How to get a free gift from CVS everyday through July 18

Kaitlin Gates  |  July 7, 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 next two weeks, all CVS ExtraCare Rewards members will get a free gift every day …

Goldman Sachs study says national mask mandate could have a big impact on the US economy

Kate Streit  |  July 6, 2020

The novel coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered our way of life and has also had a huge impact on the economy. A new study conducted by Goldman Sachs suggests that a national mask mandate in the United States could help mitigate further damage to the economy by preventing a 5% loss ($1 trillion) of the …

Costco wholesale storefront with sign

Costco is not currently selling half sheet cakes

Tricia Goss  |  July 2, 2020

Costco half-sheet cakes have been wildly popular for decades. It’s easy to see why, when you factor in the generous size, affordable price (under $20) and delicious taste of the bakery confections. Sadly, though, the warehouse chain has announced it will cease selling the party-size rectangular cakes. In this recent Facebook post for 10-inch round …

Virus Outbreak California

Beware these boat and camper scams during pandemic

John Matarese  |  June 27, 2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking for ways to avoid crowds. So buying a boat or camper might sound like a great option to keep your family safe on vacation — as long as you avoid getting scammed. Tracey Beers is a single mom and watercolor artist who wanted a way to spend …

Virus Outbreak Latin America Restaurants

Prepare to pay high prices for meat ahead of Fourth of July

John Matarese  |  June 26, 2020

Are you looking for some steaks to throw on the grill this weekend or on the Fourth of July? You may want to bring extra money — the pandemic is sending meat prices up sharply this month. High prices are starting to impact consumers, restaurants and anyone who cooks meat for their business. Tyrique Ramsey …

Brands are pulling their Facebook ads, citing the platform’s failure to monitor hate speech

Tricia Goss  |  June 24, 2020

If it seems as though many familiar brands’ ads are no longer popping up on your Facebook feed, you may be right. Several major brands are answering the call of the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League and other civil rights groups to avoid working with Facebook unless and until “meaningful action” has been taken. Stop Hate …

Get a free book with Barnes & Noble’s summer reading program

Kaitlin Gates  |  June 21, 2020

While businesses are beginning to reopen in many areas of the country, there’s no doubt this summer will still be drastically different from summers of yore. You’ll probably be spending more time at home with your family this year, which guarantees one thing: Your kids are going to be bored. If you want to squash …

Best Men's Soccer Cleats

Parents are having a hard time getting refunds for kids’ spring sports leagues

John Matarese  |  June 21, 2020

Thousands of youth sporting events were canceled this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s tough enough that kids are missing a whole season of baseball or soccer. But now, soccer moms and dads everywhere are growing frustrated. Many paid hundreds of dollars for their kids to participate in spring soccer leagues that ended up …

You could buy a house in this ‘COVID-free’ Italian town for just $1

Tricia Goss  |  June 19, 2020

If a cozy villa in an Italian mountainside village seems like a pipe dream, you might want to reconsider. One community in Italy has homes available for about $1. And, by the way, this little village has allegedly remained free of COVID-19. Enticing Newcomers To Rebuild A Community Cinquefrondi, Italy translates to “five fronds” in …

Kids can earn free pizza from Pizza Hut for doing summer reading

Kaitlin Gates  |  June 19, 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.With summer break starting earlier than ever for many kids this year, it’s probably safe to say …

Target Corp. Reported A 4 percent increase in second-quarter profits

Target is officially raising its minimum wage to $15

Kate Streit  |  June 18, 2020

Target announced that as of July 5, it will permanently raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour for team members at stores throughout the United States. In its announcement on June 17, the big-box retailer announced additional benefits it’s rolling out, including/ a one-time bonus of $200 for the “frontline store and distribution hourly …

AMC is reopening ‘almost all’ of its U.S. movie theaters in July

Newsy  |  June 17, 2020

AMC plans to reopen theaters in July after being forced to shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. The world’s largest movie theater company said it plans to reopen “almost all” of its theaters in the U.S. and the U.K. The company plans to operate at a limited capacity and enforce safety measures to …

