower is part of the problem, but retailers like Target are very good at making what they are selling seem like something you can’t afford to pass up. Stack the odds in your favor by following these tips (that also work at any other retailer!):

Only carry in as much cash as you need and leave your cards at home. There is a reason retailers like Target push their cards so heavily: not only is there the possibility of you having to pay them interest, but study after study has shown that people buy more when using plastic.

Even if you pay off your balance in full every month, you could still be susceptible to buying more than you need because it’s so painless to pay using that little red card. Instead, write your list at home and estimate the total, being sure to include sales tax and bring only that much cash.

Note: some stores like Target do offer special discounts if you pay with their card. For most people the amount saved does not equal the extra money they’ll spend, however if you are super disciplined, it might just work for you. Just be honest with yourself and how likely you are to buy extra when buying with a card.

Speaking of lists, don’t forget to bring one! Wandering the store in an attempt to jog your memory of what you need is a recipe for impulse spending. When you enter the store, consult your list and proceed dirctly to those areas. Do not stop and try on sunglasses, do not take a quick peak at the clearance racks in the misses department.

Shop alone if possible. It will be easier to get in and out and you won’t have to deal with peer spending pressure. Shopping with kids is also stressful and it’s more likely you will just start throwing items in your cart to get it over with, rather than doing careful comparison shopping. All of the whining and begging can wear even the best parents down, and children are experts at never giving up until you give in.

Try to avoid shopping just because you are bored. The more often you go in the store, the more you’ll buy and the more focused you’ll become on material things. Look for other hobbies, preferably ones that don’t require you to go into Target to buy supplies.

Some people find that they spend less when they shop online, others find the opposite. Take a look at your spending habits and see which works best for you, particularly for larger items like baby gear, bedding, cookware and so on. You’ll be able to comparison shop and look for reviews and make a more informed decision shopping online, but again, some people find that it’s easy to overspend if they aren’t spending cash or don’t “see” their cart filling up.

Good luck! Target and other discount retailers are awesome but don’t let the great deals bust your budget!

Photo Credit: kaje_yomama.

18 Common Ailments and Homemade Remedies

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

A visit to the pharmacy can be a pricey experience. Aisle after aisle of remedies for every ailment imaginable promise relief from what ails us. Is there any way to cut your pharmacy expenses?

When you are really, truly ill, the wisest idea is to visit your doctor for treatment and advice — but what about the everyday irritations and pains that are more inconvenient than health-threatening? Remedies for many common ailments can be concocted from ingredients you most likely have in your home right now, saving you a lot of money at the pharmacy.

Here’s a list of 18 common health ailments and some homemade remedies for them:

(Note that some ailments have several treatments, which are separately bulleted.)

  1. Abrasions (minor): first, clean the area thoroughly with mild soap and dry gently
    • sprinkle pepper over the area
    • crush cloves into a paste, apply to area and bandage
    • rub the juice of an onion on the area
    • sprinkle powdered turmeric over the area
  2. Bee sting:
    • apply a paste of baking soda and water
    • rub with a cut green onion, banana peel or hemorrhoid cream
  3. Canker sore: apply a black tea bag which has been soaked in sugar water
  4. Chapped skin: apply a mixture of glycerin and lemon juice and leave overnight
  5. Diaper rash: sprinkle on the baby’s dry bottom, or apply over a layer of petroleum jelly or Milk of Magnesia
  6. Dry skin: apply mashed avocado and leave on skin for 15 minutes; wash off with a cool washcloth
  7. Ingrown nail: soak nail in warm water with Epsom Salts
  8. Itchy rash: apply a paste made of a small amount of turmeric powder with aloe vera or water for at least 30 minutes; rinse with water
  9. Gas: mix 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon lime juice into 6 ounces of water: sweeten with honey if desired and drink
  10. Heartburn: chew a clove of garlic or store a few cloves of garlic in apple cider vinegar and drink a sip of the liquid
  11. Mosquito bites:
    • apply vinegar with a cotton ball
    • apply meat tenderizer mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of water
  12. Muscle cramps / sore feet: soak for 30 minutes in a warm bath with 1 cup of Epsom Salts
  13. Nausea:
    • drink ginger tea (Recipe: Steep 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger in one cup boiling water. Strain; sweeten with honey if desired.)
    • eat food containing ginger
  14. Pimples: apply a mixture of 1 cup lemon juice or hot water with ¼ teaspoon salt with a cotton ball
  15. Poison ivy: rub with a banana peel
  16. Sore throat:
    • drink ginger tea (see recipe under Nausea) 2-3 times per day
    • gargle with salt water (1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water) 2-3 times per day, altering the pitch of your gargle from low, to medium, to high to allow the salt water to reach all areas of your throat
    • eat honey slowly by itself, or mixed with a small amount of lemon juice
  17. Sunburn: soak in a warm bath with a handful of baking soda added
  18. Swelling: apply a cold pack made by freezing a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 2 parts water in a plastic zipper bag

