Cookies, Close-Outs and Free Tax Aid

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line; and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

This week, Frugal Family reporter Carolyn Cunningham scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on Girl Scout cookies, free tax assistance from the AARP for seniors, Kroger close-out specials, weddings and skating:

1.

Deal: This Friday, Girl Scouts begin their . Find the closest cookie booth to you. On Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., cookie booths will be in Hiram at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, 5153 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway and at Kmart, 4215 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway. On Saturday, cookie booths will be set up at Hibbetts Sports, 5220 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jim 'N Nick's, Hiram, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Herb & Vitamin Depot, 5220 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway next to Super Target, in Hiram from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Famous Footwear, 5225 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram from noon to 4 p.m.

Contact: 770-702-9121  

Good through: March 19

2. FREE TAX HELP FOR SENIORS

Deal: Through April 14, senior taxpayers (ages 50 and up) can receive free help with filing their personal income tax returns—both federal and state—from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers. E-filing is available. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Location: Paulding County Senior Community Center, 54 Industrial Way North, Dallas

Time: Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: www.aarp.org/taxaide or 1-888-227-7669

Good through: April 14

3. KROGER CLOSE-OUT DEALS

Deal: Several close-out items have been reported by SouthernSavers.com this week at Kroger. They include Phillips Colon Health 30 doses for $11.99 instead of $23.99 (and a $5 printable coupon); Alavert Kids 12 count for $5.19 instead of $10.29 (and a $1 printable coupon); Claritin Children's Dye Free 4 oz. for $4.89 instead of $9.79 (and a $2 printable coupon); Motrin IB 100 count for $4.99 instead of $9.99 (and a $1 printable coupon or Smart Source coupon inserts from Jan. 9); Gillette Body Wash at $2.50 instead of $4.49 (and $2 off with a Kroger eCoupon or $2 off in the Procter & Gamble Jan. 30 insert); Tresemme Fresh Start Creme 4 oz. at $2.55 instead of $4.25 (and a $1 printable coupon); and Johnson Buddies Soap 1 count for 49 cents instead of $1.09.

Good through: Saturday

4. BRIDAL EXPO

Deal: This event will be held in Dallas for $5 a ticket from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Taste cakes, check out photographers and scout wedding venues—all provided by local vendors. Each vendor will offer a door prize.

Location: Dallas Civic Center, 121 East Griffin St.

Contact: Dallas Theater Box Office, 678-363-0813, open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online.

Good through: Saturday

5. SPARKLES ROLLER RINK

Deal: Every Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. (except school holidays), skating admission is 99 cents, skating rental is 99 cents, pizza is 99 cents and sodas are 99 cents. Playzone and Blacklight Laser Tag can be added at the door for $3 extra. Sparkles Family Fun Centers have been in business since 1959. Free wifi is offered.

Location: 4054 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram

Contact: 770-943-4446

Good through: ongoing