Editor’s note: Some readers ask me to post periodic “read me elsewhere” updates. It’s been a while (errr, three months) so here is some of the stuff* you missed.

What’s better than finding name-brand stuff at the dollar store? Not having to pay for it, that’s what. In an article for Money Talks News called “The secret to getting dollar store items for free,” I show how shopping/coupon bloggers do the legwork for you.

Specifically, they match virtual coupons – plus any available rebates – to items found at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Dollar General. While the lineup varies from week to week, you can expect to find free stuff regularly (and almost-free stuff, too).

Some recent examples of completely free items: Excedrin, Purina Dentalife dog treats, Atkins frozen entrees, a three-bar pack of Zest soap, Airborne products, 3M Command Hooks, Splenda sweetener, Bounce or Downy dryer sheets, Keebler crackers, Theraflu, Advil PM, Super Pretzel Bites, Breathe Right strips, CeraVe diaper rash cream, Bic razors, Texas Pete hot sauce, Seeds of Change sauces, Suave Kids hair care products, A&D Ointment, Sucrets, Alka Seltzer Allergy, and Frigo string or shredded cheese.

The bloggers also spell out any rebate deals. Sites like Ibotta, SavingStar and Checkout 51 offer cash back on an ever-changing list of products. With coupons plus rebates you might even earn money on certain purchases.

Dollar store coupon policies vary, of course. For example, Dollar Tree lets you use a coupon with a face value of more than $1, but it will not return the difference to you in change. Family Dollar, on the other hand, will not accept a coupon with a face value greater than the price of the item. Know your store’s policies before you shop.

It’s unlikely you could take care of all your household’s needs this way. Your mileage may vary in other ways, too. Some dollar stores are smallish. Some don’t have frozen or refrigerated items. And if you live in Alaska, you don’t have personal access to dollar stores at all.

In other Money Talks News (see what I did there?):

 

“8 things you should rent instead of buying”: Do the math, then decide whether it’s truly worth it.

“7 new uses for an old toothbrush”: If you’re like me, you hate just throwing it out.

“8 odd state and local laws”: Did you know it’s illegal to eat fried chicken with a knife and fork in Gainesville, Florida?

“Top 5 activities that people dream of doing in retirement”: No. 1 is not visiting the grandbabies.

 

 

Some genius writing

 

Policy Genius, that is:

“I’m a professional dog musher – here’s how I budget”: PolicyGenius.com has a series of interviews with people in different professions. I convinced them to run one on Aliy Zirkle, the first woman to win the Yukon Quest. Bonus: She’s frugal! (Visit her page and learn about her dog sponsorships. The $25 level would make a fun holiday gift for the person who has everything.)

“In case of emergency: Do a financial fire drill”: Forewarned is forearmed. And a financial fire drill can be quite soothing.

“Is Starbucks the best place to keep your money?”: The coffee company’s annual report notes $1.64 billion in “stored value.” They sure do make it easy to have your app/card refill automatically.

“What to do if you get a massive medical bill”: Don’t panic. Be proactive.

As always, if you feel compelled to leave comments on one (or all!) of these articles it would help me keep getting hired. (“Holy cow – Donna sure gets people talking! We should totally give her a salary bump!”) Thanks for any help you can offer.

*Part of my freelance practice is ghostwriting, so it can’t be shared without irritating the person who asked me not to put my name on it.