The Children’s Place is closing 300 stores

Marie Rossiter  |  June 16, 2020

Children’s clothing company The Children’s Place announced it will close 300 stores as a result of changes in consumer needs. In the company’s quarterly financial report, The Children’s Place announced operating losses of $173.1 million in the three months that ended on May 2.  Net sales were down 38% to $255.2 million in the same …

Teachers can get free school supplies from Paper Mate

Kaitlin Gates  |  June 16, 2020

While it’s too early to say just how schools will look this fall, teachers have to assume classes will resume in some capacity. That means it’s time for teachers to start doing their usual summer prep work, like making a list of school supplies they’ll need for the upcoming year. Now through Aug. 31 (or …

10 items that are still hard to come by because of COVID-19 pandemic

John Matarese  |  June 13, 2020

Just when stores started filling their toilet paper shelves again, other items are suddenly in short supply. Most of them have nothing to do with cleaning. You’ll recall that first, it was hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes that became impossible to find back in February — which feels like it was three years ago in …

Amazon Prepares For Black Friday Sale

Amazon Prime members are complaining about delays during the pandemic

John Matarese  |  June 13, 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 are an Amazon Prime member, you may have noticed something different during the COVID pandemic. …

Sephora is letting customers turn rewards points into donations to the National Black Justice Coalition

Victoria Baker  |  June 10, 2020

 Makeup and beauty retailer Sephora will now allow for their rewards members to make donations to the National Black Justice Coalition. In honor of pride month and as an effort to support the Black community, members of the Sephora Beauty Insider Program are now able to turn their earned points into direct donations to the …

Uber Eats is waiving order fees for Black-owned businesses for the rest of the year

Kate Streit  |  June 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.Amid widespread protests in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was …

Tech company is hiring work-from-home customer service representatives

Tricia Goss  |  June 9, 2020

If you have a knack for helping others solve problems but would rather not work in a call center or retail setting, a virtual customer service job might be ideal. A company called OneSupport Technology Advisors has supported remote employees for two decades and is currently seeking new work-at-home representatives. Virtual Customer Care Representative Positions …

Bath and Body Works storefront

Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale is here

Kaitlin Gates  |  June 9, 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.As life slowly returns to a new normal, restaurants and stores are beginning to reopen in some …

Streaming TV HBO Max

Is HBO Max worth the $14.99 cost per month?

John Matarese  |  June 3, 2020

If you are someone who doesn’t get enough shows from Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Plus and Hulu, now you have another option for TV programming. The already crowded streaming wars have a new challenger: HBO Max, which costs $14.99 a month. But why would you need it, especially if you already subscribe to …

Stores that won’t be reopening after the pandemic

John Matarese  |  June 1, 2020

After a two-month COVID-19 lockdown, stores all across the country are starting to reopen. But local malls may never look the same, because some stores that closed may never come back. Kelly Stevens runs an independent toy store. She plans to reopen in June, and hopes that shoppers come back quickly. “It’s a very tough …

Some businesses are now adding a ‘COVID-19 surcharge’ to purchases

Marie Rossiter  |  June 1, 2020

Retail stores and restaurants are starting to re-open after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as state officials ease restrictions on gatherings, some consumers are eager to enjoy a meal, haircut or shopping trip outside the confines of their homes. If you’re one of the people venturing out, you could find a surprise …

Tuesday Morning is filing for bankruptcy and closing 230 stores

Marie Rossiter  |  May 28, 2020

Tuesday Morning is the latest retail company to feel the negative impact of prolonged closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following similar announcements from JCPenney and Pier 1 Imports earlier this month, the discount home goods seller has also filed motions for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. The company’s formal announcement came in a press release …

FedEx is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses

Kate Streit  |  May 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.Many small businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. To help ease their burden, FedEx …

Magic Johnson is loaning $100 million to minority- and women-owned small businesses

Kate Streit  |  May 27, 2020

NBA legend Magic Johnson announced his insurance company will provide $100 million for loans for minority and women business owners who are struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar made the announcement during an appearance on MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton” on May 17. The funds will be …

Share a photo of the challenges you’re facing during the pandemic and you could win personalized prizes worth up to $10,000

