SAVING MONEY? THE DOLLAR STORE PROS AND CONS...

We all want to save money, and the $1 type stores are pretty popular for the basics. But are they a good deal? Here's my input...

Sometimes the $1 stores are perfect and convenient for every day basics. Pencils, foil, snacks...it's almost perfect! There's, of course, downfalls to them though.

Many of the products are made in China. Yes, most of our stuff is made in China as is, but there's a line I draw which is typically food items. Cans of food, some candies, cookies, etc. When it comes to things NOT going in our bodies, meh, it is what it is, but the fact is they have a hard time keeping contaminates out of food items and have been the cause of dogs dying from treats in the past. I refuse to take that chance! So unless I know the candy was made in Hershey, Pennsylvania and so on, I won't buy it there.

Other items that come in at $1 seem to be a steal! Dishwashing liquid, dryer sheets, etc, are all the same brands we know and love, but come in under the price. Are they a good deal? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. What the companies do is package smaller amounts and sell them for $1 each. Occasionally you'll find a really good buy, but most of the time it's a wash with the exact amount in the bottle, roll, etc for the correct $1 price.

Primarily I visit the Dollar Tree locally for pencils, lighters, ibuprophen, bandaids, and small games for the kids that I know they'll lose interest in after a few days as kids do. If you think you'd like to save money by visiting a dollar store locally, I'd suggest you compare prices of the items you're looking for and the amount included. Many times it'll be worth it to spend an extra dollar or two at a regular store for a larger amount, but you may find a good deal otherwise.

One thing I love about the dollar store is stocking the reward box. I give each of my little ones $5 or so to stock it and let them pick what they want. Later, if they've been good for the week or so, they get to pick an item out of it. This beats the hell out of spending $30 every time they get a new toy and leaves things for the list for Christmas and birthdays!

So here's my Pro & Con list:

Pros:
*Stuff is $1. That's friggin cool! Sure it may not be as good of a deal as regular prices, but then again I may not use it that much or I may be trying to stretch money until pay day.

*Inexpensive & disposable toys. I hate paying $20 or whatever for a toy the kids will lose interest in in a few days. These toys are cheap, and will usually last long enough until the kids lose interest.

*Regular items like pencils, notebooks, etc are a good price. Why spend $2-$3 on an item when the dollar store equivalent is just as good?

*Gets you through a tight spot until you get paid!

*Cheap candy (known brands). It's smaller amounts, but then again we don't eat much of it anyways.

*Has some name brand items like toothbrushes, kleenex, and other regulars.

Cons:
*Chinese stuff, but then again everything else is sooo...

*Much of the food products are from China. I used to feed my dog mackerel and that started showing me all of the fish, shellfish and other canned items are mostly from China. If it doesn't say Product of (country I'm comfortable with), I won't buy it.

*Lower quality items.

So when you're making a trip there, take note as to what you want, how much you want and compare prices! And if you buy any food items, that's on you. lol