Dollar Tree Rules

Dollar Tree is my happy place.

Just to clarify, this blog post isn’t going to be a set of rules to follow when shopping at the Dollar Tree. This blog post is about why Dollar Tree rules, why you should always check the Dollar Tree first for items before going to a super store, and why I personally love the Dollar Tree.

If you’re unsure of what dollar store I am referring to, it’s not Dollar General, it’s not Family Dollar, it isn’t Big Lots…it is Dollar Tree…the store where EVERYTHING is one dollar. The Dollar Tree is an oasis for penny pinchers like me.

Just this past weekend I had an amazing opportunity to show some of my closest friends just how amazing the Dollar Tree is. In preparation for our school’s winter formal, some of my teammates/friends and I were buying some items to make mixed drinks with. Obviously, the liquor could not be purchased at the Dollar Tree…but all of the other things necessary to make mixed drinks were available to be purchased there!

Unfortunately, neither my friends nor I thought of Dollar Tree when we realized we needed to go shopping. Instead, after making our purchases at the liquor store, we made our way to Food-Lion where we bought soda, energy drinks, flavored drink mix, and water. We also needed a pitcher or some kind of container to mix and serve the drink, but sadly, we couldn’t find that at Food-Lion. Instead of going to Wal-Mart, I suggested the Dollar Tree. Sure enough, there was a pitcher…for one dollar. Oh, and guess what else was there. You guessed it…soda, energy drinks, flavored drink mix and water…& for only one dollar each.

Needless to say, my teammates were a little disappointed when they realized how much they had over spent at Food-Lion. I felt extra disappointed in myself to be honest; I should have suggested Dollar Tree from the beginning. I guess I was just excited about the night’s festivities or something. I can say with assurance though, from now on, my friends and I will always remember to check Dollar Tree first and hopefully all of you penny pinchers will too.

Hit the Yard Sales & Flea Markets

Flea Markets are always fun.

One of my favorite ways to pinch pennies as a college student is to go to yard sales and flea markets. The saying “the early bird catches the worm” is definitely relevant when talking about yard sales and flea markets. But, like most college students, I could sleep in all day if I had the opportunity. Even though I love my sleep, when it comes time for shopping at a yard sale or flea market I’m totally game for waking up early. I thoroughly enjoy the rush of finding something awesome in a pile of junk and the sensation of competition when I see someone else eying the same item that I am. 

There are some important things to remember though when going to a yard sale or flea market. Similarly to when you are shopping at Goodwill or other thrift stores, make sure you check that the items you are interested in purchasing are not damaged in any way. If there are slight damages and you feel comfortable that you can fix them or deal with them…then go for it! Another thing that you need to remind yourself while shopping at flea markets and yard sales is that you should not be buying something that you do not need. Don't waste your money on something you think is cool at the moment but won't have any need for in six months. Always remember to have cash. Most yard sales and flea markets do not accept credit or debit cards. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to set a budget for yourself, especially if you are going to a lot of yard sales or a huge flea market. Don’t bring more cash than you want to spend, easy as that. 

Who doesn't love a garage sale?

If you find that you are asking yourself “Why would I ever go to a yard sale?” or “What in the World would I be buying at a flea market?” here are some things to consider: If you are looking for ways to decorate your dorm room on a budget, go to a yard sale. If you are looking for cheap clothes, DVDs, or furniture, check out a flea market.

Keep an eye out in your local newspaper for yard sales, be sure to plan a travel route and stop by the ATM. Look online for nearby flea markets and find out their hours of operation. Most importantly, keep on pinching those pennies!