These remedies may be as effective as the ones on the pharmacy shelf. After all, many packaged remedies contain these same ingredients. Use your common sense: if your symptoms persist or get worse, see your physician. For everyday aches and annoyances, however, making a homemade remedy may save you a pain in the pocketbook.

What homemade remedies keep you and your family out of the pharmacy?

This article was compiled from various sources, including GrannyMed.com and Haley’s Hints, by Graham and Rosemary Haley.

7 Frugal Ways to Exercise: DIY Home Gym

by Miranda Marquit · 8 comments

For quite a while, I’ve had a gym membership. Mainly, I had it because I enjoy swimming. However, my schedule has filled up recently, and I just don’t have the time to go across town, swim, shower, get dressed (and made up) and then come back across the town. Besides, while the swimming offers great, low-impact cardio, it doesn’t do as much in terms of strength training — especially for the core muscles. While I will miss the swimming, I will still be able to swim when we go to the lake during the summer.

So, to save time and money, I’m dusting off the old equipment I’ve had for a while. You can have a do-it-yourself home gym for a fairly low price. Indeed, if you are just looking for all-around general fitness (which can help you save money on health costs), it’s relatively easy to gather what you need. Here are a few items you can use to create a DIY home gym:

  • Hand weights: At our house, we have 2-pound, 5-pound and 15-pound weights. You can save money buy buying a set with several different weights. Or you can get two-weight sets for between $5 and $20 apiece, depending on the type you buy.
  • Stability ball: You can usually get one of these for less than $10. It is great for a number of exercises. I use mine to help me with squats, as well as to do a chest press, rowing, crunches and other exercises. A stability ball is one of the most useful things you can have in a DIY home gym.
  • Resistance bands: Useful for a number of exercises and cheap, cheap, cheap. A package with three or four different bands (plain, no handles, like what are used in Pilates) can be found for right around $8 – $12. Or you can get resistance tubes for a little more.
  • Step: If you do that sort of thing. I don’t actually have a step. If I decide to do anything that requires a step, I use my stair steps. This is because a basic step can cost $20.
  • Yoga mat: I don’t have one of these, either. I’m fine working out on the carpet — even when I do yoga, as I do most mornings. But if you want one, you can get one for right around $15.
  • Pull up bar: I don’t do this, either, but it works well for those who want one. You can get a basic pull up bar for your doorway for between $10 and $20.
  • Instruction videos: I love instruction videos. I rotate through six (dancing, kickboxing, two different Pilates, and two different fitness yoga) so that I work different parts of my body. You can buy them for anywhere between $5 and $20, or you can rent them free at the library. Additionally, there are several YouTube videos and other sources of free online exercise instruction and routine. I do my belly dancing for fitness using free YouTube videos.

In the end, what you want in your DIY home gym depends on your goals. My DIY home gym consists of the following:

  • 3 sets of handweights: Total cost $15
  • Stability ball: $8
  • Videos: $25 (two came with resistance bands, so those were no additional cost)

That’s it. I get an all-around work out with equipment I spent $48 on more than five years ago. When I want to learn how to tone a certain body part, or get a new exercise routine to vary it up, I just go online and watch a free video to see how it is done with what I have. My DIY home gym is simple, yet effective, and it saves me money.

What do you have in your home gym?

13 Ways to Use Lentils in Cooking for a Fast, Frugal and Fabulous Meal

by Tracy · 5 comments


Lentils are a staple food in many cuisines and for good reason:

  • A one cup serving of lentils contains just 230 calories
  • Lentils are rich in fiber, protein and iron as well as many trace nutrients that are important for our health.
  • Unlike most other dried legumes, lentils do not require a lengthy soak before cooking and are ready in 30 minutes or less.
  • Lentils are very affordable, most varieties are just $1-$2 per pound.