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 26, 2020

Regardless of what your exact experience has been during the COVID-19 pandemic, it goes without saying that all of our lives have been disrupted. Perhaps you’ve been lucky and your only issues have been keeping your kids occupied or your hair getting a bit shaggy. For others, larger problems like affording groceries or needing a …

The IRS wants people to return stimulus funds accidentally sent to dead people

John Matarese  |  May 24, 2020

Bruce Bachlor is coping with a lot these days after his beloved wife recently died from an illness. With money tight, Bachlor was looking forward to receiving a $1,200 stimulus check. “I was expecting a stimulus check to help with the bills,” Bachlor said. So he was thrilled to discover a deposit in his bank …

Virus Outbreak Pennsylvania

What you need to know about the meat shortage

John Matarese  |  May 23, 2020

First, it was hand sanitizer. Then toilet paper and cleaning products. Now, some of the biggest staples of American dinner tables — beef, pork and chicken — are suddenly in short supply. Shoppers say they have found meat coolers more empty in recent days, despite signs limiting customers to two packs of meat or chicken …

Entenmann’s is giving free doughnuts and cash to healthcare workers

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 23, 2020

While it may feel impossible to show enough appreciation for our healthcare workers right now, Entenmann’s is launching a sweepstakes that aims to celebrate these heroes on the front lines of the pandemic with money and, of course, free doughnuts. Now through June 18, you can nominate a healthcare worker for the Standing Doughnation Sweepstakes. …

Victoria’s Secret is permanently closing 250 stores

Bridget Sharkey  |  May 22, 2020

Since its first location opened in 1977, Victoria’s Secret has been an iconic part of the shopping mall landscape. However, like many businesses, the lingerie franchise has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and now 250 brick-and-mortar Victoria’s Secret locations will be permanently closed. There is no word yet on which locations will close …

Pier 1 filed for bankruptcy and is closing all stores

Marie Rossiter  |  May 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.Pier 1 Imports will soon be closing all 541 of its store locations, according to a company …

JCPenney is closing 240 stores after filing for bankruptcy

Marie Rossiter  |  May 19, 2020

JCPenney announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, despite the company’s efforts to transform itself back into a retail leader. As a result, the company will be closing more than 200 stores around the country. The company was already struggling to keep stores open and pay off its nearly $4 billion in …

All essential workers—not just those in healthcare—can now get free Crocs

Anna Weaver  |  May 18, 2020

If you’re an essential worker in any industry, you can now enter to win a free pair of Crocs. Since March 25, the shoe company has teamed up with other sponsoring companies to give away upwards of 10,000 free pairs of Crocs every weekday to healthcare workers through its “A Free Pair for Healthcare” program. …

Best Vitamins

Don’t be scammed into buying fake ‘coronavirus treatments’

John Matarese  |  May 16, 2020

While standing in long lines at grocery stores in recent weeks, shoppers may have seen the National Enquirer headline shouting, “Coronavirus Cures Finally Found!” If that’s true, why is everyone fighting over toilet paper and staying home? The reality is that doctors say there is no known cure for COVID-19 yet. Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, infectious …

How to get a free pink lemonade slushie at McDonald’s

Marie Rossiter  |  May 14, 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.Now that we are firmly into the springtime and racing towards summer, Minute Maid slushies are making …

TJ Maxx reopened its site for online shopping

Kate Emswiler  |  May 13, 2020

How are all you Maxxinistas holding up while staying at home to curb the spread of COVID-19? If you’ve been itching to score some steals and deals from beloved discount retailer TJ Maxx, we have some exciting news: The TJ Maxx website is open for business again! Well, it’s mostly open for business. As with …

Twitter employees can now work from home ‘forever,’ CEO says

Jenn Fields  |  May 13, 2020

Employees of Twitter will now be able to work from home “forever,” the company’s CEO said in an email on May 12. Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s CEO, dropped the news that people could work from home permanently in an email to all employees that included an update on reopening the company’s offices as well as corporate …

Krispy Kreme dozen doughnuts for Class of 2021 graduating seniors

Krispy Kreme is giving donuts to graduates

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 13, 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.After a year of virtual learning, canceled sports and limited social events, this year’s graduating seniors are …

