People look at the new iPhone at the Apple store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Photo courtesy of Apple
If you’re an Apple fan eagerly awaiting the new iPhone release every year, you’ve probably already ordered your iPhone 14. And maybe even a new Apple watch. Congrats!
But if you’ve only recently talked yourself into upgrading your old iPhone, you’ll be looking at the price tag for Apple’s iPhone 14 with the usual sticker shock dread.
Can you afford to upgrade to the iPhone14 or iPhone 14 Pro Max?
While the newest generation of iPhones is usually more expensive than the last, there are silver linings this year that make the higher cost of the latest Apple iPhone 14 worth it.
How Much Does the iPhone 14 Cost?
The Apple iPhone 14 starts at $799, with the larger 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 14 Plus set at $999. All models released this year have significant upgrades in battery life, emergency services via satellite and crash detection. There’s an improved, ultra-wide camera for low-light performance and steady video capture with action mode, too.
Apple also offers the iPhone 14 Pro, which starts at $999. The pro models have the always-on display and ditch the sim tray for a dynamic island. If you want the best Apple offers, including an awe-inspiring camera, you’ll find it in the iPhone 14 ProMax with a 6.7-inch display — starting at $1,099.
If shelling out a thousand dollars on a smartphone isn’t in your budget, there are ways to still upgrade and save on the iPhone 14.
Wondering if the iPhone 14 is worth the cost? Check out our analysis of whether to upgrade your iPhone.
7 Ways to Save Money on an iPhone 14
Regardless of which iPhone 14 you have your eye on, these are our best tips to knock some dollars off that price tag.
Trade in your old iPhone
Switch carriers
Get the standard iPhone 14
Watch for seasonal promotions
Finance a new iPhone
Be patient
Start a sinking fund
1. Trade in Your Old iPhone
The most significant discounts on new iPhones involve trading in another eligible device. Apple allows customers to do this directly, or you can do a trade-in at most retailers or through cell phone carriers. Trade-in offers range from $720 for last year’s iPhone 13 ProMax to $40 for an iPhone 7.
Be aware that trade-in values depend on your iPhone’s verified condition. The same model might fetch a very different price if it’s in poor vs. good condition. So read the fine print — or visit the Apple Store — to determine what you’ll be offered before you commit.
2. Switch Carriers
Some of the best deals on the new iPhone 14 are for new customers who switch cell phone carriers. If you’re already in the market for a new mobile phone provider, this might be the right moment to transfer service and pick up a new plan.
For instance, T-Mobile is promoting a free iPhone 14 Pro with free Apple TV+ as long as customers choose the Magenta Max plan and provide a qualifying device as a trade-in.
3. Get the Standard iPhone 14
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, the base model iPhone 14 with 128 GB of storage will feel like living large. You’ll pay $300 less for it than the iPhone Pro Max, but get all the new tech like emergency SOS, fun lock screen options and superior video playback.
Use Apple’s comparison page to get a bird’s eye view of how the iPhone 14 models compare to each other and previous iPhones. Then decide what’s worth it and what you can do without.
4. Watch for Seasonal Promotions
Winter is coming, and with it come holiday promotions. Once the bluster of Apple’s big launch dies down, keep a weather eye out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales and other seasonal promotions on the iPhone 14.
While most of the promotions this time of year are on older smartphone models like the iPhone 12 or the iPhone 13, you could see some incentives from retailers looking to drive holiday traffic.
5. Finance a New iPhone
Of course, you’re welcome to finance a new iPhone. Most cell phone carriers prefer to package deals this way, with an additional monthly charge for the new iPhone on top of your plan cost.
If you have an excellent credit score, you can probably qualify for a 0% interest-free rate through Apple or one of its financing partners.
6. Be Patient
As with most new technology, patience pays off. If you can sit tight and wait until next year, you’ll reap the rewards of discounts on more recent models and deeper savings on refurbished iPhones.
Always deal with Apple directly or a reputable, certified Apple retailer when purchasing refurbished iPhones or other used Apple products.
7. Start a Sinking Fund
Don’t bite off more than your budget can chew. Start a sinking fund now to set aside money for a new iPhone 14, and you could have the funds to treat yourself by the holidays.
For instance, if you want to purchase an iPhone 14 Plus or an iPhone 14 Pro, you need to set aside roughly $85 over the next 12 weeks to buy one by the end of December.
Plunking down a thousand dollars on the new iPhone may not be in your immediate future. But with a bit of planning and savings, you can afford to upgrade your smartphone and live your best battery life before the new year.
Kaz Weida is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder.
If you don’t live in TikTok world, we’ll forgive you. There’s only so many dancing videos a person can take.
However, some TikTok trends are worth the time spent watching a few videos — and that’s the case with the recent #butterboard craze that has struck the social media giant.
TikTok user Justine Doiron (@justine_snacks) popularized the idea of the butter board – a much cheaper alternative to the expensive meat and cheese boards known as “charcuterie.” Since her post on Sept. 15, TikTok videos using the #butterboard hashtag have racked up more than 100 million views.
The idea is simple: Spread softened butter onto a cutting board, then sprinkle it with a variety of toppings that may include salt, herbs, lemon zest, thinly sliced red onions, roasted garlic and red peppers, or even something sweet like honey.
Not only does that sound delicious, but a butter board will save you a good bit of money over a charcuterie alternative when you host your next party.
To that point: Popular cheese wedges like parmesan, gouda, gruyere and asiago can cost anywhere from $8 to $15 per wedge depending on the brand. And that doesn’t even factor in softer cheeses like burrata or mascarpone that you might want to use to fill out your board.
With the butter board, you’re simply spending enough to cover a couple of sticks of butter, a few inexpensive toppings and some crackers or a sliced baguette for dipping. Even with rising butter prices, a pound of butter is around $10 and — pro tip — you can freeze butter if you find a good sale.
The butter board is also endlessly versatile with sweet and savory combinations — like this one inspired by baklava — and tasty spinoffs with brown butter or buttercream frosting. Dessert butter board anyone?
Justine Doiron’s basic board includes butter, of course, with flaky salt, lemon zest and edible flowers. From there, she provides a variety of additional toppings depending on your culinary inspiration.
Options start with a honey and coriander creation, cilantro and chiles, roasted garlic and rosemary, or figs and mint.
Photo courtesy of Aubrey’s Kitchen
We love this savory creation by Aubrey’s Kitchen, which consists of roasted garlic, chili oil, honey, cashews, scallions and french bread.
Not to be outdone by the culinary professionals, we made a go at creating our own butter board here at The Penny Hoarder. And the outcome? Well, not so bad if we don’t say so ourselves.
Robert Bruce/The Penny Hoarder
Our board included the standard softened butter and flaky salt, then we added roasted garlic, roasted red peppers, arugula and drizzled honey. It was rather tasty.
Now, what’s your take on this #butterboard trend?
Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
A Walmart employee helps a customer outside the Walmart store in Philadelphia. The Walmart Rollbacks and More Sale will begin October 10 and run through October 13. Matt Rourke/AP Photo
Move over, Amazon. Walmart is cutting in.
Amazon is about to launch a big two-day holiday sale Oct. 11 and 12. So in a bold and merciless countermove, Walmart is fighting back with its own online sale that starts Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 13.
Not only does it start a day before Amazon’s sale, but it ends a day later.
Take that, Amazon.
Both sales are an opportunity for shoppers to jump on deals without waiting for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both of which come in November.
What’s on Sale at Walmart?
Walmart is holding a “Rollbacks and More” sale with discounts on various gifts and products, including electronics, home goods, clothes and toys. If you’re scouting around for a deal on a TV, a robot vacuum, a Barbie dollhouse or an air fryer, you might score here.
In one particularly striking deal, there are reports that Walmart will mark down the new Apple Watch Series 8 by $50, selling it for $349.
More information will be available once the sale actually kicks off.
By aggressively scheduling its sale to start a day early, Walmart is clearly hoping to grab bargain-hunting holiday shoppers before Amazon’s big sale gets off the ground. Because all is fair in love and war and the retail business.
Oh, and you also won’t need some kind of special membership to grab these deals. Unlike Amazon’s sale, which is only available to its Prime members, you do not need a Walmart Plus membership. This sale is available to the general public.
Walmart Plus membership gets you free deliveries and fuel discounts for $12.95 a month.
What About Amazon’s Sale?
As for Amazon, it’s kicking off what amounts to a second Amazon Prime Day specifically for the holiday season.
The Prime Early Access Sale runs Oct. 11 and Oct. 12. Amazon is calling the event “two days of holiday deals,” clearly positioning the promotion as a way to grab gifts for your favorite festive holidays.
Amazon Prime members can take advantage of discounts sitewide, potentially nabbing a few deals before the holiday shopping season is fully upon us.
We won’t know what deals are available until the sale starts. However, Amazon has already made a few discounts and offerings available with the event’s announcement.
Amazon Prime members can immediately take advantage of four months of Amazon Music at no cost (normally $8.99 a month) and Prime Video deals of up to 50% off. Amazon is also offering Grubhub+ free for a year.
Amazon’s Prime subscription includes access to Prime special sales events, in addition to free delivery and a host of exclusive Amazon services. Those who have never tried Prime can sign up for a 30-day trial. Continued membership costs $14.99 a month, but discounts are available for students and those on government assistance.
Which Sale Is for You?
Here’s a thought for savvy online shoppers: You might wait to shop until Tuesday, when you can compare Amazon’s discounts to Walmart’s discounts.
That way you know you’re getting the best deal.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
We live in an age of mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App and, the most popular one of all, Zelle. Launched in 2017, Zelle has become the largest money transfer app in America, and it’s not even close anymore.
But now Zelle is coming under fire for the way it handles scams on its app — or the way it doesn’t handle scams.
Complaints about fraud and scams on the payment app are surging, but the big banks that run Zelle are refusing to reimburse swindled customers, according to a new report from the office of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
We’ve got some helpful tips for how to keep your money safe on Zelle, Venmo, Cash App — all the popular peer-to-peer payment services.
Tens of Thousands of Scams
Warren, D-Massachusetts, is known as a fierce critic of America’s big banks and their business practices. Her report cites data from four banks — Bank of America, PNC Bank, Truist and U.S. Bank — that reported nearly 193,000 Zelle fraud and scam cases collectively worth $214 million in 2021 and the first half of 2022.
These were cases in which Zelle users said they were tricked into making payments. Here’s the kicker: Those banks reimbursed customers in only about 3,500 out of 193,000 cases, the report said.
Zelle: It’s Because We’re So Big
Zelle’s owner, Early Warning Services, says the rise in fraud complaints is happening only because Zelle has become way more popular in recent years: “Zelle usage has grown significantly since its launch, from 247 million transactions in 2017 to 1.8 billion in 2021, while the proportion of fraud and scams has steadily decreased.”
Zelle is operated by a coalition of seven of the country’s biggest banks: Bank of America, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial, Truist, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
Is It Fraud or Is It a Scam? What’s the Difference?
Banks tend to draw a distinction between “scams” — when a customer gets tricked into sending money to a swindler — and “fraud,” when a thief gets access to a customer’s account and siphons off money.
Banks typically don’t reimburse customers who say they got scammed because they can’t tell which cases are legitimate. But they’re supposed to compensate customers who had money stolen via an electronic transfer they didn’t authorize — like if someone swipes your credit card and buys things with it.
Warren is accusing banks of flouting the law by not repaying customers they’re supposed to repay. In cases in which it was clear that money actually got taken out of users’ accounts without authorization, only 47% of the money got refunded, her report said.
