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5 smart ways to save at the dollar store

Discover five dollar store shopping secrets, from hidden ways to save money, to products you should think twice about buying

Shane Ross / Unsplash

Dollar stores can make it tempting to fill your cart without filling out your budget. When nearly everything appears to cost just a little, it’s easy to assume you’re getting a bargain every time. But the low prices don’t always tell the whole story. Some products are smaller than their counterparts at other stores, some name-brand items may actually cost more, and some purchases are better left on the shelf.

According to Reader’s Digest, there are plenty of worthwhile buys, particularly when it comes to everyday household products. The trick is knowing what to look for before you start tossing items into your cart.

There are also a few shopping habits that can help you get more for your money. Checking expiration dates, comparing package sizes and knowing when seasonal merchandise gets marked down can make a difference. And because inventory changes frequently, the best deals may not always be there the next time you visit.

Here are five tips that can help you avoid impulse purchases, spot better values and shop with a little more strategy the next time you stop in.

1. A cheap price doesn’t always mean a better........

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