Starbucks storefront with logo

Starbucks is closing 100 more locations across the U.S.

Marie Rossiter  |  November 4, 2020

Starbucks is planning to close an additional 100 stores around the U.S. as the coffee company adjusts to changing consumer habits. News of the closures came on an earnings call in the last week of October when the company announced it would be closing 100 U.S. stores as well as 100 stores in Canada in …

Netflix just increased its prices again

Brittany Anas  |  November 3, 2020

Netflix is raising its prices again, with the cost of its most popular Standard plan increasing a buck from $12.99 to $13.99 a month. The streaming service giant had already raised the cost for new subscribers signing up for its Standard and Premium plans. But for existing subscribers, the increased monthly cost is looming. Netflix …

Target storefront in Danvers, Mass.

Target offering 10% for veterans and military members

Brittany Anas  |  November 2, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.In honor of Veterans Day, Target is extending a 10% discount to active-duty military members, veterans and …

Uber and Lyft are offering discounted rides to the polls on Election Day

Brittany Anas  |  November 2, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.Nearly half of all eligible voters didn’t vote in the last presidential election and, for many, it …

Is the iPhone 12 really worth $800?

John Matarese  |  November 1, 2020

Apple’s big announcement about the iPhone 12 is generating more buzz than other recent models since it will be the first iPhone with 5G capability. But is it worth buying? Or should you stick with an older model? Despite the lack of a flashy roll-out in stores, Apple is expected to sell tens of millions …

How to stop political calls and text messages

John Matarese  |  October 30, 2020

First, it was unwanted calls, then emails. Now, unsolicited political text messages are driving voters crazy this election year. The good news is that there are easy ways to stop them. You might be receiving political messages at all hours of the day, urging you to help turn the country red or blue and to …

Get free baked goods at McDonald’s every day for a week

Kaitlin Gates  |  October 29, 2020

If you haven’t had a chance to try McDonald’s three new bakery items yet, now is your chance, because the fast-food chain is giving them away for free! McDonald’s new apple fritters, blueberry muffins and cinnamon rolls just rolled out to restaurants on Oct. 28, so to make sure everyone tries their new treats, the …

Great Clips is giving free haircuts to veterans and military service members this Veterans Day

Kaitlin Gates  |  October 29, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.For the 10th year in a row, Great Clips is again showing its appreciation for active and …

How to get a fresh Christmas tree delivered right to your door this year

Kaitlin Gates  |  October 29, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.While Christmas is still nearly two months away, it’s probably safe to say you’ve already thought about …

New listeria outbreak linked to deli meat

Brittany Anas  |  October 28, 2020

Ten people have been infected with a strain of listeria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and epidemiologic evidence shows that deli meat is the likely source of this serious outbreak. All 10 ill people were hospitalized, and one individual has died. The listeria infections were reported in Florida, Massachusetts and New …

Target is giving its frontline workers a bonus ahead of the holiday season

Brittany Anas  |  October 22, 2020

As a thank-you to employees who have been working amid the coronavirus pandemic, Target announced it will be giving $200 bonuses to its hourly team members. The round of bonuses, which will be distributed in early November, comes ahead of the busy holiday season and is the fourth round of bonuses that the mega-retailer has …

IHOP sign on restaurant storefront in Hialeah, Florida

Kids can get a free Mr. Mummy pancake from IHOP

Tricia Goss  |  October 21, 2020

Halloween might look different this year, but kids can still get in on some yummy, spooky treats. As part of its seasonal pancake lineup, IHOP is serving up a fun and tasty Mr. Mummy pancake on its kids’ menu. Better still, it is free for a limited time. From Oct. 26 through 30, kids 12 …

Women watch scary movie at home

Get an Apple Watch for monitoring your heart rate while watching horror movies

Kaitlin Gates  |  October 20, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you’re a fan of scary movies, you’ve surely noticed that sometimes your heart can get a …

Take this bank-approved quiz to see if you could spot a scam

John Matarese  |  October 16, 2020

Think you could spot a banking scam? Don’t be so sure. Thousands of people are falling for fake phone calls, texts and emails that appear to come from their bank. Now, the nation’s banks are rolling out a new tool help you spot a scam. “I got a phone call from my bank, and I …