For what it’s worth, transferring money via smartphone app is safe most of the time. When The Penny Hoarder reviewed money transfer apps, we gave Zelle a pretty good review.
How to Protect Yourself on Payment Apps
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking at issuing new regulations requiring banks to reimburse customers for more cases of fraud and scams.
In the meantime, here are some tips on how to protect yourself when using a money transfer app. The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following:
Don’t send a payment to claim a prize or collect sweepstakes winnings.
Don’t give your account credentials to anyone who contacts you.
Protect your account with multifactor authentication or a PIN.
Before you submit payments, double-check the recipient’s information to make sure you’re sending money to the right person.
If you get an unexpected request for money from someone you recognize, talk to them to make sure it’s really from them — and not a hacker who got access to their account.
Cash App. Cash App recommends chatting through its app for the fastest service. To do so, open the app, go to your profile and choose Support. You can also get help through cash.app/help or by calling 1 (800) 969-1940.
Venmo. Venmo recommends chatting through its app for the fastest service. To do so, open the app, go to your profile and choose Get Help. You can also email Venmo through its contact form or call 1 (855) 812-4430.
PayPal. Report it online through PayPal’s Resolution Center or call PayPal at 1 (888) 221-1161.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Mom-and-pop ethnic grocery stores are a common sight on big-city street corners. They specialize in fresh fruits popular in global cuisines and cuts of meat not always seen in chain grocery stores.
These days, international markets are also increasingly found outside of major metro areas. Pan-Asian, Middle Eastern or Latin markets may be the most common, but you’ll find markets dedicated to a single nationality, such as Indian, Korean, Serbian, Armenian, Mexican or Jamaican.
These markets are great places to shop for ingredients specific to certain cuisines and also for their good prices. Amid shelves of foods with labels you might not recognize, you’ll find pantry staples like rice, pasta, condiments and canned foods, a wide variety of meat and fish, and produce that not only costs less but is often fresher.
How to Shop Ethnic Grocery Stores and Save on Food
The following guide will help you find ways to save money at local markets. First, consider the stores you pass on your way home from work or from picking up the kids at school. Those markets are worth checking out — and you won’t be spending more money on gas.
Stock Up on Pantry Staples
When local grocery stores were wiped out of shelf-stable items like canned and dried beans early in the pandemic, savvy shoppers stopped by the local Latin supermarket, which still had staples — and, yes, toilet paper too.
For some shoppers unfamiliar with local ethnic markets, the hunt for staples showed them what else they might want to try. Plus, they also learned that many products are sold in bulk, another great way to save money.
Pick Up Spices and Other Specialty Ingredients
Serious cooks often seek out international grocery stores for the specialty ingredients at lower prices. Jessica Fisher, who blogs at Good Cheap Eats, notes that items a chain grocery store might call “gourmet,” or stock in the “international” aisle for a premium price, are simply “normal good food” at an Italian, Middle Eastern, Chinese or Caribbean market.
Use cookbooks or food blogs to get inspiration and familiarize yourself with common ingredients used in the cuisines you’d like to learn to cook, then make a shopping list. You can even re-create takeout recipes at home, saving money and boosting your cooking confidence.
If you have a question about something in the store, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help.
Professional cooks and food writers, including the Leung family of four that blogs at The Woks of Life and cookbook author and teacher Andrea Nguyen, offer ingredient glossaries and buying guides that will teach you exactly what to look for in Chinese and Vietnamese markets. Going in with a list ensures you get everything you need to cook authentic meals without overspending on things you’re unlikely to use often.
Cookbook author Archana Mundhe provides lessons on the many spices used in Indian cooking on her site, The Ministry of Curry. An Indian market is a great place to get low-cost spices.
Find Fresh Food For Less
To really appreciate what ethnic markets have to offer, shop the produce, meat and seafood sections. Ethnic markets compete with grocery store offerings on price without sabotaging the quality or flavor of their produce.
The fresh offerings will be different from what is stocked at chain grocery stores in both variety and packaging. Ethnic markets sell the things their local community wants in addition to mainstream tomatoes, lettuce and oranges. In Chinese markets, shoppers find piles of pea shoots, bok choy, water spinach and thin Chinese celery, all good for stir-fry. There will be the familiar chard and kale, too.
Some markets have live fish — you can’t get much fresher than that — and many cuts of meat. Skirt steak is sometimes hard to find at the chain groceries but is abundant at Mexican markets. It’s the cut of meat most used for carne asada.
In a piece for the Wall Street Journal, business journalist Anne Kadet wrote that food in New York’s Chinatown markets was cheaper than large grocery stores because of connections with smaller producers. Also, smaller food warehouses deliver more frequently, resulting in fresher offerings.
The article also noted that packaging and labeling were not as highly designed and mass-produced as the big-name products in grocery stores. Prices are sometimes scrawled by hand on paper or craft store stickers. This saves money for the store owners and ultimately shoppers, too. And they don’t pay a lot for advertising. Business often comes from the neighborhood or word of mouth.
No Frills Is a Good Thing
Many mom-and-pop markets are in small spaces, which means they pay less for rent — if they don’t own the place — and other overhead. This allows them to keep prices lower. In addition, markets are often staffed by extended family, which could result in lower payroll. The reduced business expenses are reflected in the prices of the food.
Buying at ethnic markets is another way to “shop small,” a movement that encourages consumers to frequent local, independent businesses. Saving money on the ingredients for whatever you’re cooking while supporting a neighborhood store is the smart reason to shop at ethnic markets.
Janet Keeler is a contributing editor at The Penny Hoarder and the former food editor of the Tampa Bay Times newspaper in Florida. Lindsey Danis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
Klondike slammed the freezer door on a longtime fan favorite when it announced it was discontinuing its Choco Taco earlier this year.
But you can make your own Choco Taco at home.
In fact, there are many recipes on the Internet for other signature dishes from restaurants and fast-food places. We’ve compiled some of the best to show you how to save money making your own favorites at home for less.
10 Restaurant Favorites to Make at Home for Less
Choco Taco
The first on the list is more of an ice cream truck favorite than a restaurant staple, and Klondike broke hearts around the world when it announced this summer it would discontinue the beloved treat.
Luckily, the Internet did its thing, and recipes abound.
Shoutout to Stroopwafels! They are the integral ingredient in your homemade Choco Taco. Never heard of them? The caramel-filled waffle cookie easily takes the shape of a taco shell once it’s warmed. They may be a new item on your grocery list, but well worth the $5 cost for eight cookies at Target. Amazon ships bigger orders for a variety of prices.
Bring heavy cream to a boil, put on top of chocolate mix.
Let sit for a minute or two then stir thoroughly. Fold in the chopped nuts.
Heat the stroopwafels on medium for 15 to 20 seconds on each side. Shape the stroopwafels and let them cool.
Fill with ice cream and freeze for an hour.
Dip your taco in the chocolate dip. Freeze again.
Chick-fil-A Chicken
The Internet has numerous sites deciphering the ingredients and measurements of this wildly popular chicken.
Here’s the recipe from Mashed.com. Along with saving money when you make this savory sandwich at home, you also avoid the long lines and multi-lane drive-thru meandering.
Ingredients
4 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 2 breasts, butterflied
½ cup milk
1 egg
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup oil for frying
Directions
Pound the chicken breasts thin.
Combine flour, sugar, salt, pepper and paprika until blended and place on a plate.
Combine egg and milk in a bowl for an egg wash and dip in the chicken.
Coat fully in the spice mixture.
Dredge the chicken again in the egg mixture and coat in the mix.
Heat the oil and fry the chicken for three minutes on each side.
Assemble sandwich, adding tomato, lettuce and cheese on a bun.
Orange Julius
No need to go to the mall for this iconic, cold orange treat that’s been a hallmark of shopping centers for decades.
In a small saucepan, combine rice and broth; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, then simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Add lime juice, cilantro and nutmeg then fluff with a fork.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Whether you’re a regular at Red Lobster or you just like seafood, the chain’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a mouthwatering treat to accompany your at-home seafood feast.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and butter. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist. Gently fold in the cheese.
Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to scoop the batter evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the topping, whisk together butter, parsley and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the biscuits with the butter mixture. Serve immediately.
Starbucks Eggwhite Bites
Somehow a coffee empire managed to make egg whites yummy and hip.
Starbucks’ Egg White Bites are a favorite healthy option for everyone — from professionals who skipped breakfast to parents grabbing toddlers a healthy snack to dieters watching those carbs.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a blender, add the egg whites, salt, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese. Mix for 20 to 30 seconds. Place a silicone muffin tin on top of a baking dish and spray your muffin tin with cooking spray.
Add bell peppers and spinach to the bottom of every muffin cup, then add your egg mixture.
Place the baking dish with the muffin tin on top in the oven on a lower rack. Add boiling hot water up to the halfway mark of the baking tray. Close the door and bake until set for at least 25 minutes without opening it.
These can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and microwaved if needed. You can also let them cool and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Bojangles Chicken
Talk about easy. You don’t even have to mix up any special ingredients to give your chicken the same flavor as Bojangles chicken. The store, which has more than 300 locations throughout the Southeast, now sells a 2-pack of Bo’s Famous Seasoning for $5.99 to add to your poultry, grilled or fried.
This recipe from OneSweetAppetite.com makes eight generous servings of the favorite drive-through delight.
Dipping fries not included.
Ingredients
½ gallon chocolate milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 container Cool Whip, the original flavor
Directions
Combine the ingredients into a blender. Pulse until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an airtight container and place into the freezer.
Whisk every 20 minutes for one to two hours, or until you reach the perfect frosty consistency.
Dairy Queen Blizzard
This knockoff from TheBakerMama is so legit, you can even test it with Dairy Queen’s signature move: Turning the Blizzard upside down without losing any of the treat, or the spoon.
Here’s the recipe for an Oreo Blizzard, but you can use your favorite cookie, candy or fruit to customize the frozen treat. The key tip is to use a mixer, not a blender, to concoct your creation.
Ingredients
6 scoops vanilla (or any other flavor) ice cream or frozen yogurt
Place an electric stand mixer bowl in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before using.
Scoop ice cream into the bowl. Using a paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until ice cream is creamy. This should take about a minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
Add mix-ins and beat on low speed just a few times until they’re mixed evenly throughout the ice cream.
Scoop mixture into four serving cups and dig in!
McDonald’s apple pies
This treat counts as breakfast and is also a family favorite for road trips. But you can make the handheld pies yourself — and for cheaper — at home with this recipe from BiggerBolderBaking.com.
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
4 apples peeled, cored and diced small
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Juice of one lemon
3 teaspoons cornflour
1 tablespoon water
Puff pastry sheets
Egg wash
Cinnamon sugar for dusting
Directions
Combine butter, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice in a shallow saucepan over medium heat. Cook this mixture until most of the liquid reduces, and the apples have softened.
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour and water to make a “slurry.” Stir this into your cooked apples and cook for 2 minutes to allow the filling to thicken.
Take the apple filling off of the stove and allow it to cool completely.
Roll out the puff pastry onto a floured surface, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into eight 4.5×6-inch rectangles and place them on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Scoop about 1-2 heaped teaspoons of apple filling and lay it in the center of the pastry.
Brush the pastry’s edges with a little egg wash, fold over, and press and seal using the tines of a fork.
Cut three slits onto the top of the pastry to vent. Brush the tops with egg wash, or a little milk, and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Katherine Snow Smith is a freelance writer and editor in Chapel Hill, N.C., and author of Rules for the Southern Rulebreaker: Missteps & Lessons Learned.