Lentil Basics

There are several variety of lentils, the kind most commonly sold in supermarkets are brown lentils, which are a great all purpose lentils.  You can also find tiny red and yellow lentils, deep green speckled French puy lentils, large green lentils, black lentils and several other speciality varieties. Some varieties are sold whole, while others are peeled and split.
Each lentil has a different cooking time and a different texture after cooked. Red lentils cook quickly and break down, making them ideal for soups such as spicy Indian dal. The puy lentils require more cooking time and keep their shape after cooking, making them desirable for salads. Brown supermarket lentils are somewhere in between, making them a versatile and highly affordable choice.
To cook lentils, rinse well, taking care to remove any pebbles or other debris that might have been left behind during harvesting. Cook on the stovetop in a large pot with a tight fitting lid, you’ll want a ratio of about three cups of water to one cup of lentils and salt and other seasonings to taste.  Bring the water and lentils to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, testing for doneness starting after 10 minutes of cooking.

Ways to Use Lentils

Lentils have a mild, earthy taste that blends well with many kinds of seasonings and textures. You can eat them plain as a side dish, just like any bean, but don’t stop there. Other great ways to use lentils include:

  1. Mujaddara is an incredibly easy and delicious Middle Eastern dish. Simply layer cooked lentils over rice and top with rich, caramelized onions and tangy yogurt or sour cream. It’s cheap and filling and easy to eat – comfort food at it’s best.
  2. Lentils can also be baked in the oven like a casserole, as in this recipe for honey baked lentils.
  3. Lentils can replace ground beef in many recipes, especially saucy, loose dishes like taco filling and sloppy joes.
  4. Add eggs and a binder like oats or breadcrumbs and you can make a hearty lentil loaf or lentil burgers.
  5. Lentils are a staple in Indian cooking, try them in a curry or make a dal.
  6. There are as many recipes for lentil soup as their are grandmothers in the world, try a few and then combine the best to make up your own. It’s especially good with a little kale or chard added for taste, nutrition and a dash of color.
  7. Soft, skinned lentils, such as read lentils can be pureed to make a hearty, protein rich sauce for noodles.
  8. You’ll find lentil recipes from many cultures by doing a simple online search. While it’s fun to cook from new cuisines, ingredients can be pricey. Save on spices by buying just a bit from the bulk containers at your local health food store or co-op ( you can also get organic lentils from the bulk bins, too for cheap!)
  9. Lentil salads can be hot or cold and make an easy to pack brown bag lunch or picnic.
  10. Try using lentils to make a hummus like dip or spread.
  11. Lentils and rice are a natural pair, but try serving lentils with other grains such as barley, cracked wheat or quinoa.
  12. Use lentils in the filling for stuffed tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, squash and more.
  13. You can substitute lentils for beans in many recipes. They are an especially good stand in for split peas.

Why I Don’t Shop Much at Club Stores

by Miranda Marquit · 10 comments

One of the cornerstones of frugal living, it seems, is shopping at club stores. The idea is that you can get huge discounts on different items, and this will account for the cost you incur by joining a club store. Growing up, my parents shopped at a club store regularly. However, now that I’m grown and have my own family, I don’t do much shopping at club stores.

My Family is Quite Small

I grew up in a family of five kids. For a good portion of my growing up life, we were on a single income — my father’s salary as a college professor. My mother made almost everything from scratch, using ingredients bought in bulk. My family, though, is quite small: My husband, my son and myself. There is no reason to buy huge amounts of many items. Many food items, especially perishables, are likely to go bad before we use them.

I Can Find Better Deals Elsewhere

It is true that there are some items at club stores that offer great deals. However, the best deal isn’t always to be found at a club store. And, even if you do get a good deal, you need consider whether the savings you receive actually do add up to an amount that is large enough to offset the annual fee you pay as a club store member.

We have found that we can actually get better deals if we look for sales at other stores. Per-unit, we have found that buying toilet paper, tissues and a few other items are actually less expensive if we buy them on sale elsewhere. So we watch for the sales, and the stock up. The same is true of canned goods. The local grocery store has a regular “case lot” sale that results in cheaper canned goods than what we’d get at the club store. So, as long as we plan ahead and stock up, there is no need to go to the club store.

