Week of April 10, 2023
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Top Stories
Consumer World Original
Mouse Print* -- Sneaky Ways Drugstore Reward Programs Limit Redemptions and Cost You Money - Part 1
Over the next two weeks, we'll look at the reward programs at Walgreens and CVS, where when you make certain purchases, the drugstore gives you some of their own funny money as a rebate of sorts. Using your accumulated credit is not as straightforward as you think.
That is our Mouse Print* story this week.
Best Search Engines for Cheap Airfares
With summer just around the corner, now is the time to shop for airfares. Travel and Leisure magazine provides an interesting caution. It suggests you do not book your actual flights through an online travel agency like Travelocity, Expedia, etc. Instead, book with the airline directly. But to find the best fares, the magazine suggests these five price comparison sites.
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Last Minute Tax Tips
Income tax returns are due next week, and if you are one of those people who puts off doing them until the last minute, here are some money-saving tips to cut your tax bill. (It is always good to double-check any new tax moves with a professional or IRS rules.)
Consumer Alert
Don't Let a Crook "Wash" Your Checks
[Ingore WABC ad at beginning.] Millions of people are going to be putting checks in the mail next week. With that knowledge, crooks will be out in force looking to steal mail so they can "wash" the ink off the check and make it payable to themselves. Here are two victims' stories. Tip: use black gel ink when writing checks as it is harder for crooks to wash it off with chemicals.
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Bargain of the Week
Easter and Passover Clearance
Look for clearance prices this week on Easter candy and decorations. Expect 30-50% off at drugstores, supermarkets, Target, and Walmart. The percent-off will increase as time goes on. And late in the week, supermarkets should be discounting some Passover foods at 50% off. (In the Boston area, where five-pound boxes of matzo are only $4.99 to start with, getting half off that is crazy...if you can find any left.)
Save Money on Every Gallon of Gas
You can pay less for every gallon of gasoline at select gas stations near you with the Upside app for your smartphone. The amount varies from day to day and by location, but is perhaps a nickel or dime per gallon savings or more with periodic bonuses. And if you sign up for a new account now, you will earn an extra 15 cents per gallon back on your first purchase when you spend at least $10.
Download the app here on your smartphone and use promo code 724MP for that extra 15 cents rebate per gallon. To use the app after you sign up: (1) Look for the current price and rebate amounts at various stations in your area; (2) Claim the offer you want; (3) Go to that station and buy gas; (4) Take the printed receipt; (5) Tell the app which credit card you used and confirm you made the purchase, and (6) The app will tell you whether you need to email a picture of the receipt or not. The rebates are credited to your account a few days after you buy gas, and can be transferred electronically to your bank account, fee-free, after you earn $10 in rebates.
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See also: Hot Deals
Consumer Reports
Cheapest Printers on Ink Costs
It is the old razor and blade theory: manufacturers sell you cheap printers, but then charge you a fortune for the ink or toner. Consumer Reports has uncovered some exceptions to the rule when you consider both the cost of the printer and the ink.
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