Smart Shopping Secrets

This blog will reveal the secrets I've learned through years of shopping for a multitude of products and services – for myself, my three children, and my household. I'll show you how to find the best deals on everything from apples to zoom-lens cameras; how to hire anyone from landscapers to lawyers and negotiate a great price; and how to get the most value from local retailers such as Kroger and Target – including the ins and outs of price matching, scanner errors, and rebates.

Do you have questions? I’ll give you answers. Are you wondering what features to look for when you shop for that new flat screen TV? Is the extended warranty a smart buy or a waste of money? What about that credit card offer that promises no interest for the first six months?

If you have tips of your own to share, this is the place for that, too.

Today I’d like to tell you about one of my favorite dinner secrets for those days when suddenly it’s 6:00, and I haven’t had time to even think about cooking. I head to market at 14 and Farmington for the pizza special: $9.99 for a large (16”) pizza with one topping, a very generous salad (it feeds four salad eaters in my house), and a two-liter bottle of Coke (or any Coke product). Extra toppings can be added for a small additional cost.  

This is not just a deal in terms of price; it is a true value in terms of quality. This pizza is good. The crust and sauce are homemade, and the vegetable and meat toppings are fresh and generously applied. My favorite is the three-pepper blend: colorful strips of red, yellow, and green peppers that add a great flavor. For the traditionalists, there is always pepperoni. The salad is made with a variety of mixed greens, not just iceberg, along with fresh slices of tomatoes and cucumber.

You can call ahead or order at the counter – I’ve never waited more than 10 or 15 minutes. Another plus is that Busch’s contributes to its community by donating day-old baked goods to local food banks and participating in “Cash for Education” programs for neighborhood schools such as . I like to patronize businesses that care about things beyond their bottom lines.  

Feel free to email me with questions, comments, and tips – I’ll do my best to respond to each one. Until next time, remember to be a smart shopper!