Woman holds credit card

Watch out for these fake DMV and BMV websites

John Matarese  |  October 16, 2020

Need to renew your license plates, driver’s license or registration soon, but don’t want stand in a long line with other drivers during this pandemic? Millions of drivers this year have decided to renew online. But beware. Facing long lines when DMV and BMV offices reopened this summer, many drivers decided to opt for online …

Almost 1 million married women left the workforce last month in first ‘female recession’

Brittany Anas  |  October 12, 2020

In the month of September, and coinciding with an unprecedented back-to-school season amid the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 1 million married women left the job market, a statistic from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that economists and labor advocates fear propels a “female recession.” The coronavirus pandemic has upended work and home life, with parents …

Women watch scary movie at home

Get paid $1,000 to watch horror movies for 24 hours straight

Kaitlin Gates  |  October 12, 2020

With Halloween no doubt looking a bit different this year, chances are at least some of your plans include staying inside and watching your favorite scary movies. If that is indeed on your to-do list this year, there is now a chance you could make some serious cash for your movie-watching marathon. CableTV.com and HighSpeedInternet.com …

Get an instant-read, touchless thermometer on Amazon for just $9.99

Tricia Goss  |  October 12, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.You’re probably having your temperature taken now more than ever. Fortunately, when they check you going into …

A Cash App Scam Is Making the Rounds

John Matarese  |  October 11, 2020

Money transfer apps are rapidly replacing checking accounts these days, especially for people who don’t want to handle cash during this pandemic. Unfortunately, as one woman just learned, these apps are easy targets for scammers. Corinthia, who asked that we not use her last name, just saw her rent payment and more disappear in a …

IRS extending deadline to register for a stimulus check

Brittany Anas  |  October 7, 2020

If you haven’t yet received your economic stimulus check, you now have until Nov. 21, 2020 to register for the payment. The Internal Revenue Service announced that it extended the deadline to register for the Economic Impact Payment by an additional five weeks beyond the original deadline. Most eligible taxpayers automatically received the payment, which …

Sliced fruit sold at Walmart recalled for listeria risk

Tricia Goss  |  October 7, 2020

On Oct. 1, the food manufacturer Country Fresh voluntarily recalled its watermelon sold at two retailers. Two days later, the company expanded the recall to include more products beyond just the watermelon. If you recently purchased pre-cut fruit, take a moment to check and see if you should be tossing it out. Country Fresh has …

A new cable or satellite TV upgrade scam is making the rounds

John Matarese  |  October 4, 2020

If your cable or satellite bill is pushing $200 or more a month, you’ll probably be interested in any way to lower it. That’s why many are perking up after getting calls this month about lowering their cable or satellite TV bill. The only problem: in most cases, it is not a legitimate offer. For …

Best Frigidaire Refrigerator

Appliances are the latest COVID-19 pandemic shortage

John Matarese  |  October 3, 2020

Need a washing machine or refrigerator? You might want to plan ahead if you can, because delivery dates are getting pushed further and further back this fall. It’s the latest shortage this pandemic year, which has seen everything from hand sanitizer to chicken in short supply at some point. To many homeowners, this appliance shortage …

Kohl’s is hiring 90K seasonal workers and you can interview via phone

Tricia Goss  |  October 2, 2020

Kohl’s is hiring for the upcoming holiday season and interested applicants can sign up to interview by phone. The department store retail chain is holding a one-day national hiring event with health and safety in mind on Oct. 3. Both store and distribution center positions will be available. Store positions include retail sales associates who …

Disney is laying off 28,000 employees

Marie Rossiter  |  October 1, 2020

Correction Oct. 2, 2020: A previous version of this article misstated Disney’s revenue losses in the most recent quarter. We regret the error. Disney announced it plans to lay off 28,000 employees in the United States. That equals approximately one-quarter of its American workforce. The job cuts will mostly come from the company’s theme parks. …

