If you are not satisfied with what you purchased, or the service you received, you should return the item as soon as possible. Usually you can return "on sale" items within 30 days of purchase and non-sale items any time after the purchase. However, it is important that you keep the items in good condition and keep all receipts and price tag. All stores require a sales receipt to make a cash refund or to credit you credit card.

Using coupons saves money on food and everyday necessities. You can get coupons from the newspaper, and they often arrive in the mail as well.

At grocery stores such as farmer jack, Kroger, etc., you can sign up for Bonus Savings Club membership at the cashier or at the customer service counter. They will sign you up and give you a card right away. Membership is free and entitles you to savings on various items.

To make purchases with a personal check, you are required to provide an identification card with your photo. The best identification is a Michigan driver’s license or a Michigan State ID card. It is not necessary to carry or show your passport.

Michigan has cold winters and gets a good deal of snow. You will need a warm, waterproof, wind-proof coat or jacket to keep the cold out. Wool is the best natural fabric for winter coats, it will keep you warm even when it gets wet, but it is not necessarily water-proof and can get heavy when wet. Most winter jackets are made from synthetic (man-made) material such as nylon, or Gore-Tex. In addition to what it is made of, what a jacket is filled with is important. Down is the small feathers of geese and ducks, it is very warm but heavy and can get packed down and looses some of its warmth over time. Synthetics such as holofill or thinsulate, or many others, are often more durable and handle water and use better, but are often more expensive. Be sure to get a warm hat as well, and perhaps mittens or gloves and waterproof boots too.