It’s no secret that more people are cutting their cable TV services in exchange for online streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max and Hulu. But what streaming device should you grab to plug into your television and replace your cable box?
With shopping on a budget in mind, we look at the best Roku and Fire TV streaming sticks. We compare the differences so that you can find the best streaming media stick for your home or office.
What Is a Streaming Stick?
A streaming stick, or streaming media stick, is a thumb-sized device that you can plug into your television’s HDMI port. Once plugged in and powered on, a streaming device enables you to watch your favorite shows and movies from different services.
Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV platforms are two of the most popular hardware options available. All streaming devices require active internet connections and strong Wi-Fi signals within your home to operate reliably.
Many streaming media platforms, such as Netflix and Hulu, require an active subscription. For people on a tight budget, or those who enjoy free content, we offer a roundup of the best free TV apps you can download.
Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV Streaming Sticks
What Features Do Streaming Sticks Have?
Streaming Stick
Video Features
Audio Features
Remote
Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99)
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Standard Roku remote
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ ($69.99)
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Upgraded remote w/ headphone jack, remote finder
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite ($29.99)
1080p HD
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Simplified Fire TV remote w/o volume controls
Amazon Fire TV Stick ($39.99)
1080p HD
Dolby Atmos
Standard Fire TV remote
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99)
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Atmos
Standard Fire TV remote
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($54.99)
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Atmos
Standard Fire TV remote
Roku and Amazon offer similar streaming stick options, so we want to make it easier to sort through the selection. We’ll discuss multiple factors around each device and provide recommendations.
It’s important to find not just the best streaming device available but the best choice that works in harmony with your digital lifestyle.
Apps, Games and Special Features
The most significant decision you’ll need to make when selecting between all of these streaming sticks is whether you would prefer to join Team Roku or Team Amazon.
The majority of hardware each company offers is similar, so the most significant differentiator will be the available apps, games and special features offered by either platform.
This decision has become much easier over the years, with both platforms offering many of the same apps and games. When it comes to major streaming services, you’ll likely find your favorites on both: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, etc.
However, if you are looking for a specific streaming app or video game, it doesn’t hurt to search each store before purchasing.
For example, for a while, HBO Max wasn’t available on Roku, while Peacock wasn’t on Fire TV. Luckily, that’s been fixed.
Special features are slightly different, with Fire TV offering exclusives such as deep Alexa smart assistant integration and access to Amazon’s cloud gaming service, Luna.
With Alexa’s integration, you’ll be able to search for shows, control smart home appliances and even peek out of your Alexa-supported front-door camera.
Roku doesn’t provide much when it comes to exclusive features, so the company doesn’t have much (if any) advantage here. The Roku Channel was once exclusive, offering free TV shows and movies for Roku streaming stick users, but it is now available as an app for Fire TV.
Common Audio and Video Features
Audio and Video Support
Streaming Stick
Video Features
Audio Features
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
1080p HD
Dolby Audio Pass Through
Amazon Fire TV Stick
1080p HD
Dolby Atmos
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Atmos
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
4K UHD with Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dolby Atmos
Is your television HD or 4K UHD? This will help determine which Roku or Fire TV streaming stick is right for you. Different models offer varying levels of support for TV technologies, so you’ll want to ensure you’re picking what will best match your setup.
If your television offers 4K UHD picture quality, you’ll be OK with either of Roku’s options, the Streaming Stick 4K or 4K+. On the other hand, Fire TV purchasers will want to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max, as the regular Fire TV Stick and TV Stick Lite support only HD.
Pro Tip
To determine whether your TV supports 4K UHD, check the included manual or call the manufacturer and provide your model number.
If your television supports only HD content, you can still grab a 4K streaming device, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the increased picture quality. In these cases, saving some money with the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite could be a solid option.
All 4K UHD streaming stick options from Roku and Amazon are compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision. For TVs that support these features, you’ll be able to enjoy more vivid colors and deeper blacks for a more immersive viewing experience.
Pro Tip
If you’re looking for a Fire TV device that can do even more, check out the Fire TV Cube, which offers Alexa voice control from across the room and more storage for apps and video games.
Where Roku’s streaming sticks fall short is with their audio support. If you have an advanced home theater setup with Dolby Atmos, none of Roku’s streaming stick offerings will support the technology.
On Amazon’s side, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max all support the technology. Stick Lite is the only option that doesn’t.
Remote Controls for the Streaming Sticks
Features for Each Remote Control
Streaming Stick
Volume Controls
Headphone Jack
Lost Remote Finder
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
✓
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
✓
✓
✓
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
X
Amazon Fire TV Stick
✓
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
✓
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
✓
You can control Roku and Amazon streaming sticks using an app on your smartphone. But you’ll likely prefer to use the included hardware remote for ease. While the remote controls are similar, they do have slight differences.
On the Roku side, the Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+ provide a nearly identical user experience, but the 4K+ model throws in a few extra features.
For example, if you’re a late-night TV watcher, you may enjoy the built-in headphone jack on the 4K+ model, enabling you to listen to shows in private without bothering those around you.
The 4K+ model remote control also includes a rechargeable battery, so you don’t need to fiddle with batteries when the power begins to drain. This is something we’d love to see with all streaming devices.
Our favorite extra feature on the 4K+ remote is the Lost Remote Finder, which lets you find your remote easily if you’ve misplaced it somewhere, such as between your seat cushions.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick remotes are nearly identical, except for its cheapest model, the Fire TV Stick Lite. While all other remotes feature dedicated volume control buttons, the Stick Lite does not.
If you want to enjoy your TV using a single remote, it might be best to avoid the Fire TV Stick Lite, which will require you to keep an extra remote for volume near you.
What It’s Going to Cost You
Prices of Each Streaming Stick
Streaming Stick
Price (MSRP)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
$49.99
Roku Streaming Stick 4K+
$69.99
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
$29.99
Amazon Fire TV Stick
$39.99
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
$49.99
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
$54.99
Amazon and Roku’s streaming sticks don’t sport price tags that are likely to break the bank. But we’d rather you not spend extra money if you don’t need a feature.
If you’re looking for a 4K streaming stick, Amazon and Roku’s offerings cost about the same. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max cost $50 and $55, respectively. The extra $5 for the 4K Max will provide you with faster Wi-Fi 6 support.
Roku sticks to similar pricing, with its Streaming Stick 4K costing $50, but stepping up to the 4K+ will cost you $70. The main difference between the two is the remote control, so you’ll want to decide if it is worth the extra $20.
Pro Tip
Roku offers cheaper streaming devices that aren’t in stick form. Be sure to also check out the Roku Express and Express 4K+ along with the more expensive, and feature packed, Roku Ultra.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick and Stick Lite are cheaper options if you don’t have a television that supports 4K UHD video. The standard model will run you $40, while the Stick Lite with a remote lacking volume controls and no Dolby Atmos support will cost $30.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Roku Better than Amazon Fire TV?
Roku and Fire TV offer great TV streaming experiences for anyone who needs a way to watch their favorite online streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. Fire Stick provides a few advantages with its exclusive features, including access to Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant and the ability to control smart home appliances.
Does Roku Have a Monthly Fee? How About Fire TV?
Using your streaming device will not cost you extra; once purchased, it is yours for life without any additional charges. However, you may need to pay to access streaming services, such as HBO Max, YouTube TV and Disney+. However, free services are available for those who want to save money while enjoying great TV shows and movies.
Will Roku or Fire TV Work Without the Internet?
You will need an active internet connection to use your Roku or Fire TV Stick — all streaming devices require a connection. Before setup, you’ll need to ensure your home has an active internet connection with a stable Wi-Fi signal.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder, specializing in technology.
One of the best ways to stop breast cancer in its tracks is early detection.
Though every woman should do breast self-exams each month, women over 40 should also consider getting a mammogram — an X-ray that examines breast tissue — every one to two years. (Here are specific guidelines.)
If you’re younger than 40 but have risk factors for breast cancer, you might need a mammogram, too; ask for your doctor’s recommendation.
But whatever your age, don’t avoid mammograms because of their cost.
6 Places That Offer Low-Cost or Free Mammograms
Women today have a bounty of ways to get free and low-cost mammograms. Here are six options.
1. Your Doctor
If you’re 50 or older, the Affordable Care Act requires your insurer to cover screening mammograms every two years with no co-payment. More information is available here.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation partners “with medical facilities across the country to provide free mammograms and diagnostic breast care services to underserved women.”
This breast cancer organization has affiliates in 120 American cities.
According to its website, its affiliate network “is the nation’s largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs.”
To learn what resources are available in your area, search for your local affiliate here. Prefer to speak to someone? Call the organization’s breast care helpline at 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636), and the representatives will help you find low-cost options in your area.
4. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program
The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program “provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women across the United States.”
To qualify for this screening, you should be between the ages of 40 and 64, have no insurance or insurance that fails to cover screening exams, and live at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Some YWCA chapters, through their ENCOREplus programs, provide breast cancer screening and education to women who have no insurance or who are underinsured.
Contact your local YWCA to see if it offers affordable mammograms.
6. Your Local Imaging Center
According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, many imaging centers offer reduced rates during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is in October.
You can search for a local mammography center on the FDA website.
To learn more about mammograms — including how they work and how to prepare — check out this PDF from the Komen Foundation.
Whatever you do, don’t wait!
Susan Shain is a former contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Former SEO analyst Jacquelyn Pica assisted with research. Deputy editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post.
Like shopping for most things, buying prescription eyeglasses online has become the new norm.
In addition to the sheer convenience of being able to try frames on at home, there’s also the fact that shopping online for prescription glasses usually means more choice — and a lot more savings.
In a survey conducted last year by Consumer Reports, people buying glasses online paid a median of $91, while those shopping in-store spent $234.
Since you can expect to replace your eyeglasses every one to three years, it’s worthwhile to find affordable glasses by buying online, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to switch up your style every few years.
Plus, you might need a pair of prescription sunglasses for driving and reading at the beach.
Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
Eyecare in general has become a lot more affordable in recent years. There’s even a website offering online eye exams that take 10 minutes or less and only cost $20.
But whether you like pinching tiny plastic orbs into your eyes or not— chances are you’ll still want an attractive pair of frames that you actually enjoy wearing. The idea of discount glasses might imply that you’ll be wearing tacky, cheap frames. Not so, and the beauty of affordable glasses is that you can buy multiple pairs when you shop online.
Once you decide to find that stylish set of frames, get ready for a lot of options as you shop online.
If you’re new to online shopping for eyeglasses, keep in mind that most prices you’ll see are for both frames and lenses (assuming you have a relatively low prescription that doesn’t require thicker lenses). But you might be charged extra for special coatings, progressive lenses (those that function as both reading and distance glasses), or other add-ons for your lenses.
The 22 Best Sites for Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
GlassesUSA.com
Liingo Eyewear
Zenni Optical
DIFF Eyewear
Zeelool
Roka
Ambr
Discount Glasses
Glasses Shop
Warby Parker
Felix Gray
FramesDirect
Eyebobs
EyeBuyDirect
Eyeconic
Pair Eyewear
Payne Glasses
Eyeglasses.com
Lenscrafters
Lenskart
SmartBuyGlasses
39DollarGlasses
Details on the 22 Best Sites for Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
Here are 22 affordable places to buy your next pair of cheap prescription glasses online
1. GlassesUSA
Best Selection of Frames
GlassesUSA offers a huge selection (as in over 9,000 frames) of cheap glasses. Unlike some of the competition, GlassesUSA also offers free shipping and returns, as well as a 365-day warranty.