You might be owed money from these 5 class-action lawsuits

Brittany Anas  |  May 12, 2020

If you’ve received unsolicited advertising text messages, noticed your Internet bill seemed too high or simply ordered a Chipotle burrito several years ago, you may be eligible for some cash or vouchers through class-action lawsuit settlements. There are dozens of open class-action lawsuits, with pools of money available to settle allegations that range from data …

Steak ‘n Shake permanently closes 57 restaurants as company suffers during pandemic

RTV6  |  May 12, 2020

Steak ‘n Shake permanently closed 57 of its restaurants nationwide during the first quarter of 2020 as its parent company attributed major financial losses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biglari Holdings Inc. announced in its first-quarter report that Steak ‘n Shake’s revenue plunged by $59 million compared to the same time period in 2019 as its restaurants were …

If you had to postpone your wedding because of coronavirus, you could win $5,000 from Hotels.com for your future honeymoon

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 12, 2020

Seniors missing out on graduation and prom have been in the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic — but for some couples, another big life event has been affected: their wedding. Many engaged couples have chosen to hold virtual weddings instead, but others are either rescheduling and hoping for the best — or canceling the biggest …

Toilet paper shortage coronavirus panic buying man hoarding carrying many rolls at home in fear of corona virus outbreak closing shopping stores.

How to avoid being duped into buying fake Charmin toilet paper

John Matarese  |  May 8, 2020

If you are struggling to find hand sanitizer, face masks or toilet paper, ads on Facebook and Instagram can be very tempting during the COVID-19 pandemic. But one man has a cautionary tale. Ben Hart thought it was his lucky day when he spotted a pop-up Facebook ad for 30 rolls of Charmin for $40. …

Congress Ticket Prices

Here’s what you need to know about getting Ticketmaster concert refunds

John Matarese  |  May 8, 2020

People everywhere are looking at tickets for upcoming concerts and wondering if their favorite artist’s scheduled show will actually happen. Some tours have been canceled outright. Others have postponed to a fall date. Many music fans, looking at the hundreds of dollars they have spent on shows in limbo, would just like a refund. But …

Costco wholesale storefront with sign

Costco limiting customer meat purchases amid potential supply shortages

Tricia Goss  |  May 8, 2020

You finally have enough toilet paper, and you happily spy cleaning products, hand soap and other necessities when picking up groceries and household goods for your family. But you might want to make sure your freezer is nicely stocked with protein before letting down your guard. That’s because the specter of meat supply shortages in …

Come up with a new beer flavor and you could land a $40/hour internship with Natty Light

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 8, 2020

While COVID-19 has affected pretty much every part of our lives, it’s even more stressful for anyone looking for an internship or summer job. If you’re currently trying to find employment during the pandemic, Natural Light has a work-from-home opportunity that will not only help you pay your bills, but also sounds pretty fun! The …

Walmart sign on store

Walmart is rolling out two-hour delivery

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 7, 2020

In the times we’re living in, something as simple as going to the grocery store can be a pretty stressful experience. For those who can’t do their own shopping because they’re homebound or are in the high-risk category for COVID-19, it’s even more difficult. To help, Walmart has quietly been rolling out a new delivery …

Create a sweet Mother’s Day surprise with this decorate-it-yourself cake kit

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 7, 2020

Just like Easter and any other special occasions you’ve celebrated since March, Mother’s Day is going to look a bit different this year. Brunch at a restaurant will likely be out of the question, but if you have some time before May 10, you may want to add a trip to Sam’s Club to your …

What to do if you can’t pay your bills because of the coronavirus pandemic

John Matarese  |  May 6, 2020

For many of us, rent, mortgage, car payment and other bills are coming due again. But what about those who are out of work amid the coronavirus pandemic and can’t pay those bills? Many families have yet to receive their stimulus check or have not yet received an unemployment check, leaving their bank accounts on …

What you need to know about getting a refund from VRBO

John Matarese  |  May 4, 2020

Millions of Americans are now canceling their spring and summer travel plans. Most are getting refunds. But if you booked through Vrbo — Vacation Rentals By Owner — it’s complicated. Kathy Saalfeld is one such frustrated renter. She spends her days now tending to her spring flowers at her home. Until COVID-19 hit, she was …