What you need to know about the iPhone 12 scam that’s going around

Brittany Anas  |  October 1, 2020

Be aware, Apple isn’t asking people over text messages to test out the forthcoming iPhone 12 for free. If you’ve received one of these illegitimate text messages, know this: It’s a scam, and providing information to this fake “Apple” chatbot could give cyber crooks the access they need to drain your bank account. Security company …

Best Buy storefront sign in Richfield, Minnesota

Best Buy is hiring seasonal employees starting at $15 an hour

Brittany Anas  |  September 30, 2020

In preparation for the holiday season, Best Buy announced that it will be hiring thousands of seasonal employees across the country, with a minimum of $15 per hour in starting pay. Best Buy stores are hosting job fairs for its seasonal positions on Oct. 3-4, which may include same-day interviews and on-the-spot offers. You can …

target workers

Walmart and Target are hiring 150,000 seasonal workers and wages start at $15 an hour

Brittany Anas  |  September 30, 2020

As Target and Walmart brace for more online shopping this holiday season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the mega retailers have announced their seasonal plans — which include hiring a combined 150,000 employees with starting rates in the $15-an-hour range. Walmart announced it plans to hire 20,000 seasonal associates for its eCommerce fulfillment centers, with …

$4 Amazon item makes any face mask more comfortable

Anna Weaver  |  September 28, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.You might be able to breathe a little easier with a cheap face mask accessory you can …

Census worker or scammer: How to know the difference

DWYM Staff  |  September 27, 2020

The census workers are on the streets and may be coming to your home. After a 4-month pandemic delay, U.S. Census takers are now going door to door, canvassing neighborhoods and visiting homes that have not responded to their mailings. But these days, when consumers are targeted by so many scams, it is understandable that …

Laptop shortage leads to online rip-offs

DWYM Staff  |  September 26, 2020

The latest item in short supply during the pandemic is laptop computers. Millions of American children need laptops for online learning this fall, and that’s leaving store shelves thin. If your child needs a basic laptop or Chromebook for school, or you just need one for work and home, you may need to shop online …

Why woman’s bank account was frozen after she got her coronavirus loan

John Matarese  |  September 21, 2020

Paycheck Protection Program funds helped keep more than 5 million American small businesses alive through the first half of 2020, but one woman has a warning for anyone applying for aid. Kelleye Thomas, who runs a home daycare, had to shut down for three months due to the pandemic. Her income dropped to zero during …

Hobby Lobby is raising its minimum wage to $17

Tricia Goss  |  September 17, 2020

Hobby Lobby announced that as of Oct. 1, 2020, the company will increase its minimum wage for all full-time employees to $17 an hour. Founded in 1972, the arts, crafts and home decor retail chain first established a minimum hourly wage above the federal requirement in 2009. Over the past 11 years, it has raised …

Walmart sign on store

Walmart is launching a new membership program with perks like free delivery and gas discounts

Kaitlin Gates  |  September 16, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If Walmart is your go-to store for groceries, general merchandise and everything in between, you’ll want to …

What to know about the federal payroll tax deferral and what to do if you can’t opt out

Marie Rossiter  |  September 15, 2020

The temporary payroll tax deferral went into effect on Sept. 1, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to see more money in your paychecks this month. Some companies are opting out of the deferral because they’re worried employees will be burdened with footing double the tax bill after the first of the year to …

target workers

Target announced a plan to hire and retain more Black employees

Marie Rossiter  |  September 14, 2020

Target has recently vowed to implement a number of changes to boost diversity within its workforce. The retail chain released details of a multi-faceted plan to diversify Target’s workforce, retain workers and become more transparent in its efforts to build inclusivity. “Inclusivity is a deeply rooted value at Target and we’ve had an ambitious diversity …

UPS is hiring 100,000 seasonal employees

Marie Rossiter  |  September 14, 2020

The holidays may not be high on many people’s priority list right now since it’s still technically summer and we’ve all had other things to worry about lately. However, UPS has its eyes on the upcoming busy season and is looking for 100,000 new employees to handle the rush. The company made the announcement this …

A slick package delivery scam is making the rounds

John Matarese  |  September 13, 2020

People across the country have been receiving a strange text message the past few weeks. It claims a package is waiting for you to pick up. David Landeen was tossing wood on his fire pit the other evening when his phone buzzed with a text message. “It came from this phone number that I did …