While many of the glasses here start at around $80 (including progressive lenses), you can find clearance pairs for as low as $19.
You can make purchases using an FSA or HSA account, and the company also partners directly with a number of popular vision insurance providers. The company was running some pretty sweet promos recently, including 65% off frames for students and an Amazon gift card (up to $100) when you refer a friend.
And get this, take 60% off frames — sunglasses too — using the code PENNY60. There are some restrictions, including sale items, children’s frames, contact lenses and premium frames. The offer runs through Dec. 31, 2022.
2. Liingo Eyewear
Best For At-Home Vision Tests
Run by 1-800 Contacts, Liingo Eyewear is another eyeglass company offering an at-home try-on program, as well as stylish prescription and blue light glasses (and sunglasses), starting at just $79.
Don’t want to try on frames with their at-home program? Not to worry, as the company also has a virtual try-on program. Since Liingo Eyewear is operated by 1-800 Contacts, you can also use the company’s online vision test to get a new Rx if you need one.
You can use your FSA or HSA card to purchase your next pair of glasses with Liingo, and if you like them — don’t forget to tell a friend. You’ll get $20 off every successful referral and your friends will get $20 off their first order of $79 or more.
3. Zenni Optical
Best For Uber-Cheap Eyewear
Probably one of the cheapest online eyewear stores out there, Zenni sells single-prescription glasses starting at $6.95.
Looking for more options? They also sell affordable prescription sunglasses (starting at $12), blue-light-blocking glasses (starting at $24) and tinted glasses (starting at $29).
You can even buy your frames using your HSA or FSA account.
Despite the crazy-low affordable prices, Zenni lenses are actually still good quality according to customer reviews, and all come with UV protection and an initial 30-day protection plan that replaces broken frames for free.
Zenni also offers a virtual try-on tool to help you pick which frames best fit your face.
4. DIFF Eyewear
Best For Sunglasses
DIFF is an eyewear company with a mission to help underserved communities gain access to affordable vision care. With each pair of lenses you purchase, a portion of the proceeds will go towards their meeting their charity goals.
It’s also not that hard to find affordable frames you love on DIFF — with glasses starting at $88, and a near constant stream of promotions including clearance sales and “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” on blue light and sunglasses collections. Speaking of sunglasses—they have a steady stream of new cute sunnies cropping up all the time. The company also offers free shipping on orders over $115.
Getty Images
5. Zeelool
Best Flash Sales
For fans of funky frames and affordable fashion (say that three times), Zelool answers the call. With a huge variety of fresh looks to choose from, and frames starting at just $26 (and currently on sale for 50-90% off — yes you read that right) it’s sort of hard not to purchase a new pair of glasses from Zelool. Besides flash sales, the company also offers free shipping on orders over $69, plus ongoing deals like “buy one, get one 50% off.”
Once you’ve selected your frames, the company will prompt you to enter your prescription and select a lens type. Classic lenses start at $10, while blue-light blocking lenses start at $20 and photochromic lenses go from $40. In addition to prescription frames, the company also offers reading glasses and sunglasses.
6. Roka
Best Performance Glasses
If you lead a super active lifestyle, you will be tempted to try Roka.
This company is taking the at-home trial to the next level by encouraging would-be customers to pick four frames and actually wear them while exercising — before ordering their favorite pair. This certainly makes shopping for online glasses worth it.
Some highlights of Roka frames include a lightweight frame with no pressure points and a design that won’t fall off during all your favorite activities.
Roka accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, BCBS, Humana, and United Healthcare, among others.
These specialized frames start at a slightly higher price point ($215-245 per pair for progressive or prescription glasses and $105 for sunglasses), but with their comprehensive at-home trial, it’s also way more likely you walk away with something you really love.
7. Ambr
Best For Blue-Light Glasses
Coming in hot with gorgeous lenses handcrafted in Ireland, Ambr is a company focused on creating affordable prescription (and non-prescription) blue-light glasses. Meant to protect your eyes from extensive screen time, these frames start at $99 for prescriptions within the +4.00/-4.00 range.
Glasses from Ambr typically take three days to dispatch. The company offers free worldwide shipping and returns and 24/7 customer support.
Ambr also has a small line of blue-light, non-prescription kids’ glasses starting at $59.
While the company doesn’t partner with any insurance providers directly, their lenses are accepted by most FSA and HSA accounts.
8. Discount Glasses
Best Eyewear For The Whole Family
Discount Glasses is pretty much everything it sounds like — affordable eyewear for all ages.
Prices start at $39 and purchases are backed by a one-year warranty. There are hundreds of styles for you, your partner, and even your kiddos to choose from.
The company is considered an “out-of-network” provider by several major vision insurance plans, including Davis Vision, EyeMed, Spectra/United Healthcare, and VSP, meaning you can collect reimbursement for your frames if working with one of these insurance companies.
In addition to a great selection of affordable frames, the company also offers free shipping and returns and an extensive line of reading glasses and sunglasses.
They also have a huge inventory of clearance frames starting at just $19.95.
9. Glasses Shop
Best for Colorful Frames
If you’re looking for cheap lenses with a pop of color, you’re going to like the selection at Glasses Shop.
Many of their fashionable lenses start at just $24.94, and you can find frames for even less in the “Under $20” category.
This company offers prescription glasses and sunglasses as well as blue light and progressive frames, with free shipping on orders over $79.
Besides being crazy-affordable from the get-go, we spotted some amazing promo codes when we visited, such as a buy-one, get-one deal and a 50% off (plus free shipping) code for first-time customers, as well as buy-one-get-one free fall sale, using code GSBOGO..
Glasses Shop accepts payment from HSA and FSA accounts.
Getty Images
10. Warby Parker
Best For At-Home Try-Ons
If you’re looking for a lot of choice (and the modern convenience of trying on eyeglass frames at home), you’ll want to check out Warby Parker. With prescription eyeglasses starting at just $95, and a variety of insurance providers accepted (including Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem, among others), Warby makes it easy to find great frames at any budget.
Basic Warby lenses include a scratch-resistant treatment, a moisture-repelling coating, and UV protection. Progressive lenses (those that function as both reading and distance glasses) start at $295, while tinted prescription lenses cost an additional $100 from the base model.
Warby usually takes five to 10 business days to ship your order, with home try-ons arriving in about five days.
11. Felix Gray
Best For Amber Lenses
If the name Felix Gray reminds you of a certain other ambiguous name in the online glasses sphere (ahem, Warby Parker), you wouldn’t be wrong. Everything about these frames (and the company’s website) oozes a Warby-like sophistication and price-tag, with most frames falling in the $100 range.
The main offering from Felix Gray (besides a few chic pairs of sunnies and free shipping) are its two categories of blue light glasses, which each come in a variety of frames to choose from. The first of these categories is the Clear Lens, which filters 15x more blue light than normal glasses, and starts at $95 for the frames and $145 for prescriptions.
The second offering is their Amber Lens, which filters 23x more blue light than normal glasses (and does, indeed have an amber-ish tint) and starts at $145 for frames and $195 for prescriptions.
12. FramesDirect
Best For Discount Designer Frames
FramesDirect is another great place to shop all your favorite designer frames at a discounted price. With big name brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Hugo Boss, Polo, and others, you’re sure to find something you like.
The company offers both prescription and non-prescription frames, as well as sunglasses. Current promos include 20-50% off all designer brands, as well as 60% off certain lenses (some of which start at just $23.99).
13. Eyebobs
Best For Bold Frames
In need of some funky frames? Then you might just like the selection at Eyebobs, which according to the company carries “never-boring glasses.” With frames like “Untamed” (featuring invisible upper rims) and “Irreplaceable” (which feels like a Meryl-Streep-meets-Cruella look), you’d be hard pressed not to find something that meets your particular brand of style (especially if that includes lots of colors and animal print).
Eyebobs allows customers to browse by shape or function, and offers everything from reading glasses to prescription frames and blue light lenses. Most frames start in the $100 range, but the company regularly has sale frames that sell for closer to $60. They also offer a 90-day risk-free return period so you can be sure you love your frames, or send them back for a full refund.
14. EyeBuyDirect
Best For Buy-One, Get-One
Need more than one pair of glasses? Then you might just like EyeBuyDirect. This online vendor offers a little bit of everything when you’re ready to buy glasses online, including its own ultra-affordable, in-house-designed prescription lenses and some of your favorite brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
With virtual try-ons, a huge selection, and frames starting at $32, EyeBuyDirect makes it easy to find stylish and affordable lenses.
The company also offers fast delivery (two-day delivery for $19) and a one-year warranty, which will replace your lenses for free if they break. They also allow you to purchase any of their prescription glasses using an FSA or HSA account.
When you sign up with your email, you’ll automatically get 20% off. Use the code BOGODAYS to take advantage of their current buy-one get-one free promo.
Getty Images
15. Eyeconic
Best For Insurance
If you’re looking to get designer brand eyewear for a reasonable price, then you might just want to look into Eyeconic. This company sells a variety of designer frames from big names like Calvin Klein, Gucci and Ray Ban and they’ll even let you use your insurance to pay for it: They accept vision plans from VSP, MetLife and Cigna Vision Insurance, among others.
While the glasses from Eyeconic aren’t the cheapest (often starting in the $200-$300 price range), the pricing on these frames includes your prescription, so you won’t pay any extra for getting an Rx added to your favorite frames.
16. Pair Eyewear
Best For Interchangeable Frames
For those who can’t seem to decide which frames they like best — Pair Eyewear might be the answer to your fashion prayers. The company specializes in ultra-affordable frames (starting at $60, prescription included) that can be used as a base for a variety of “tops” such as interchangeable clip ons to change the overall color and aesthetic of your glasses.
Tops start at $25 and come in over 100 different colors and designs. You can shop tops by color, holiday or even for a special event (like a wedding). The company offers free shipping and a 30-day risk free trial on all purchases. When you sign up with your email, you can get your first pair of prescription glasses for just $54.
17. Payne Glasses
Best for Budget Glasses
If you really want the best possible bargain on a pair of new frames, you’re going to want to check out Payne Glasses. Unlike most online glasses stores, Payne Glasses sells frames at factory prices— as in, as low as $6 per frame. Yes, you read that right and that price might actually include some prescriptions as well, especially if you don’t need bifocals or progressive lenses.
Besides prescription lenses, the company also sells sunglasses and blue light glasses— which start at just $10.90. For a limited time, the company has started offering free frames (on one select style per day), where shoppers just pay the price of shipping
18. Eyeglasses.com
Best For Get-One, Give-One
Eyeglasses.com isn’t just supplying affordable frames to the masses, they’re also giving back to others through their “Buy One, Give One” campaign which supports vision-curing surgeries for those in need. So far, the company has helped over 900 people get the surgery they need to cure blindness.
By offering frames from over 350 big-brand names, as well as more affordable options (like replacement lenses which reuse your existing frames), the company makes it easy to find something in your budget. Frames start at $88, and include free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
19. Lenscrafters
Best For In-Person Fittings
By combining the best of both in-person and online shopping experiences, Lenscrafters is changing the way people shop for eyewear. This even if they don’t have the corner on cheap prescription eyeglasses on the market.
In addition to accepting most major insurance plans, the company offers a hybrid shopping experience that allows you to order your lenses online, then get them fitted and adjusted at one of their 1,000+ locations.