And, of course, one can’t forget the Internet. Small appliances, electronics and other items can usually be found cheaper online. We do a lot of online shopping — at sites that offer free shipping on certain orders, of course!

What I DO Buy at the Club Store

My mother is able to add others to her account for less, so she just pays for each of her children to be on her account every year. So, a couple times a year, we venture into the club store for some very specific purchases. The over the counter medications are actually the best deal at the club store. Additionally, personal care items like deodorant, toothpaste and hand soap are usually good deals at the club store in our town. So we go ahead and get those, stocking up, at the club store.

While the club store can be a source of good prices and big savings, it’s important to double check. You actually may not be getting the best deal at the club store. Just like every other situation, it is a good idea to shop around and do some price comparisons. You might find that you can save more with a little careful investigation, rather than just getting everything at the club store.

This post was featured in the Festival of Frugality.

5 Ways to Lower Your Health Insurance Rates

by Tracy · 1 comment


Everyone knows that beginning a health insurance plan before you need to use it- while you are still healthy- is the best way to get a great deal on your monthly premiums. But do you know how your health insurance company sets your health insurance rates?

There are many factors that health insurance companies use to help determine your health insurance rates-such as the health condition of other members in your group health plan, your employer’s contribution to your monthly premiums- but your overall health status is the one area that you can actively seek to improve in order to get a lower rate on your health insurance rates.

Lose Weight
Maintaining your weight at a level that is considered to medically acceptable is one of the best ways to lower your health insurance rates. Your weight should be within the normal BMI range (your Body Mass Index range is calculated using your height, sex, and current weight). If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese category, your health insurance rates will soar.

Get Regular Exercise
Many health insurance applications take into consideration how often you get regular exercise. Since exercise can help keep you fit and trim, this is a good indicator for the health insurance company that gauges your over-all health condition.

Stop Smoking
Even occasional tobacco use can adversely affect your health insurance premiums and may even disqualify you for a quality health insurance policy all-together. Smokeless tobacco (snuff), chewing tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and pipe smoking all qualify as tobacco usage. If you have a tobacco habit and are thinking about lying on your application to get a lower rate, keep in mind that many policies require a blood test to clear you of tobacco usage. It really is best to quit smoking prior to applying for a health insurance policy in order to get a lower rate.

Don’t Drink
Alcohol consumption is another factor that can raise your health insurance premiums. Even occasional or weekend drinking can trigger a rise in rates, so don’t give the insurance company an excuse to hike your premiums- stop drinking several months prior to applying for a new health insurance policy.

Don’t Guess
Don’t list health conditions that have never been diagnosed on your health insurance policy. If you “think” you were treated for a peptic ulcer 10 years ago, but aren’t sure, check with your doctor for a list of diagnosed conditions prior to filling out our policy and list only those conditions on your application.

Getting a lower rate on your health insurance policy essentially boils down to caring for body and being smart about filling out your application. Maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, stop smoking, don’t drink alcohol, and don’t guess about your diagnoses to help get the lowest rate possible on your next health insurance policy.

Photo Credit: SocialEurope

6 Features to Consider When Choosing Financial Software to Take Charge of Your Money

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

A new year brings with it the desire to get organized and gain greater control of our finances. Technology can come to our aid in helping to accomplish that goal. Financial software for the computer can be of significant help to getting organized, keeping track of and forecasting our financial lives. The following information will assist you in finding the right financial software for your needs.

In its most basic incarnation, financial software is an electronic checkbook register, showing the deposits to and withdrawls from your bank accounts. Of course it’s still incumbent upon you to record the transactions accurately and completely but It takes the math out of your hands and makes reconciling accounts a breeze. Financial software can be simple and straighforward or have lots of bells and whistles that may or may not figure into your financial game plan.

Financial programs can be purchased in a physical form as a CD to install or as a downloadable program from the Internet. They generally have an upfront cost of between $30.00 and $70.00. Many downloadable programs offer a free trial enabling you to try it before you buy it. This is a substantial perk, giving you the opportunity to make certain it does all you need and want it to do and is easy for you to use. Choose a program that suits your needs today but that offers you some room to dig a bit deeper into your finances tomorrow. Disregard those that offer features that simply don’t apply to you and your foreseeable future.

