Now that Americans are proud once again of pinching pennies and dimpling dollars (no? doesn’t work for you?), dollar stores are seeing their business boom.

But, as you probably already know, not every item on the shelves at the local dollar-only outlet is a true bargain.

Here’s a primer on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a buck.

How to Shop at Dollar Stores

• Pay attention to expiration dates. When buying medicine, sun block, batteries or perishable food, be sure to check for freshness. Some items are worthless after their expiration date, and it’s pointless to pay even a dollar for them.
• Be aware of other bargains. Don’t assume you’ll get your best deals at these outlets. Think of dollar stores as one weapon in your money-saving arsenal, and remember to keep on top of coupons, sales and other deals near you.
• Know the rules. Some dollar stores have items that cost more than a buck – they may still be good deals, but make sure you know how much you’re spending. Also, some stores forbid you to return your goods. So check the store’s policy.
• Make a list. Check it twice. Make sure you’re not overwhelmed by impulse buys when you get to the aisles and aisles of tempting goodies.

Dollar Store Best Bets

Some household goods should eat up as little of your budget as possible – and some dollar stores have absurdly low prices on specific items. Here’s what to look for.

• Soaps: Hand soap, shampoo and some cleaning products are often great dollar-store buys. Many are unfamiliar brands, but contain the same ingredients as the big names. Bonus: you can often get bulk-buy prices without actually picking up loads of any item.
• Plastic bags: Freezer bags and trash bags (again, in reasonably sized packages) are often competitive with or cheaper than other discount stores.
• Bathroom accessories: Dental floss, cotton balls, lip balm – as long as you’re not too picky about brand names, you can get great buys on these items.
• Basic cotton goods: While you may not want to base your entire wardrobe on clothes bought in multi-packs at the Dollar General, you can certainly grab cheap tees and hand towels for household projects. Consider using the shirts as smocks for kids or as canvases for them to decorate (and wear!).

Make those dollars work for you. A few dollars saved here and there adds up, and that savings could be the difference between bankruptcy and early retirement.

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