The company offers a variety of popular brands including Ray-Ban, Versace, Michael Kors and Coach, among others. Because many of their glasses tend to be high-end brands, the prices are also higher — often running anywhere between $100 and $300 a pair.
The good news is that buying online eyeglasses from Lenscrafters might just save you money on contacts if you catch one of their promotions, such as a recent promo for 60% off a complete pair (frames and lenses) of designer glasses.
20. Lenskart
Best Customizable Frames
When it comes to customizability, Lenskart does it all. From clip-on tinted toppers to go with your prescription lenses, to transition glasses and blue light lenses, Lenskart has something for everyone. For having such a large variety of offerings, they also do a pretty good job keeping things affordable, with prescription eyewear starting at just $15.
The company offers a free one year warranty on all purchases as well as free worldwide shipping and a 14-day return policy. Join their mailing list and receive 20% off your first purchase.
21. SmartBuyGlasses
Best for Contact Lenses & Glasses
SmartBuyGlasses sells a bit of everything: from prescription lenses to sunglasses, and even contact lenses. They also offer a steady stream of savings promotions — like the current sale of up to 70% off glasses.
With super affordable frames starting at just $7, and a collection of luxury frames starting in the $200 range, there’s something for every budget at SmartBuyGlasses. Besides all the great deals you can score on eyewear, the company also offers free shipping and a 100-day return policy.
22. 39DollarGlasses
Best for Re-Lensing
As the name would suggest, eyewear from 39DollarGlasses starts at just $39. But that price isn’t just for frames: It also includes custom prescription lenses with UV protection. Like most online eyewear stores on this list, the company offers a wide variety of specialized lenses from progressive lenses to blue light lenses, as well as transitional lenses.
Besides these basic options, the company also sells sunglasses, contact lenses, and provides a re-lens program that allows you to put new lenses in old frames. Shipping is free for orders over $99, and 39DollarGlasses offers a variety of ongoing discounts for teachers, first responders, and members of the military.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Buying Eyeglasses Online
We’ve found the answers to the mostly commonly asked questions about buying eyeglasses online to help you make your decision.
What Is The Cheapest Place To Buy Eyeglasses Online?
Payne Glasses is currently the cheapest place to buy eyeglasses online, with frames starting at just $6. The company is also offering free frames (limit one per customer) for select styles for a limited time.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Prescription Glasses Online?
The short answer is yes, it’s often cheaper to buy prescription eyeglasses online rather than in person. According to a survey conducted last year by Consumer Reports, people spent over twice as much on glasses purchased in stores as those purchased online.
Can You Buy Progressive Glasses Online?
Yes, you can buy progressive glasses online. Most online eyeglass outlets can customize your frames with progressive lenses for an additional charge. Some affordable options include Payne and Zenni which both charge less than $30 for progressive lenses.
Why is Buying Glasses Online So Much Cheaper?
Buying eyeglasses at online-only stores is cheaper because the companies don’t pay many of the costs associated with a brick-and-mortar business (notably rent, overhead and retail employees). This allows them to cut costs on their online products.
Contributor Larissa Runkle specializes in finance, real estate and lifestyle topics. She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
To help Americans take advantage of savings from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, the White House has launched the Clean Energy for All webpage.
Consumers and small businesses can visit the page to learn how the act can provide utility bill savings and discounts on electric vehicles and appliances.
The White House outlines areas of a typical home, along with upgrades, that can help Americans benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. Examples include solar panels on your rooftop, an electric heat pump clothes dryer in your laundry room, and weatherized windows and doors throughout the home.
One upgrade that the webpage and Biden administration emphasize is how electric cars could benefit your wallet and the planet.
Pro Tip
The Inflation Reduction Act also has an impact on Medicare prescription drug prices. Here’s what you need to know about the overhaul.
The Clean Energy for All webpage lays out common scenarios in which you can improve your home and obtain tax credits or rebates. To better understand what incentives you may receive, you can select when you intend to make the changes to your home.
If you’re curious how a tax credit may work for your family, the White House has outlined a few scenarios for different groups of people, such as single renters and homeowners with families. If the information you seek isn’t on the webpage, you can sign up for email updates on all tax credits and rebates.
If you intend to add any new appliances, electric vehicles or energy upgrades to your home, check out the website before you get started. Some buyers could save up to $10,000 or more using the provided rebates.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
You can use Windex for more than just cleaning windows. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
Vinegar isn’t the only super performer in your kitchen.
Windex — that $3 glass cleaner spray you keep under your sink — can be used to detail the interior of your car, to put the shine back in your jewelry and even to unstick zippers.
Your store shelves probably carry several varieties of Windex, so if you’re cleaning fabric, stick with the clear version, and if you’re using it for a car, use the Windex Ammonia-free Glass Cleaner.
Aside from those suggestions, any of the Windex variations will do the job.
Here are 10 surprisingly effective uses for that familiar blue (or sometimes clear) bottle that aren’t cleaning windows.
1. Moving Large Pieces of Furniture
Los Angeles-based interior designer John Linden uses Windex to slide large items that are stuck or too heavy to move.
“All we need to do is to spritz some in front of the objects we want to move before pushing the item,” Linden says. He’s then able to easily move that piece of furniture to its place.
As long as you use the ammonia-free version of Windex, you can use it on any type of flooring, including wood floors.
2. Cleaning Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
You thought Windex only worked on glass? Linden says he’ll often spray Windex onto small stains, leaving it for 20 minutes to soak. Then he wipes right off the furniture.
Make sure to use the clear formula for this, as the blue formula may leave its own stains.
3. Insect Repellant
The smell of ammonia is strongly disliked by many insects, says Andrew Barker, founder of Homeowner Costs. As a result, Barker suggests spraying Windex by open windows and doors to keep bugs at bay.
4. Clean Your Car
Windex is also a great cleanser for cars, says Deidre Fisher, owner of Simply Bliss Cleaning in Salt Lake City, Utah. Use it on car windows and mirror smudges, on dashboards, the steering wheel and any plastic and leather surface.
It’s also great for cleaning the screens and dials. “I just recommend spraying the cloth first and not the electronics directly,” Fisher says.
5. Washing Makeup Brushes
Makeup artist and lifestyle blogger Kerrin Jackson has been using Windex to clean her brushes and airbrush parts for more than a decade.
“They make light work of breaking down the alcohol-based makeups and heavy-duty body makeup products that can sometimes be stubborn and difficult to clean from the inner workings of the airbrush parts,” Jackson says.
6. De-greasing Your Kitchen
Use Windex on your exhaust fans and range hoods in your kitchen, suggests Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, a cleaning company in Chicago.
Rodriguez-Zaba suggests spraying Windex on the surfaces and letting it stand for 5-10 minutes, then wiping it clean and rinsing with water to remove any remaining chemical residue.
7. Shine and Clean Doorknobs
The slight amount of ammonia in Windex can disinfect doorknobs, something we are all hyper aware of these days. And it can also clean up smudges and bring some shine to the doorknobs throughout your house.
8. Removing Tough Stains From Clothing
It works well for red wine, tomato sauce, ketchup and more, says Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home, a gardening and home improvement blog.
“You can lightly spray the stain with Windex and let it sit for 15 minutes, as long as the clothing item isn’t a delicate silk,” Stark said. “Get a clean cloth and blot at the stain before rinsing it in cold water.”
Follow this by washing the clothing as recommended. Make sure you use clear Windex for this task.
9. Cleaning Patio Furniture and Outdoor Surfaces
Benjamin Nguyen, owner of Full Color Cleaners, says he uses Windex to clean his patio furniture, making it look as good as new. It will clean everything from the furniture to outdoor surfaces, including brick.
For this task, go the extra mile and snag the Windex Outdoor Concentrated Cleaner, which is a 32-ounce spray bottle that attaches onto a hose ($27.66). Simply spray onto your aluminum siding, your brick, your windows — and with this tool, you won’t even need a ladder to do it.
10. Making Jewelry Sparkle
To get rid of everyday grime from a diamond ring, The Knot recommends soaking it for 10 to 15 minutes in a 50-50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and Windex. After it’s soaked, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and then rinse with water.
Windex is safe for gold and silver but could be harmful to soft gemstones because of its ammonia content. That means don’t use it on turquoise, emeralds, opals, coral, pearls or amber.
The Penny Hoarder contributor Danielle Braff is a Chicago writer who specializes in consumer goods and shopping on a budget. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Real Simple and more.
Each patient pays about $430 a year on dental expenses, estimates the American Dental Association. Think how quickly that adds up for a family of four!
Whether you’re just addicted to discounts or feel hopeless when it comes to affording care, here are nine insider strategies to help keep your cash without sacrificing that dazzling smile.
Ask for a discount
Sign up a dental savings plan
Check out free clinics
Reconsider your dental insurance
Shop around
Find a student volunteer at a dental school
Go to a specialist only when necessary
Get a second opinion
Practice prevention
1. Ask for a Discount
Do you love your dentist, but wish you could pay less to see her? Ask for a discount or try to negotiate your bill.
Or put away the plastic: Some dentist offices will give you a small discount (around 5%) for paying in cash.
Has a true financial hardship come your way? Contrary to the cold and impersonal drill-wielding dentist stereotype often portrayed on TV, most dentists are compassionate human beings.
If you’ve lost your job or you’re battling a serious health condition, talk with your dentist and the billing department. They might reduce their fees accordingly. Or you might be able to work out a payment plan with the office.
However, if payment is due at the time of service, bustin’ out the good old credit card may be your best option.
You could use a Care Credit, which works like a regular credit card for medical and dental expenses but with 0% APR options based on your credit score.
Lastly, ask if you can receive a discount for referring a friend. Or, see if it’s possible to knock off a few bucks for an online review.
2. Sign Up for a Dental Savings Plan
Dental savings plans aren’t dental insurance, but they may still be able to save you money.
Here’s how it works.
First, you pay an annual fee for the dental savings plan of your choice. Then, you get a 10% to 60% discount on most dental services — yes, even that unexpected root canal.
Dental discount plans, like those sold at DentalPlans.com, charge an annual membership fee that ranges from $80 to $200. The average cost for plans in Orlando, Florida, for example, was $135 to $170 a year.
The plan contracts with dentists who agree to reduce their fees, then you pay the participating dentist directly using your discount.
You’ll still pay out of pocket for those services, but the idea is that you won’t pay as much as you would without insurance.
Crunch the numbers and see if it makes sense to try a dental plan, or if it’s better to find other discounts that make your office visit cheaper.
3. Check Out Free Clinics
Federally funded community health clinics provide reduced-cost or free dental care services to people with low incomes.
Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.
Services are available to people with incomes that are 200% or below the federal poverty level.
Wait lists can be long, so it’s important to reach out to your local clinic early.
Follow this link to find the nearest community health clinic near you.
4. Reconsider Your Dental Insurance
If you work for a mid- to large-sized company, you can likely get dental insurance at a very affordable monthly rate through your employer.
But if you have to purchase coverage on your own — or you work for a company with lackluster benefits — dental insurance can be expensive.
You might be able to score a tax credit for a dental plan on HealthCare.gov. People who make between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level can qualify, and this tax credit could save you hundreds of dollars a year on monthly premiums.
In 2022, that’s about $13,590 to $54,360 a year for a single person or $27,750 to $111,000 for a family of four.
Pro Tip
Use this online tool from HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for a federal health care premium tax credit.
However, you can only receive the credit if you purchase an insurance plan through the HealthCare.gov marketplace.
Without employer insurance or a federal premium tax credit, purchasing dental insurance on your own can be costly.