What do you want or need to track? Knowing the answer to that question will help guide you to the appropriate product. Finance management programs can have the following features from which to choose:

  1. Download account information from your bank: Some programs can access your accounts and automatically add your transactions directly into the program itself. Not all programs connect with all banks — if you want a program that does this, check to see if your bank is among those supported by the program before you purchase it.
  2. Forecast bills and expenses: Many programs allow you to add your regular bills and deposits to a calendar so they will appear in a list of upcoming transactions. This is convenient for remembering when certain deposits and expenses are due and to help you remember to actually pay those bills.
  3. Budgets: Beyond helping you remember to pay your bills, some programs include budgeting tools which provide an overview of where your money goes, thereby helping you spend more wisely and save.
  4. Debt reduction strategy: Some programs help you whittle down bills (or your entire debt) by stepping you through an individualized debt reduction plan. Tell the program how much you want to contribute toward debt liquidation or the date by which you want it eliminated and the program will design a strategy in accordance with your time frame and budget.
  5. Track investments and/or loan information: Stay aware of  how much your investments have grown or how much you owe on your loans. Some financial software can track that information, providing up-to-the-minute totals.
  6. Tax preparation: Do you need to keep track of income or expenses for tax purposes? Financial software can make that information easy to categorize, track and report.

Keep these factors in mind to find the right financial software for you. They will provide a measure of awareness and control over your finances that’s sure to help you spend more wisely and save more easily. Financial information equals financial power.

How do you track your finances?

Have You Tried a Spending Diet?

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

As the new year begins, many of us think about putting together a new budget. Part of the reason that a new budget is so tempting is due to the fact that many of us are experiencing a kind of financial hangover with the end of the holiday season — and all of the spending that often takes place during that time. As a result, it seems only natural to make frugal goals that include spending less. Perhaps spending a lot less.

Going on a Spending Diet

One of the tools that some people use to simplify their lives and shock themselves out of the habits of consumerism is a spending diet. Some also refer to this spending diet as a financial fast. As you might imagine, the idea is to stop spending money. It’s a radical way to re-make your finances. At least for a little while.

When you go on a spending diet, you make a conscious decision not to spend any money that isn’t absolutely necessary. Obviously, you will need to spend money on your bills, and on groceries. And, if you are stuck in a contract for certain services like cell phone and TV, you might need to keep making those payments. But the basic idea is to spend as little as possible, abstaining from the things that you can live without.

Your spending diet means that you pick a certain period of time — a month is usually a good amount of time — to stop spending on things that aren’t necessary. This means that you have an automatic wait period on all of the things that you want, whether it’s a new shirt, a great deal on some small kitchen appliance or going out to eat. Although, to be honest, I don’t think I could completely give up eating out. It’s probably a weakness, but my spending diet will consist of eating out less: Three times a month instead of six.

Indeed, to make sure that you stick with your plan, it might be a good idea to think of a couple of things that give you pleasure, and, rather than cutting them out altogether, reduce your spending on them by half.

Spending Less on Food

You will still need to eat, of course, but that doesn’t mean that your grocery bill can’t benefit from a spending diet. At the start of your spending diet, go through your food storage, including your freezer and pantry, to see what you have. Commit to eating some of the older items in your storage, so that you can properly rotate. If you plan a couple of meals a week around what you already have, it will reduce the amount you need to spend at the grocery store.

Changing Your Habits

The biggest concern with a spending diet, of course, is the fact that, like all diets, when you stop you can find yourself back to where you started — or even worse. So it’s important to use your spending diet as a chance to change your money habits. Perhaps you can do this by changing small things at a time. Pick 6 or 7 things you want to improve on, and then do a spending diet for that item. After a few months, you will begin to see the cumulative effects of cutting things out gradually, rather than trying to go cold turkey all at once.

Have you ever been on a spending diet? Did it help you change your habits?

3 Ways to Spring Clean and Save Green

by Tracy · 0 comments

Spring cleaning is not just good for keeping your house clean and organized, it can also help you save money. Since you’re going to have to do it anyway, you might as well put a bit of extra effort into it and enjoy the savings all year long.

