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Taco Bell is now offering at-home taco bars for pickup or delivery

Brittany Anas  |  May 4, 2020

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo (which just so happens to sync up with Taco Tuesday this year!), Taco Bell has unveiled an at-home taco kit that’s available for pick-up or delivery. That “At Home Taco Bar” can feed up to six people for $25. The taco kit comes with all the fixings you …

CVS is offering free Mother’s Day cards you can print at home

Kaitlin Gates  |  May 1, 2020

Just like Easter and other celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mother’s Day is bound to look a little different this year. That doesn’t mean, however, that mom still can’t be celebrated! To make sure you’re staying safe, but are still able to surprise the mothers in your life with …

Dunkin’ is giving free doughnuts and coffee to healthcare workers for National Nurses Day

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 30, 2020

As a way to say thank you for all the lifesaving hard work being done of the front line of the coronavirus pandemic, Dunkin’ is offering some freebies for all healthcare workers on National Nurses Day. Any healthcare worker who visits a participating Dunkin’ restaurant on May 6 will receive a free medium hot or …

Child in car seat, mom buckling in

Nominate a frontline worker to receive $1,000 of free baby gear

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 30, 2020

If there’s one thing the novel coronavirus pandemic has shown us, it’s that we are surrounded by everyday heroes in our own families and communities. While doctors, nurses, grocery store employees and truck drivers are just a few of the heroes working the front lines of this pandemic, everyone has had to change their lives …

Here’s how to file for coronavirus unemployment if you’re self-employed

Tricia Goss  |  April 30, 2020

Typically, if you work for yourself and lose your income, you are out of luck. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every fundamental aspect of our society, and unemployment is undoubtedly one of them. As a result, self-employed Americans now have the chance to receive unemployment benefits. Non-traditional workers are now allowed to apply …

Nominate your favorite local diner to receive a $2,000 grant from Heinz

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 30, 2020

There’s no denying the coronavirus pandemic has hit many businesses pretty hard, with retail stores, salons, gyms and local restaurants losing customers and money. If you’re missing heading out to your favorite local diner — the ones that know your name and order before you even sit down — or are worried about their financial …

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Ticketmaster is offering refunds for all events postponed due to coronavirus

Brittany Anas  |  April 28, 2020

Ticketmaster says it plans to reimburse customers who purchased tickets to concerts or events that have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement came after the ticket sales company was reprimanded by Democratic Reps. Katie Porter of California and Bill Pascrell of New Jersey for refusing to issue refunds to customers for events …

How to clean your workstation to kill germs

John Matarese  |  April 26, 2020

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, doctors advised everyone to wash their hands more and try not to touch things that other people have touched. But workspaces — even home workspaces — can pose a problem. Any desk can be full of mucky items. Luckily, there are simple steps to sanitize the area around home workspaces. Diamond …

Snickers is giving free candy bars to essential workers

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 24, 2020

If you know someone who has been deemed an essential worker during the novel coronavirus pandemic, simply saying “thank you” might not seem like enough. Whether they’re a nurse, doctor, cashier, delivery driver, restaurant worker, police officer or fire fighter, those still working are what is keeping us all going during this health crisis. While …

What to know about getting a haircut or color during the pandemic

John Matarese  |  April 24, 2020

Need a haircut soon? Or maybe your roots are getting dark and not looking great on all those Zoom chats? Weeks into a mandatory salon shutdown in most states, some clients are wondering if they can get a cut and color. And stylists, who are going into their fourth week with no income, are grappling …

You might notice higher prices for beef and pork during your next grocery run

John Matarese  |  April 24, 2020

Grocery store supplies remain tight, with items from Tylenol to chicken in short supply. And it appears beef and pork could soon be added to the list. But at the same time we are finding less on the shelves, prices keep creeping up and we are paying a lot more for less. Remember when eggs …

How to check the status of your stimulus check

John Matarese  |  April 24, 2020

Still waiting for your stimulus check? If you you haven’t found the funds waiting in your bank account, you could be waiting a while for that $1,200 in stimulus money. Individuals without direct deposit of their tax refunds will have to wait for a paper check in the mail, which could take as long as …