It may even make sense to ditch your dental insurance altogether.
We know it sounds crazy, but consider this: You could end up spending more on dental insurance premiums than the cost of your dental visits.
Ask your dentist for the fees and frequency of services you’ve received, namely teeth cleanings, X-rays and exams. You may find paying out of pocket is cheaper.
If that’s the case, deposit that same amount into a health savings account or a regular bank account over time to save for your next dental visit.
Just know the no-dental-insurance-route works best if you don’t have a history of extensive dental work.
5. Shop Around
Many communities are flooded with dentists competing for your business. To attract new patients, dentists may offer steep discounts or services from free teeth whitening and exams to free X-rays.
Where can you find these killer deals? Try sites like:
Keep your eyes peeled for advertisements on signs or in community pamphlets around town to find other local discounts.
Pro Tip
It never hurts to see if a dentist will price match a deal you find.
Getty Images
6. Find a Student Volunteer at a Dental School
Dental schools across the country offer quality dental work for a fraction of the price.
You can save big by having a dental hygiene student clean your teeth. Students love volunteers, and the cleaning you receive during the exam is likely free.
Each volunteer patient typically receives a teeth cleaning, X-rays, oral cancer screening, fluoride treatment, an exam by a licensed dentist and more for the same price as a value meal.
The students are generally eager to give quality care. Plus, licensed dental instructors help them every step of the way, so you’re in good hands.
Be aware that learning takes time, so your appointment will be a bit longer than usual.
Pro Tip
Beauty schools also offer cheap haircuts done by students and supervised by instructors.
7. Go to a Specialist Only When Necessary
You might need dental specialists for their advanced knowledge and skills … but they come with a high price tag.
Many people make the (costly) mistake of choosing a specialist when a more affordable general dentist will suffice.
If you’re a parent still taking your teenager to a pedodontist for a filling, or a patient opting to have your wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon, compare costs. It could save you a bundle.
If you need an extraction or other dental surgery, it might be worthwhile to find a dentist that can perform the procedure you need in-house — at a cheaper rate than a specialist.
8. Get a Second Opinion
So you showed up to your appointment with a toothache and left with a proposed treatment plan that’s going to cost thousands — what do you do?
There’s often more than one way to fix dental issues. Call another dentist for a second opinion.
When you schedule an appointment, ask for a free consultation to dodge the cost of another exam. Also, bring current X-rays to avoid paying for them twice.
9. Practice Prevention
Not getting a cavity is always cheaper than the lowest priced filling.
Not only do said fillings have a price tag, but time is money. Americans miss an average of 321 million hours of work and school for dental care each year, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Missing work alone can be a significant expense!
Prevent tooth decay and other harm to your teeth today. While brushing and flossing may come to mind, there are a few other options as well.
Having a dental sealant applied (especially on kids) is a great way to prevent 60% of decay at one-third the cost of filling a cavity.
Xylitol gums and candies are a tasty approach to halt cavity-causing bacteria in its tracks. Also, a night guard can assist in preventing wear on your chompers from grinding and clenching.
Take care of your oral health and help keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.Kristen Brady, a registered dental hygienist, contributed to this story.
In this post-pandemic world, squirreling away COVID-19 tests and masks is as commonplace and reflexive as stocking up on tissues or cold meds.
But if you missed your chance to get free tests from the national stockpile before it shut down in early September or you need more, there are still ways you can get at-home COVID-19 tests for free.
5 Ways to Save Money on At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Peeked at your at-home testing supply and noticed it’s a little low? Don’t worry. Because if you’re paying for rapid antigen tests, you’re doing it wrong.
Here are five ways to snag free at-home COVID-19 tests.
Don’t throw away your expired tests just yet.
Private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid are still required to cover at-home COVID tests.
Check to see if you can use FSA or HSA funds to buy tests.
See if your state offers free rapid antigen tests.
Go to an in-person COVID-19 testing location near you.
1. Don’t Throw Away Your Expired Tests Just Yet
Yes, at-home COVID-19 tests have expiration dates. But to be clear, these over-the-counter tests were hustled through the emergency process at the FDA and rubber stamped with a standard four- to six-month expiration date.
Manufacturers are now submitting new data that confirm a longer shelf life spanning anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
The best way to determine if expired at-home COVID-19 tests are still effective is to visit an official government page like the FDA’s At Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests database and search by manufacturer. You may also need the lot number from the test package to verify the extended expiration date.
2. Private Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid Still Cover At-Home Tests
If you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, these insurers are still required by federal law to cover up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per person per month as part of your healthcare coverage.
There are a few ways insurers are doing this. Some cover the tests at participating pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Other plans require you to submit receipts for reimbursement.
If you have Medicare, check to see if a pharmacy near you covers free, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.
3. Check to See If You Can Use FSA or HSA funds on COVID-19 Tests
It’s tempting to use the rest of your FSA funds on at-home COVID-19 tests. Flexible spending account and health savings account funds can typically be used on qualified medical, dental or health-related expenses.
Before you drain the rest of your FSA funds this year, double-check that at-home COVID-19 tests qualify. Technically, FSA and HSA funds are only for expenses not covered by your health insurance. Since most insurers are required to cover COVID tests, you should check to make sure this cost won’t get bounced back to you.
4. See If Your State Offers Free Rapid Antigen Tests
Now that the national stockpile is depleted, some states are stepping up to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to residents. Maine, Minnesota, and several other states are working directly with test manufacturers to coordinate this effort.
Go to Say Yes! To Covid Test website or Project ACT and enter your zip code to discover if free self-tests are available in your community.
5. Go to an In-Person COVID Testing Location Near You
If all else fails, there are low or no-cost COVID testing centers available across the country. Some COVID-19 testing sites will even hand out a home test kit at self-serve kiosks.
Both federal, state and county governments are helping to fund free testing sites and other testing resources at local health departments, pharmacies and clinics. You can search the CDC’s database of free COVID-19 testing locations here.
Should You Stockpile At-Home COVID Tests?
Before you get more free at-home COVID-19 tests, it’s worth asking if you should have a stockpile in your medicine cabinet. And the answer? It depends.
Averaging anywhere from $8 to $10 per test, at-home COVID tests aren’t cheap. But the CDC and HHS recommend keeping several on hand. If you’re exposed, you’ll have a quick and easy way to determine if you or others in your family need to isolate. Because you can test negative for some time before you test positive, it’s recommended to test at least twice within 48 hours.
Test manufacturers are also warning that they’ve ramped down production due to waning demand and are making about half the number of tests as they were in early 2022. Test supplies could become a bottleneck if Americans face another surge this winter.
However, stockpiling dozens of free tests can backfire. Rapid antigen tests will expire — even with the FDA-approved extensions. A good rule of thumb is to have enough at-home COVID-19 tests that you could test every member of your household at least twice.
More Free Tests Might Be on the Way
As winter approaches, the White House is renewing its effort to replenish the national stockpile. If Congress approves another round of funding, free COVID tests — courtesy of the United States government — could be delivered to your doorstep in time for the holidays.
First responders with Orange County Fire Rescue save a resident from a flooded home in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Images
In the devastating wake of Hurricane Ian, wireless carriers are offering free service for cell phone users hardest hit by the storm.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all announced plans Thursday to waive charges and fees for customers in the areas that have been impacted by Ian. They’re also working with public safety agencies and emergency shelters to make sure cell phone service is maintained.
Ian, which made landfall Wednesday as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, blasted Florida with heavy rain, high winds and storm surge, endangering lives and causing untold billions of dollars in damage.
Florida residents were picking up the pieces Thursday as the storm moved northward toward the Carolinas.
AT&T
AT&T, the nation’s largest wireless carrier, is cutting customers a break for a month on any overage charges.
“To keep wireless customers connected in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Ian, we’re waiving talk, text and data overage charges,” AT&T announced Thursday.
That includes AT&T postpaid and prepaid customers with billing addresses in 828 ZIP codes across Florida from now through Oct. 28.
The ZIP codes in question are spread throughout southwestern Florida, central Florida and Florida’s west coast. The affected area includes Fort Myers and Naples, as well as the Tampa Bay area and Orlando.
“To assist in the recovery, we’re now welcoming other carriers’ customers to roam on our networks so they can connect, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm,” AT&T added.
Verizon
The nation’s second-largest carrier, Verizon, is eliminating all charges for a shorter period of time for customers affected by Ian. Verizon cell phone customers in ZIP codes that have been impacted by the hurricane will have access to unlimited domestic talk, text and data through Tuesday, Oct. 4, the company announced.
The ZIP codes are largely the same as the ZIP codes where AT&T is giving customers a break. Verizon customers should click here to see eligible ZIP codes, which include Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Volusia counties.
Verizon also has a crisis response team setting up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hot spots and free charging stations in the most heavily damaged areas.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile, the nation’s third-largest carrier, is also offering unlimited talk, text and data through Monday, Oct. 3, for customers in much of Florida and parts of Georgia who have been impacted by Ian, the company announced.
Crisis teams are bringing in portable generators, mobile command centers and temporary wireless network solutions such as Cells on Wheels and Cells on Light Trucks.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
When you join the Mi Abuelo’s Rewards program, you’ll receive “special offers” on your birthday. You’ll also receive a special offer upon joining.
4. Acapulco
Sign up for the Acapulco eClub and get a free entree on your birthday. Plus, you’ll get free chips and guac just for signing up.
Photo courtesy of Arby’s
5. Arby’s
Sign up for Arby’s emails and get a free small milkshake and curly fries on your birthday when you buy any sandwich. You’ll also get a free classic roast beef when you sign up.
6. Au Bon Pain
Join the Eclub, and get a free coffee and pastry on your birthday. You’ll also get a free coffee and bakery item just for signing up..
7. Auntie Anne’s
Download the Pretzel Perks app, and get a free pretzel after your first purchase of $1 or more. Plus, you’ll get ‘something extra special’ on your birthday.
8. Baja Fresh
Sign up for Club Baja to get a “special offer” on your birthday.
9. Baskin Robbins
Create an account, join the Birthday Club, and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
10. bd’s Mongolian Grill
Get a free bowl on your birthday with the purchase of another bowl when you join the bd’s Rewards eClub. Plus, get a free starter or dessert just for signing up. After you claim your initial freebie, you’ll be issued a $10 off coupon for your next visit.
11. Benihana’s
Register for the Chef’s Table, and you’ll get a $30 birthday certificate.
12. Big Boy
Joining the I Love Big Boy email club gets you a free dessert on your birthday and on your anniversary.
13. BJ’s Brewhouse
Join Premier Rewards Plus and get a free Pizookie for your birthday. What’s that? It’s a big, warm cookie smothered in ice cream… yum. What’s even better is you don’t have to wait for your birthday – you’ll also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.
14. Black Angus Steakhouse
Join the Prime Club to get a free steak dinner on your first birthday as a member. Plus, you’ll get a free dessert just for joining.
15. Bojangles
Get a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with a purchase on your birthday as a member of the Bojangles’ eClub. You’ll also get a free ½ gallon of Legendary Ice Tea with purchase when you sign up.
16. Bruegger’s Bagels
Members of the Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle will enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese on their birthday, and another free bagel and cream cheese just for signing up.
17. Buca di Beppo
You’ll receive a free pasta after signing up, as well as a $20 birthday gift for joining the eClub.
Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
18. Buffalo Wild Wings
Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get free birthday wings during your birth month.
