Consumer Corner
9 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping
Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable delays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most wonderful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.
![](https://i0.wp.com/d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/21120/16431-detail-intro-image.jpg?w=740&ssl=1)
(Family Features) Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable delays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most wonderful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.
Even though the holidays seem to creep up faster and faster every year, and inflation adds an additional worry, there is still hope for your budget this season. To help reduce stress and avoid overspending on gifts, consider these money-saving tips from Regina Conway, consumer expert for Slickdeals, a one-of-a-kind online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more.
Avoid procrastinating. Due to shifting shopping habits, there may be excess inventory in certain categories such as home goods. While it’s possible categories with extra inventory may see deep discounts later in the holiday season, don’t expect every item you want to be available at the last minute.
Set your budget with hidden costs in mind. When setting budgets, many people stop at the number they think they’ll spend on gifts alone. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as child or pet care services, shipping fees and travel costs so there are no surprises.
Tap into technology. Whether shopping for toys and technology or travel and home goods, starting your search by visiting a site like Slickdeals can help you find the best deals this holiday season. Deals from top retailers are vetted and voted on by a community of 12 million shoppers working together to save to help ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices. You can also set Deal Alerts to be notified when a deal matching your criteria gets posted.
Buy online, pick up in-store. Where available – including at many big box retailers – shopping online then picking up your purchases in-store (or curbside for even more convenience) can help you avoid paying shipping fees and confirm your items will arrive on time. Some retailers even offer exclusive discounts for curbside or in-store pickup.
Take advantage of membership programs. If you haven’t been a member before, many retailers that offer memberships allow for free trials to test the perks, which often include free shipping. However, remember to cancel the trial before it auto-subscribes you for a full year. If you’ve previously done a trial, consider buying just a one-month membership to take advantage of the benefits during the holiday shopping season.
Abandon your shopping cart. When shopping online, add items you’re interested in to your cart, go through the check out process to the point where the retailer has your email address then simply close the browser or tab. Often, if you have not shopped from the site previously, the retailer will send you a discount code or coupon to incentivize your purchase decision.
Stock up on discounted gift cards. Taking advantage of discounted gift card sites is a simple way to save some cash on holiday purchases. Not only can you give a gift card you bought at a discount as a gift, you can also use it to shop. Just be sure not to overbuy or you may end up wasting unused cards.
Ask for a price match or adjustment. If you bought something and find a lower price within a week of that purchase, ask the retailer for a price adjustment. While this typically won’t work with special promotions, many stores, both online and brick and mortar, will price match during the holiday season. If you’re shopping in-store, take your smartphone with you and ask for the retailer to match online pricing, which can sometimes be a better deal. Asking for this match can save you time and money on shipping fees you might incur ordering online.
Check return policies. Many retailers offer extended return windows during the holiday shopping season. Make sure you look at the details of retailers’ policies to ensure you understand how much time you have to make returns and don’t have to pay return shipping or other unexpected costs.
Find more tips to get the best deals on holiday gifts at Slickdeals.net.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Slickdeals
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Automotive
Toyota Issues Safety Recall for 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX Vehicles
PLANO, Texas — Toyota has announced a safety recall affecting certain model year 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles in North America. Approximately 102,000 vehicles, including both Toyota and Lexus brands, are involved in this recall across the United States.
![Safety Recall](https://i0.wp.com/stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-5.png?resize=740%2C423&ssl=1)
What’s the Issue?
The recall comes as a result of a manufacturing oversight where machining debris may not have been adequately cleared from the engine during production. In the affected vehicles, this debris can lead to several serious issues, including:
- Engine knocking
- Rough engine operation
- Engine failure to start
- Loss of motive power
The most concerning of these issues is the potential loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, which significantly increases the risk of a crash.
What Will Toyota Do?
To address this issue, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the affected engines with new ones at no cost to customers. This recall is a proactive measure to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.
Customer Notifications
Toyota plans to notify affected customers by late July 2024. If you own one of the impacted vehicles, it’s essential to stay informed about this recall to ensure your safety on the road.
How to Check If Your Vehicle is Affected
If you own a Toyota Tundra or Lexus LX and want to see if your vehicle is included in this safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Simply enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to check your vehicle’s status.