McDonald’s is giving free meals to healthcare workers and first responders

Marie Rossiter  |  April 23, 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.Our nation’s healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics have dedicated countless hours to helping meet the …

Busch is giving a year of beer to couples whose weddings were canceled due to coronavirus

Marie Rossiter  |  April 21, 2020

Wedding planning is usually one of the happiest times in a couple’s lives. But, many couples who had weddings planned for the spring and early summer of 2020 have encountered an unimaginable roadblock. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many couples to rethink their big day in big ways. While some have decided to scale down …

Company will pay you to binge watch true crime documentaries

Brittany Anas  |  April 21, 2020

Calling all fans of true crime: A streaming service will pay you $1,000 if you can binge watch 24 hours of true crime documentaries and share your experience on social media. MagellanTV, a niche streaming service for documentary fans, is taking applications from stay-at-home sleuths who can “survive 24 hours of true crime.” You technically …

Virus Outbreak Illinois

Beware these coronavirus face mask scams

John Matarese  |  April 17, 2020

You know how tough it is to find masks and other protective gear for sale. Stores have been sold out for months. Then why is it every time you get on your phone, ads for respirator masks and hand sanitizer pop up? The CDC is now recommending we wear masks when grocery shopping, and New …

Virus Outbreak Maryland

Sam’s Club is launching ‘Hero Hours’ for frontline workers—no membership required

Kate Streit  |  April 15, 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.Beginning April 19, Sam’s Club will begin offering “Hero Hours,” in which healthcare workers and first responders …

Healthcare workers can get a free pillow from Mattress Firm

Tricia Goss  |  April 13, 2020

If anyone deserves a restful sleep, it is the doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel working hard to care for those suffering the effects of COVID-19. To celebrate World Health Workers Week, Mattress Firm is donating 10,000 pillows to healthcare professionals who are fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Practicing healthcare professionals …

Nikon is offering free online photography classes

Brittany Anas  |  April 10, 2020

With social distancing in full effect, many people are staying busy (and sane) by trying out new at-home hobbies. Everything from doing virtual puzzles with friends to channeling your inner barista and perfecting trendy whipped coffee recipes have become popular ways to pass the hours. But if you’re an aspiring shutterbug, now may be the …

Friendly’s has make-your-own sundae kits for pickup or delivery

Helen Lee  |  April 9, 2020

Need a delicious pick-me-up during this time of social distancing? if so, and if you have a Friendly’s restaurant nearby, you’re in luck. The chain is offering at-home sundae kits either for pickup or delivery to perk up your day. The Family Ice Cream Sundae Kit costs $24, and comes with your choice of ice …

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People are calling for doctors’ and nurses’ student loans to be forgiven to thank them for their work battling coronavirus

Kate Streit  |  April 8, 2020

Doctors, nurses and other professionals in the medical industry are risking their own lives every day as they care for patients stricken with the coronavirus. Grateful citizens everywhere have been showing their appreciation in both big and small ways for these essential workers’ heroic work during this difficult time. Residents of New York City, Atlanta …

Hilton is offering free hotel rooms to healthcare workers

Marie Rossiter  |  April 8, 2020

Healthcare workers are facing challenges in just about every aspect of their lives right now. They put in countless hours of work at their hospitals or clinics taking care of sick patients. Many of them face shortages of necessary supplies such as masks, scrubs and gloves. Some hospitals even have a shortage of actual personnel …

DOT warns airlines to issue refunds instead of vouchers for flights cancelled due to coronavirus

Marie Rossiter  |  April 7, 2020

After numerous complaints to the federal government by angry air travelers, the U.S. Department of Transportation warned airlines on April 3 that they have to issue refunds to passengers whose flights have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you’re immediately going to see a refund if you had a ticket …

Under Armour is offering 40% off for first responders, healthcare workers, military and teachers

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 6, 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.It goes without saying that people on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic are all working …

Costco wholesale storefront with sign

Target, Costco and other stores closing on Easter Sunday

Tricia Goss  |  April 6, 2020

The businesses that remain operational during stay-at-home and shelter-in-place mandates due to the coronavirus pandemic have been overwhelmingly busy. However, there’s a holiday coming up, and several retailers will shut down for Easter Sunday to give employees a well-deserved day to rest and spend time with their families. While local retailers and smaller chains may …