19. Carvel
Join Fudgie Fanatics to receive a free treat for your birthday. You can get a small soft serve birthday cone, take $2 off any cake (except for a small square) or take $3 off any sheet cake.
20. Chevys Fresh Mex
Members of the eClub get a free entree on their birthday. You can also get a free guac and chips just for signing up.
Get a free dessert for your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club. Plus, as long as you spend $5, you get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage with every visit!
23. Chipotle
Join the Chipotle rewards program to get free chips and guacamole on your birthday when you make a purchase of $5 or more. When you sign up and make your first purchase, you’ll also get a free beverage.
24. Cinnabon
Subscribe to Club Cinnabon to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.
25. Cold Stone Creamery
Get a BOGO coupon for your birthday by signing up for the My Cold Stone Club. You’ll also get a BOGO coupon just for signing up!
Photo courtesy of Culver’s
26. Culver’s
Enjoy a free “birthday treat” when you sign up for MyCulver’s.
27. Del Taco
If you join Del Yeah! Rewards, you can enjoy a regular-size premium shake for your birthday. If you’ve racked up more than 1,500 points, you’ll get your choice of a shake or any dessert — except for Caramel Cheesecake Bites.
Plus you’ll get two free The Del tacos when you sign up.
28. Denny’s
Sign up for Denny’s Rewards program online or via the mobile app. You’ll get 20% off your next visit, plus during your birthday month you’ll get “a delicious birthday gift.”
Get a free beverage on your birthday by signing up for the DD Perks Rewards Program. Giving your birthday isn’t required to join the program, but you’ll need to offer it up if you want your free coffee!
31. Edible Arrangements
Join Edible Rewards and receive a free 12-count chocolate dipped fruit box (valued at $29.99) during your birthday month as long as you’ve spent at least $29 in the past calendar year. You’ll also get a $5 coupon for signing up (valid for 30 days).
32. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday when you join the Shmear Society — not totally free, but hey, you’ll need something to help wash that sandwich down. You’ll have 14 days to claim your reward.
33. Firehouse Subs
Sign up for Firehouse Rewards for a free medium sub on your birthday or in the six days that follow it.
34. First Watch
Get a BOGO breakfast, brunch or lunch for your birthday when you sign up for email updates.
35. Friendly’s
When you become a BFF Club member, you’ll receive a free birthday sundae and another free sundae just for signing up.
36. Godiva
As a member of the Godiva Rewards Club, you’ll get a free birthday chocolate offer every year.
37. Habit Burger Grill
Be sure to join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub to enjoy a free Charburger on your birthday. You can sign up via the app on Android and iOS devices.
38. Hooters
Get 10 free boneless birthday wings when you sign up for Hootclub. You’ll also get a free appetizer of $8.99 or less when you sign up — and after every eighth visit..
39. Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar
Email club members get a free birthday entree, plus $10 off just for joining.
40. IHOP
Sign up for MyHop and get a free shortstack of pancakes on your birthday.
Robin Hartill scored a free birthday sub she got from Jersey Mike’s Sub in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
41. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Get a free birthday sub when you sign up for the email club.
42. Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Rewards members receive a free Original Glazed Dozen on their birthday. You’ll also get a free doughnut when you sign up.
43. Longhorn Steakhouse
As a member of the Longhorn Steakhouse’s eClub, you’ll get “special offers and coupons” on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree when you sign up.
44. Marie Callender’s
Join the eClub, and get ‘exclusive email offers’ for your birthday and wedding anniversary. You’ll also get a special dine-in offer for signing up. The company also allows you to add family members so they can get birthday rewards.
45. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Sign up for Moe Rewards and get a coupon for a free birthday burrito, plus a free cup of queso just for signing up.
46. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Join the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday.
47. Olive Garden
Get a complimentary dessert on your birthday. No signup necessary.
48. On the Border
Join Border Rewards and get a “special surprise” on your birthday. Plus, when you sign up, you’ll get a free guacamole appetizer, dessert or non-alcoholic beverage.
49. Pei Wei
Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls or pork egg roll. The reward will automatically appear in your app seven days prior to your birthday.
50. Perkins
Members of the MyPerkins Club receive a “special gift” on their birthdays. Plus you’ll get a 20% off coupon for signing up. You will also be able to add your children ages 12 and under so they can get birthday rewards, too.
51. Pinkberry
Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.
Get a free Italian ice on your birthday when you download Rita’s Ice App.
58. Ruby Tuesday
As a member of So Connected, you’ll get a choice of a free burger or a free garden bar entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a $5 off coupon for signing up.
59. Sbarro
Become a member of the Slice Society to get a birthday surprise. You’ll also get a free New York slice when you buy a beverage after signing up.
60. Sonny’s BBQ
Get a free Big Deal Combo meal on your big day by joining the ‘Q Crew, plus a $5 off $25 coupon just for joining.
61. Sprinkles
Receive a free cupcake (make that a baker’s dozen if you’re a Red Velvet tier member) for your birthday when you join Sprinkles Perks.
Hartill sips an iced coffee she got for free on her birthday at Starbucks in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
62. Starbucks
Get a birthday beverage or food item as a member of Starbucks Rewards.
63. TCBY
Sign up for TCBY emails, and receive your first 3 ounces free on your birthday — as long as you’ve spent $100 at TCBY over the past year.
64. Texas Roadhouse
Sign up for the email club and you’ll get a free appetizer or a sidekick of ribs on your birthday.
65. The Melting Pot
Members of Club Fondue will get a “birthday voucher.”
66. The Spaghetti Warehouse
Join the Warehouse Club, and get a free meal on your birthday, plus a free appetizer with an entree purchase for becoming a member of the club.
67. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Download the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app to be eligible for a “birthday surprise.” What you get depends on your loyalty tier, but it ranges from a $2 reward to a free menu item.
68. Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Join the Uno Extras program, and receive a birthday coupon, as well as a free individual pizza.
69. Waffle House
Make sure you’re a member of the Waffle House Regulars Club to receive a free waffle on your birthday. You’ll also get free hashbrowns when you sign up. Additionally, Regulars receive an Anniversary Bacon Coupon, seasonal coupons, and other offers throughout the year.
70. Wahlburgers
You’ll get a free non-alcoholic shake on your birthday as a member of the Wahlclub. You’ll also get $5 off your first order just for signing up.
71. Wienerschnitzel
Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club, and get “free food” each year on your birthday, plus a free chili dog for joining.
72. Zaxby’s
Sign up for the Zax Club and get a free “birthday surprise” , plus a free Big Zax Snak for signing up.
Entertainment
73. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Join Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Victory program and get a free movie ticket on your birthday every year. If you visit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema more than 50 times per year, you’ll get two free tickets for your birthday.
Getty Images
74. AMC Theatres
Become an AMC Stubs Insider to get a free large popcorn during your birthday month. If you’re a Premiere or A-List member, you’ll also get a free large fountain drink.
75. Harkins Theatres
Sign up for My Harkins Rewards and receive a $5 birthday coupon to use at the concessions.
76. Hard Rock
Sign up for Unity by Hard Rock to get a free dessert from the cafe on your birthday.
77. Redbox
Sign up for Redbox Perks and receive a free birthday rental (it must be used within 60 days). If you have made 50 purchases or rentals, you’ll get two free birthday rentals.You’ll also get a free one-night rental for signing up (that offer is valid for two weeks).
Clothes & Shoes
78. Anthropologie
As a member of the Anthro Loyalty program, you will get a “special treat to celebrate your birthday.”
Penny Hoarder senior writer Robin Hartill knows how to score the freebies on her birthday. Check out her haul.
80. Columbia
Members of the Greater Rewards program get a “birthday gift” in addition to a welcome gift from the sportswear and outdoor gear retailer.
81. Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
Join the free DSW VIP Club to get a $5 birthday reward. You’ll also get $5 on your birthday if you spend $200 annually as a VIP Gold member, and you’ll get $10 if you spend $500 annually as a VIP Elite member.
82. Famous Footwear
Famously You Rewards members get a $5 birthday cash reward. You’ll also earn double points on all of your purchases during your birthday month.
83. JCPenney
Receive a birthday gift when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards. If you are not a JCPenney credit card member, you must have earned points within the last 12 months. If you are a credit card member, you must have made a purchase with your JCPenney Credit Card within the past 12 months.
When you join Navyist Rewards, you’re eligible for one free “birthday surprise.”
86. Target
As a Target Circle member, you’ll have access to exclusive deals and get 1% rewards on every single purchase. You’ll also get a 5% off coupon on your birthday, valid for 30 days.
87. Tilly’s
Joining Tilly’s Rewards gives you the opportunity to earn Tilly’s Cash. It also gets you a free “birthday surprise.”
88. Torrid
Sign up for Torrid Rewards and get a “special birthday gift” during your birthday month.
89. Uniqlo
Download the Uniqlo app to get a birthday coupon during your birthday month.
90. Victoria’s Secret
If you have a Victoria’s Secret or PINK credit card, you’ll get $10 in birthday rewards. If you’ve spent $500 in the past year, the birthday reward bumps up to $15.
You’ll also get a $15 reward during your half birthday month at this spending level. If you spend between $250 and $499 in the past year, the half birthday reward is $10. There is no half birthday reward if you spent less than $250 over the past year.
Here are even more discounts and free stuff for anyone who has served our country: Check out this list of 160 military discounts.
Beauty & Jewelry
91. Aveda
You need to pay $10 to join Aveda’s loyalty rewards program, but you’ll receive a birthday gift, as well as double points on your Aveda purchase.
Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount on one fashion jewelry or color bar item. It also offers a 25% discount on fine jewelry, sterling silver jewelry or gold vermeil jewelry. You can also get 25% off a home goods item. Find out more information here.
94. Pandora
Members of the Pandora Club get a 15% discount during their birthday month. This offer can only be used one time and is valid on regular-priced jewelry only.
As an Ultamate Rewards member, you’ll get a free gift. If you’ve spent enough money to be a Platinum ($500) or Diamond ($1,200) member, you get an additional $10 coupon.
During your birthday month, you’ll earn double points on all of your purchases.
Miscellaneous
97. Ace Hardware
Ace Rewards members get $5 off for their birthday at participating locations. If you’ve spent $750 at Ace Hardware over a 12-month period, your birthday rewards get bumped up to $10 off, regardless of location.
98. Container Store
Join the Organized Insider program to get a birthday discount. The discount is 15% off if you have spent less than $300 in the past year, 20% off if you’ve spent between $300 and $999, and 25% off if you’ve spent $1,000 or more.
Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
99. CVS Pharmacy
As a member of the ExtraCare program, you’ll get a free, $3 Extrabucks reward on your birthday, as well as 2% back every time you shop.
Members of World Market Rewards get a “surprise offer” on their birthday, plus a 15% coupon for signing up.
Pittsburgh-based writer Brynne Conroy is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of “The Feminist Financial Handbook.” She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder. The Penny Hoarder staff also contributed to this post.
Do you have a flexible spending account for your health care needs? If you do, here’s a friendly heads-up: You’d better check and see how much money is left in it. You’re starting to run out of time to spend it. Tick tock!
FSAs are “use it or lose it” accounts, so you lose any money you haven’t used by the end of the year. The federal government helpfully relaxed those rules in 2020 and 2021, allowing employers to extend spending deadlines by up to a year. That’s because lots of people put off in-person doctor visits during the COVID pandemic.
But now that grace period is expiring and the rules are returning to normal, so there’s a hard deadline at the end of the year once again. Don’t let it catch you by surprise.
What’s a Flexible Spending Account, or FSA?