1. Keep a notebook with you as you clean so that you can jot down areas in your home that could use a repair and use that to make your weekend to do lists for the coming months. Small, relatively inexpensive repairs now can save you from costly major repairs in the long run.

Look for areas that can be weatherproofed, too. Not only will you save money on your utility bills, but you’ll also be more comfortable.

You might find that it’s a good idea to keep the notebook handy so that you can write down all repairs that you notice as the year goes on. You could also use it to keep a running shopping list of household items you need so that you can match them with sales. It’s easy to forget what you need to do or buy, so write it down.

2. Pull out items that you no longer want or need so that you can donate them. Not only will this keep them out of the landfill and help other people and charities, but you can also take a deduction from your taxes if you itemize. Read this article for some tips for donating your things to charity.

3. Organize your belongings. Have you ever bought something only to find out later that you already owned one in perfectly good condition? Or tried to find  something and gave up in frustration and bought a new one? If so, you’ll understand why it’s so important to periodically go through your things to see what you have and put them in order.

In fact, you might want to commit to doing this on a monthly or quarterly basis in your kitchen and any other places you store food, like that deep freezer in the basement. Make an inventory of what you have and give yourself a “pantry challenge” where you make as many meals possible out of what you already have and buy only the very basics at the store (milk, eggs, ect.)

Even shelf stable goods should be rotated on a regular basis. While that can of spaghetti rings that’s 6 months past it’s best buy date is likely edible, most people will feel a bit unnerved actually eating it. If you are keeping a stockpile for emergencies, you’ll want to “eat down” or donate the stock frequently and replace it with new.

Keeping your house tidy and well organized is not only good for your spirits and health, it’s also a good way to save money!

7 Tips for Painless Returns and Exchanges

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Now that the holidays are over, you may realize that some of the gifts you received aren’t what you really wanted. It’s a common practice to take an unwanted item (or an item that doesn’t  fit or is in some way unsatisfactory) back to the store at which it was purchased to receive a refund for the purchase price or to exchange it for a more suitable item. In fact, according to a Consumer Reports Magazine poll, one in five Americans is expected to return at least one item this holiday season.

It certainly isn’t frugal to keep items for which you have no need. The smart thing to do (especially if you are opposed to the concept of “re-gifting”) is to turn your undesirable or unwanted gifts into cash, store credit or a more suitable item.

But the truth is that stores are in no way required to allow you to return or exchange items. Those that do are offering a courtesy to their customers, in hopes of growing and maintaining their satisfaction and continued loyalty. The important thing to do before heading to a store for a refund or exchange is to be aware of the particular store’s policies on the subject. Be prepared for what they offer and what you need  in order to complete the transaction and your refund or exchange should go seamlessly.

Keep these tips in mind when returning or exchanging:

  1. Some stores require a receipt, others don’t. If you have a receipt by all means bring it. Even if it’s not required, it can’t hurt to have a means of proving the value of the item you’re returning. Without a receipt, the store won’t necessarily give you the full value of the item but rather the most recent sale price.
  2. Some stores offer only store credit for returns — no actual money back. It’s not always possible to get the value of the item in hand to go spend at a different store. Often the policy is to provide your refund in the form of a gift card, loaded with the amount of your return.
  3. Some stores have a time limit within which returns and exchanges must be made. Make sure you are aware of the time frame in which a given store will make returns and exchanges. Waiting too long to take the merchandise back may result in a missed opportunity.
  4. Some stores require I.D. for returns or exchanges. This protects the store from those who would seek to take advantage of their policy. By keeping track of exactly who is making returns and/or exchanges, they can identify those who are conducting those transactions with unreasonable regularity.
  5. Some items may not eligible for return or exchange. Certain items, such as books, software and music which have been opened and clearance merchandise may not be eligible for return at all.
  6. Some stores charge a “restocking fee” for returned or exchanged items. This is a fee will be charged to you for returning some items back into stock.
  7. Some online stores offer return to their brick and mortar location. Stores which have both physical locations and online shopping sometimes allow you to return and exchange merchandise purchased online at their stores. It’s a convenient alternative if available.

While it’s nice to receive a gift in the first place, there’s no sense to keeping something you don’t want. Returns and exchanges allow you to utilize the giver’s thoughtful investment to get a gift that’s just right for you. Armed with a little knowledge, it should be be easy to have many happy returns!

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