Healthcare workers can get discounted gas at BP

Anna Weaver  |  April 6, 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.BP is offering a discount on gas for U.S. healthcare workers during the coronavirus outbreak. All nurses, …

There’s a new scam involving coronavirus stimulus checks, Treasury warns

Marie Rossiter  |  April 3, 2020

As if COVID-19 wasn’t bad enough, some people are taking advantage of the current economic turmoil caused by the disease and using it to scam people. The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act into law to help stem the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak. For individuals, the …

HBO is making some of its iconic shows available for free—no subscription needed

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 3, 2020

While you could start a new exercise program, take up a hobby or finally finish some home projects while staying inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a self-quarantine is also a great opportunity to read some books you’ve always wanted to read or binge-watch a show you’ve never seen. And to assist in your TV-binging …

Reese Witherspoon is giving teachers free dresses from her Draper James line

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 3, 2020

It goes without saying that people who work in virtually every industry are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are the obvious ones, like healthcare workers and grocery store employees, but with an increasing number of schools set to remain closed through the rest of the school year, many teachers all over the country …

Virus Outbreak Maryland

Small business owners plead for more help during coronavirus shutdown

John Matarese  |  April 3, 2020

If you work for a small business or own one, these are trying times. Companies don’t want to lay off trusted workers, but many are running out of cash and say loans really aren’t enough right now. One example: an almost-new Holiday Inn Express that is still open for business. Its rooms are getting deeply …

Kohl's worker puts bag in shopper's trunk outside store

Kohl’s now has free curbside pick-up

Kaitlin Gates  |  April 2, 2020

While many non-essential stores remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s that have the ability to ship online orders are still doing so. Kohl’s is now going a step even further than that, offering curbside pick-up for online orders. This option is perfect for people who would rather not wait a few days …

Virus Outbreak Illinois

Starbucks is paying all employees for 30 days, even if they stay home

Kaitlin Gates  |  March 30, 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic continues and many businesses remain closed, some restaurants and stores are offering pay to their employees, even if they’re not working. Though some Starbucks cafes are closed right now, those with a drive-thru window are open, as are Starbucks in or near hospitals and healthcare centers. And on March 20, Starbucks …

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Some retailers are not accepting returns on toilet paper, sanitizing wipes and other items people have been stockpiling

Kate Streit  |  March 30, 2020

Just a few short weeks ago, it was hard to imagine that toilet paper and Clorox wipes would be such hot commodities. However, the coronavirus pandemic has caused people to stock up on essential items. Everyone rushing to buy in-demand items has led to a shortage in stores, and in response, retailers are instituting new …

Healthcare workers can get a free pair of Crocs

Kaitlin Gates  |  March 26, 2020

If you’re in the healthcare industry or a first responder, there’s no doubt you’re feeling the strain of the coronavirus pandemic, and likely more than anyone else. In an effort to help out, Crocs will be offering free pairs of Crocs, plus free shipping, to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the crisis. The free …

Time For Kids launches a free digital library to help families while schools are closed

Kaitlin Gates  |  March 26, 2020

As students across the nation continue to stay home from school due to COVID-19, multiple education companies are stepping in to offer free resources to keep kids learning. From educational videos to full classes, there is a plethora of free content online. And now, you can add Time Magazine to the list. Time for Kids …

Babbel is offering free foreign language classes to all K-12 and college students

Kaitlin Gates  |  March 25, 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.Along with the closures of restaurants and stores, many kids are also out of school because of the …

Kroger is hiring 10,000 workers amid the coronavirus pandemic

John Matarese  |  March 20, 2020

Kroger is making changes in its stores, effective immediately, to help shoppers get the basics they need and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Kroger spokesperson Erin Rolfes said the biggest change shoppers will see is the closing of all personal-service meat and seafood counters, as well as salad bars. “You will see closures of …

Grocery stores are hiring to keep up with demand amid coronavirus outbreak

Kate Streit  |  March 18, 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.Although most businesses are negatively affected by the global coronavirus outbreak, one sector that can scarcely keep …