Best TV For Netflix

These are the most and least popular TV streaming services

John Matarese  |  September 12, 2020

TV streaming services have exploded this pandemic year, with people hunkered down and not going out to movie theaters. So, which services were the winners these past six months and which may not be ready for prime time? A new survey claims Netflix is the clear winner, with Apple’s recent entry still far behind. The …

These 7 records in your collection could be worth a fortune

Tricia Goss  |  September 12, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you’re bored at home and have a dusty box filled with old LPs stashed in the …

Buy a Baby Yoda stand for your Echo Dot

Marie Rossiter  |  September 10, 2020

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.If you or someone you know is a fan of the Disney+ streaming series “The Mandalorian,” we’ve …

Super soakers sold at Target are being recalled

Tricia Goss  |  September 8, 2020

If you loaded up on outdoor toys and games to keep your family entertained while spending this summer at home, you may want to check your toy chest. Hasbro is recalling some of its popular water guns, and the reason for the recall might surprise you. On Aug. 19, the United States Consumer Product Safety …

These states are now giving an extra $300 to $400 in weekly unemployment benefits

Kate Streit  |  September 8, 2020

As part of a federal lost-wages assistance program, 45 states will provide an extra $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits for at least three weeks, and five states will provide a total of $400 in weekly benefits to those who qualify. As of Sept. 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — which is administering …

IKEA To Raise Minimum Wage At US Stores By An Average Of 17 Percent

People are experiencing long delays for Ikea deliveries

John Matarese  |  September 7, 2020

For millions of people, Ikea is the go-to place for home furnishings, kitchenware and so much more. But many are now wondering if this well-run Scandinavian retailer stumbled this year during the COVID-19 shutdown. Complaints are piling up from all around the U.S. and Canada of missed delivery dates, month-long waits for simple deliveries and …

Netflix ‘verification failure’ email is targeting millions of people

John Matarese  |  September 7, 2020

Netflix has helped get many of us through the pandemic, giving us great shows to binge-watch instead heading out to bars at night. That’s why you might perk up if Netflix says there’s a problem with your account. “Ozark,” “The Crown,” Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance,” “Sherlock,” “Stranger Things” and more shows helped us through …

Pier1 is relaunching under new ownership

Brittany Anas  |  September 5, 2020

After filing for bankruptcy earlier this year and announcing the closure and liquidation of its brick-and-mortar stores in May, home goods store Pier 1 Imports is now relaunching online under new ownership. Going forward, Pier 1 will be an online-only store, selling everything from furniture to wall art to decorative throw pillows on its website. …

American Airlines plane lands

American Airlines and MGM Resorts to lay off thousands of workers

Marie Rossiter  |  September 2, 2020

Two major travel companies recently announced huge layoffs that will affect thousands of workers. On Aug. 29, American Airlines announced it will cut more than 40,000 jobs by October 2020 if federal aid dollars do not come through. Of these 40,000 job cuts, 19,000 will be through layoffs and furloughs. Another 23,500 workers agreed to …

Watch out for this COVID-19 used car scam

John Matarese  |  August 30, 2020

Have you checked out used-car prices lately? With supplies tight and demand high during the COVID-19 pandemic, used-vehicle prices are hitting an all-time high. As a result, scammers are stepping up their game and targeting people who are searching for inexpensive cars online. They’re offering phony used cars for sale online, with the pandemic as …

These are the pros and cons of renting an RV during the coronavirus pandemic

John Matarese  |  August 27, 2020

Instead of planes, trains, automobiles and hotels, more and more travelers are considering renting an RV for upcoming trips. After all, there is virtually no risk of contracting COVID-19 when you are sleeping and eating in your own home on wheels. But while it appears a great way to travel, you need to know the …

Study participants will get $1,400 per month so researchers can see how guaranteed income affects people’s lives

Marie Rossiter  |  August 27, 2020

How could life be different if everyone was provided a base salary from the government each month? That is the central question German researchers will be looking at over the next three years with a revolutionary study starting this week. Known as the Basic Income Pilot Project, the study will look at 120 subjects who …