A flexible spending account lets you set aside pretax money for medical and dental care that insurance won’t cover. Employers take money out of paychecks to fund the accounts, which are regulated by the IRS. A third party usually administers the accounts and handles reimbursements.
The main difference? You can only establish an FSA with your employer. This means your employer — not you — owns your FSA account. If you leave your job, you lose your FSA funds.
The biggest advantage of an FSA is that all your funds are available immediately the day you enroll. Even though you haven’t paid in yet, the full contribution amount you elected during open enrollment is accessible to spend on health expenses at the beginning of the year.
The biggest drawback to an FSA is the “use it or lose it” factor, meaning you lose whatever money you don’t use up by the end of the year.
If FSA money is left in your account at the end of December, your employer can offer one of two options:
A 2.5-month grace period to spend the leftover money.
A carryover of up to $500 to spend the next plan year.
Or your job can choose to terminate any remaining funds when a new year starts. It’s totally up to your employer. It’s not up to you.
You’d Be Surprised What Your FSA Can Pay For
Most of us use our flexible spending accounts to pay for doctor visit copays or medications whose cost isn’t completely covered by our health insurance.
Refurbished goods are one way to save money on large purchases.
But if you are unfamiliar with purchasing refurbished items, you may be concerned about the quality. Don’t worry, though. Refurbished purchases from reputable companies can deliver experiences just as good as those from brand-new items.
Apple routinely offers refurbished goods, including iPhones, iPads and Macs, for hundreds of dollars less than their brand-new counterparts. The savings can quickly add up.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
Refurbished goods are products that have been restored as though they were brand new. Purchasing a refurbished product isn’t the same as receiving someone’s old, used product. If it is done correctly, you shouldn’t see any difference between a new and a refurbished item.
While used products are sold as is, perhaps with a bit of cleanup, companies selling refurbished products will return goods to their original factory states. In addition to cleaning, refurbishing can involve replacing worn parts, restoring software to factory settings and repackaging the product as though it were new.
When Apple sells refurbished electronics, the company thoroughly cleans and inspects the product. Refurbished iOS devices like the iPhone will always come with a new battery and outer shell. Apple also includes all original accessories and repackages the products in new boxes.
5 Tips for Finding Reliable Refurbished Electronics
Unfortunately, not all refurbished devices are treated the same; you must research the seller before purchasing.
While original manufacturers tend to have healthy track records with refurbished products, purchasing from a third party specializing in refurbished products may warrant extra caution.
Here are five tips for finding great deals on refurbished electronics:
1. Stick to Stores and Brands You Trust
You need to know that they are refurbishing the items themselves or using reputable companies to do the work.
Look for descriptions like “manufacturer refurbished.” That means the company that built the item handles the refurbishing, so you know they’re using the right parts and specs. Apple, Dell and HP, for example, all offer their own refurbished products.
Trusted retail stores are also a good place to start. Best Buy’s Outlet section, for example, has quality third-party refurbished electronics.
2. Look Out for the Details
There are no strict definitions of refurbished products, so finding out exactly what work was performed is essential.
When Apple sells you refurbished electronics, it takes the time to inspect everything and replace components that aren’t up to strict standards. Keep an eye out for descriptions of this nature when shopping as they point toward well-refurbished tech.
Third-party Apple refurbisher Mac of all Trades clearly states the refurbishing process on its website. The company visually inspects all products, performs a two-stage cleaning process, does a hardware test and reset, and then gives a final quality check.
Pro Tip
Refurbished goods should have more care than a simple cleaning. Refurbishers should also replace worn components and ensure all original accessories are present.
3. Research the Company and Read Reviews on Multiple Sites
A lot of positive reviews are a good sign, but they can also be faked. Try to find feedback on the seller through several sites, including social media, not just the company’s own website.
4. Find Out if There’s a Return Policy
There’s a good chance you’ll know if your product is a dud within days, if not minutes, of firing it up. A company that won’t take returns on its refurbished items is telling you something about the quality of those items. Stay away.
5. Look for a Warranty, and if There Isn’t One, Don’t Do It
Lastly, don’t forget about that warranty. A thoroughly refurbished product should come with a warranty similar to the original one. Make sure the refurbisher offers at least a one-year hardware warranty.
Avoid companies that offer only short-term warranties, such as those that last for only 90 days. If a company is offering a product that is as good as new, it should be willing to stand behind it with a full-length warranty.
3 Times It Makes Sense to Buy Refurbished
If you know you’ll use your laptop for multiple hours every day doing work you’re passionate about, maybe you should invest a little more and buy a new one. But there are times when it makes perfect sense to buy refurbished.
1. You Want to Try Something New
Never used a Fitbit or RoboVac? Test the waters with a refurbished one on the cheap. You can always upgrade to a new one later if you fall in love.
2. You’re Buying for Kids
What are the odds your kid’s tablet gets tossed across the room or goes for a swim in the toilet? Or, if it’s a gaming system, how long before they want the next latest and greatest thing? Consider the expected lifespan of the product, and you may find buying refurbished is a better bet.
3. It’s a Backup
You love your laptop, but you need a backup for light use when you travel. Or you have your main camera but need one to carry just in case. Keep your costs down by snagging a refurbished model.
Is Refurbished Worth the Savings?
Yes, refurbished products are worth the savings! We want to scream the answer from the rooftops so that everyone can take advantage of the savings.
Nothing is better for your budget than a refurbished item; you get a good-as-new product at a significant discount.
For example, if you step into Lenovo’s store of refurbished electronics, you can find ThinkPad T14s selling for 17% off, from $1,289.99 down to $1,070. That’s a savings of $219.
Alienware offers the X15 R1 gaming laptop with a configuration ordinarily worth $2,136. When purchased as “like new” (refurbished), it is $1,262. That’s a savings of $874!
Where to Buy Refurbished Products
If you’re on the hunt for refurbished products, start with the website of the product manufacturer. Most manufacturers will have an outlet or discount section of their website that offers both used and refurbished goods available for purchase.
We’ve compiled a list of online stores that feature refurbished products and refurbished electronics for popular online brands. Browse the list below to find great discounts on popular products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Difference Between Renewed and Refurbished Electronics?
The simple answer is that there is generally no difference between renewed and refurbished. Some manufacturers simply choose not to use the word “refurbished” to describe products that have been used then returned to like new condition.
Other terms you may hear in addition to renewed and refurbished include certified refurbished and pre-owned. However, remember that knowing the refurbishment process is more important than what the refurbisher calls its products.
Which Is Better: New or Refurbished Electronics?
We do believe that shopping refurbished is a better economic decision than buying new. When shopping refurbished, you can purchase a product that is good as new but at a significantly cheaper price.
If you can find what you are looking for from a reliable refurbisher, such as the original manufacturer, we would recommend it.
Is Refurbished the Same As Used?
No, refurbished is not the same as used; at least, it shouldn’t be from a reputable retailer. A refurbished good is similar to one that is used, but it has been restored to its original condition from when it left the factory.
Refurbished goods are generally cleaned and inspected, with the refurbisher replacing any potentially faulty or worn parts. A refurbished device will generally come sealed, new in box, with all of the original accessories and a hardware warranty.
Should I Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone?
We would recommend purchasing refurbished iPhones directly from Apple if you are looking to save money. Apple’s refurbished models go through a rigorous refurbishment process, having their outer case and internal battery completely replaced.
Refurbished phones from Apple are an excellent way to save money while receiving a product that is good as new.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
Tyler Omoth is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Friedland Marketing announces new book ‘YOU CAN PROSPER: How to Do More With Less’ It shows how to live well while saving up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, based on research. Author shares success secrets she discovered when recovering from car crashes.
Press Release –
Sep 27, 2016
Rio Rancho, New Mexico, September 27, 2016 (Newswire.com)
– You can live well while saving up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to a new book YOU CAN PROSPER: How To Do More With Less. Many ways of enjoying life and living longer are included in this book. It explains how to do so in a way that can save you money, save time, be more organized, prepare and follow a budget, plus live spiritually. In it, author Lucille Friedland, M.S., who is a marketing consultant and coach, shares success secrets that she tried or used while recovering from car crashes since 2007.
“My car was totaled in the second crash,” said Friedland. “I was bedridden and only able to be up two to three hours per day. Therefore, to survive I had to figure out how to do things extremely quickly and affordably. Still, I wanted to enjoy life. Thankfully, I have since mostly recovered. I wrote YOU CAN PROSPER because I want to share what I have learned.”
My car was totaled in the second crash. I was bedridden and only able to be up two to three hours per day. Therefore, to survive I had to figure out how to do things extremely quickly and affordably. Still, I wanted to enjoy life. Thankfully, I have since mostly recovered. I wrote YOU CAN PROSPER because I want to share what I have learned. This book is great for anyone interested in self-help, life skills, personal finance, spirituality, fun, joy, eco-friendly/ green, or just an excellent read in general.
Lucille Friedland, M.S., Author of YOU CAN PROSPER; Marketing Trouble-Shooter, Consultant, Business/ Personal Coach with Friedland Marketing
What is the need for YOU CAN PROSPER? “Live long and prosper,” alien Spock famously said on Star Trek as he held up his famous hand sign. Yet, with the average American household debt estimated to be $90K (AOL on May 13, 2016), many people here on earth want to live better with what they have. Friedland shares new and classic ideas, often supported by research.
At 61 pages long, this book is a quick read and easy-to-understand. Links allow readers to go to mentioned online apps or videos. References at the end of the book with links permit readers to explore the full article describing the research study in more detail. Published by RainbowExchange.NET Books, this paperback and eBook respond to needs of the public.
“This book is great for anyone interested in self-help, life skills, personal finance, spirituality, fun, joy, eco-friendly/ green, or just an excellent read in general,” said Friedland.
Author Lucille Friedland, M.S. is available to speak about YOU CAN PROSPER at conferences in the U.S.A. and in English-speaking parts of Canada.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lucille Friedland, M.S., Marketing Trouble-Shooter, Consultant, and Business/Personal Coach with Friedland Marketing (www.FriedlandMarketing.com)
Friedland brings over 25 years of successful marketing and strategic planning expertise. She has won over a dozen awards and honors in her field. In 1996, she established Friedland Marketing. While serving other types of clients as well, she specializes in cases where people are having problems making their marketing work or they want to grow their business from a cocoon to a butterfly. Her former clients have grown up to 30 fold in revenues and valuation. She earned a Master’s of Science degree from San Jose State University (SJSU), Bachelor’s of Arts from Brandeis University, and Bookkeeping Certificate from Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
WHERE TO BUY & HOW OFFERED FOR SALE:
• Paperback with color photos inside — ISBN 978-0-692-77066-5
• eBook with color photos — ISBN 978-0-692-77067-2
• Retail $14.99 Paperback or eBook
• Customers can check the publisher’s web site at www.RainbowExchange.NET for locations that are stocking the book online or in stores. The eBook is available at select online stores and will be at more ones shortly; the paperback version will be available soon.
• Retailers and librarians can order books and eBooks through your Ingram Distributor or at www.ingramcontent.com
• Wholesale 55% discount, with barcodes on back cover of printed book, returnable by retailers in U.S.A.
• Book sold in currencies of U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia
• For more information and updates, visit the book publisher’s web site at www.RainbowExchange.NET
MEDIA INFORMATION:
Author Lucille Friedland, M.S. is available for media interviews in person and/or on Skype, depending on the location. Contact her at 1-(505) 504-3404 and on the “Contact Me” page of www.FriedlandMarketing.com.
