Shoppers share experiences, advice

Dear Stephanie: I enjoyed your article on shopping at Aldi. I, too, have an Aldi in my neighborhood and specifically go there for their "Fit and Active" Ranch Salad Dressing. Not only is it healthy, but it also makes a great dip for raw veggies!

I had never bought any meat there, but last year at St. Patrick's Day, I tried their corned beef (both cuts) as it was significantly less expensive at Aldi's than anywhere else (about 50 cents per pound less). It was delicious, very tender. And their chocolate cream wafer rolls are addictive and cheaper than Pepperidge Farms. I also find their produce selections to be sparse, so I don't often buy that there unless it is a featured special in their weekly flyer that I really need.

Monica R., Hanover Park, Pa.

Dear Monica: I thought Aldi's shopping-cart system was ingenious. I doubt there are many people who would go ahead and leave their cart in the parking lot if walking a few yards to return it meant getting their quarter back! Not only does it save Aldi's employees time, but I'm sure that practice has also reduced the number of accidental dents in parked cars.

Dear Stephanie: I wanted to tell you about a rebate program called Caregivers Marketplace at www.caregiversmarketplace.com. It is a rebate program for items like diapers, vitamins, Ensure, blood pressure monitors and other home healthcare items. You can print rebate forms for brand name items from their site and purchase the items from any store. You can also find rebate forms in Kmart stores.

From Andie J. in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Dear Andie: I'll add that you can combine these rebates with coupons, sales and automatic rebates at stores to save even more!