Need Assistance?
For any further questions or concerns, Toyota customer support is available through the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for Toyota vehicles. For Lexus owners, support can be reached at 1-800-255-3987.
Safety recalls are a crucial part of the automotive industry, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they lead to accidents. If you own one of the affected Toyota or Lexus vehicles, be sure to take action and stay updated on this important recall to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Consumer Corner
5 Ways to be Environmentally Conscious at Home
![environmentally conscious](https://i0.wp.com/d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/23284/15602_VID_5_Ways_to_be_Environmentally_Conscious_at_Home_Detail_Intro_Image.jpg?w=740&ssl=1)
5 Ways to Be Environmentally Conscious at Home
(Family Features) Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, by making simple changes to your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Consider these practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations right from the comforts of your own home.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This classic mantra is still relevant today. By reducing the amount of waste you produce, reusing items whenever possible and recycling materials like paper, plastic and glass, you can help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in landfills and oceans. Composting food scraps and avoiding single-use plastic items like water bottles and shopping bags can also help reduce your impact on the environment.
Conserve Energy: One of the biggest contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Simple steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs and using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run.
Save Water: Water is a precious resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Simple actions like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine only when full and watering your garden in the early morning or late evening can help conserve water and protect the water supply. You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets to further reduce water usage.
Choose Sustainable Products: When shopping for household items, look for products made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable. Choosing products with minimal packaging or opting for eco-friendly alternatives can help reduce waste.
Grow Your Own Food: If you have the space, consider starting a small garden at home. Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs allows you to enjoy fresh, organic produce while also reducing the carbon footprint of your food by cutting out the transportation and packaging involved in store-bought produce.
Find more tips for going green at home at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Watch video to find out how!
SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Consumer Corner
Important Recall Notice: Wiers Farm, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Cucumbers Due to Listeria Concerns
Wiers Farm recalls cucumbers due to Listeria risk. Discard affected products immediately.
In a decisive move to ensure consumer safety, Wiers Farm, Inc., a respected distributor based in Willard, OH, has announced a voluntary recall of select cucumber products over concerns of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall specifically targets a limited number of whole and bagged salad cucumbers, sourced from out of state and distributed under the Wiers Farm brand.
Recall Details
Date of Announcement: July 12, 2024
FDA Publish Date: July 16, 2024
Product Types: Whole cucumbers and 2 lb bagged salad cucumbers
Pack Dates: June 5, 2024 (whole cucumbers), June 5 and 6, 2024 (salad cucumbers)
Distribution: Select Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio
Reason for Recall
The potential for contamination was identified through routine sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). While no illnesses or customer complaints have been reported to date, Wiers Farm is proceeding with the utmost caution to safeguard its customers.
![](https://i1.wp.com/stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image_4_7-774x1024.png?ssl=1)
![cucumbers](https://i0.wp.com/stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image_3_9-774x1024.png?ssl=1)
![cucumbers](https://i2.wp.com/stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image_2_18-771x1024.png?ssl=1)
![cucumbers](https://i0.wp.com/stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image_1_27-771x1024.png?ssl=1)
About Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria capable of causing the serious infection known as listeriosis. It primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly. More information about Listeria can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Product Identification
Whole Cucumbers: Approximately 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter and 6-9 inches in length
Bagged Salad Cucumers: Packaged in a clear bag with a blue base, marked with the specified pack dates
Consumer Action
Consumers in possession of the affected cucumbers are urged not to consume them. Even though the products are past their shelf life and likely out of distribution, if you still have them, please safely dispose of them immediately. Questions or concerns can be addressed by contacting Wiers Farm customer care at (419) 933-2161 or via email at customercare@wiersfarm.com.
Company Statement
Wiers Farm has expressed its commitment to the highest standards of food safety and health. “We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and are collaborating closely with the Ohio Department other traceability data to ensure that the product in question is swiftly and effectively removed from all channels,” stated a company spokesperson.
Summary
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the food distribution process. Wiers Farm’s proactive steps in recalling potentially affected products underscore their dedication to consumer safety and health standards. Consumers are advised to follow recall instructions and dispose of any questionable products to ensure health and safety.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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