What to know about canceling your travel plans because of coronavirus

John Matarese  |  March 12, 2020

Amanda Stewart was planning a big Disney World trip for her family this spring, booking flights for her family on Southwest Airlines. But in recent days, this nervous mom decided she’d rather stay home for now. “With coronavirus popping up in the United States, we started getting worried,” she said. “So, we just wanted to …

Italy suspends mortgage payments due to coronavirus outbreak

Kathleen St. John  |  March 11, 2020

Government ministers in Italy have approved a temporary suspension of mortgage payments for its citizens as the nation takes drastic measures to curb the outbreak of coronavirus. On March 10, Reuters reported that the move was part of a plan to soften the impact of Italy’s virus containment efforts. Currently, the country is virtually on …

Your old American Girl dolls could be worth serious money

Marie Rossiter  |  March 10, 2020

Keeping well-loved items from your childhood is usually more about saving cherished memories than anything else. But, thanks to the internet, some of those toys or collectibles can actually be worth more than a simple trip down memory lane. With items such as limited edition Disney VHS tapes selling online for up to $500, some …

Drugstores are begging shoppers to stop hoarding hand sanitizer

John Matarese  |  March 9, 2020

First, it was face masks that disappeared after a run on stores by nervous consumers. Now it’s hand sanitizer and any type of disinfecting wipes, leaving pharmacists begging people to stop hoarding. Pharmacist Troy Stinson says his store Mullaney’s Pharmacy ran out of masks weeks ago and has no idea when more may come in. …

Ransomware is back, attacking computers during the coronavirus pandemic

John Matarese  |  March 6, 2020

With coronavirus spreading and shoppers clearing out store shelves, it seemed we had enough to worry about. Nope, because computer ransomware is making a comeback. Charlene Stone was working on her home computer when a “support alert” took over her screen. “All of a sudden this popup, the whole thing, this thing popped up on …

FDA approves first generic asthma inhaler

Tricia Goss  |  March 6, 2020

More than 25 million Americans live with asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. That means that if you are in a room with 13 people, at least one person will likely be asthmatic. The rate is even higher among kids, with a 2017 AAFA report estimating that one in 12 children …

Download free coloring pages from more than 100 museums

Tricia Goss  |  March 3, 2020

For a while there, adult coloring books were having a moment. Which makes sense. Coloring can be beneficial for adults, helping to relieve stress, improve focus and more. And of course, coloring is also an excellent activity for young children. It teaches kids color recognition and improves their fine motor skills. But if you and …

You can get unlimited coffee at Panera for $9 a month

Kaitlin Gates  |  February 28, 2020

How much do you spend on coffee every week? If you make a daily stop at Starbucks, Dunkin’ or another coffee shop every weekday, you’re looking at about $2 per day at the bare minimum. That would be about $10 a week or a whopping $40 per month just to stay caffeinated. If you’re willing …

Ford Recalls 2 Million F-150's Over Seat Belt Issue That Causes Fire

Ford is recalling thousands of F-150 pickup trucks for a problem with the headlights

Kaitlin Gates  |  February 27, 2020

If you own a newer model Ford F-150 pickup, your truck may have an issue. Ford announced that it is recalling more than 166,000 F-150s because of an issue with their headlights. The affected headlights may not dim properly, therefore being too bright and reducing visibility for other drivers. The recall only includes F-150s from …

USC is offering free college tuition to families that make less than $80,000

Tricia Goss  |  February 24, 2020

The University of Southern California is joining the ranks of schools around the country that are making college education more affordable by offering free tuition to students from lower- and middle-income families. The private university announced that tuition and fees will be free for students whose families make $80,000 a year or less. More than …

You could be owed up to $20 from Ocean Spray class-action lawsuit

Tricia Goss  |  February 24, 2020

If you have purchased certain flavors of Ocean Spray brand beverages, you could be entitled to receive a cash settlement. In November 2017, a plaintiff filed a class-action lawsuit against Ocean Spray claiming that the company wrongfully labeled its products. Despite being labeled as containing “no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or flavors,” some …

Why wine prices are dropping this year

Kate Emswiler  |  February 19, 2020

If you love wine, then 2020 will likely be a banner (and boozy) year for you. Due to an overabundance of grapes in California — where the majority of the country’s wine grapes are grown — along with a decreasing demand for wine, we’re going to see a situation in which the supply of wine …