Say cheese! Bargain hunters always smile when they can stretch their budget — especially when buying gift cards at popular restaurants.
And, known for its extensive menu, generous portions and legendary desserts, The Cheesecake Factory is treating customers to a sweet gift card bonus offer.
Photo: The Cheesecake Factory
From Jan. 21 to Feb. 17, 2026, The Cheesecake Factory is offering a $10 Dining Credit with the purchase of a $50 gift card online. Earn a dining credit for every $50 in gift cards purchased.
The bonus is only available for gift cards purchased online.
The Dining Credit is available for redemption from Feb. 18 to March 31, 2026 — for dine-in only. Even sweeter, you can redeem multiple Dining Credits in the same visit.
The bonus is only available for Cheesecake Rewards members. Join Cheesecake Rewards here.
Important: Members must click on the Winter Rewards Gift Card link in their Rewards dashboard to access the bonus offer.
With more than 250 menu selections and more than 30 legendary cheesecakes, The Cheesecake Factory gift cards are the perfect treat to give to a loved one…or even yourself.
If the eatery is one of your family’s favorite places to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion, now’s the time to stock up on gift cards.
Hungry for more food deals?
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The expense of dining out has hit an all-time high! And that even includes the usually budget-friendly fast-food restaurants. There was a time when you could easily feed a family of four for under $20 at just about any fast-food restaurant.
However, nowadays, $20 may barely be enough to feed two people. That’s why any meal deal under $5 now is truly a big deal.
Image: Burger King
For a limited time, Burger King is offering a $4.99 Double Cheeseburger Meal at participating locations.
The meal deal is available in-restaurant and online via BK’s site or app.
There is no limit, so a family of four could feast for under $20!
The meal deal includes the following:
Regular prices vary by location.
Double Cheeseburger — reg. $3.99
Value Size Fries — reg. $2.89
Value Size Soft Drink — reg. $1.99
The total value is $8.87, so it’s a savings of nearly $4 — 44% off the regular price.
Hungry for more food deals?
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Buying new clothes usually means spending money, no matter where you shop.
One thing I learned not long ago was how to consign clothes for sale in order to better afford new ones. This is also a great way to ensure your closet, drawers, and other storage areas are clutter-free.
Let’s dive into the best way to learn how to consign clothes. You can earn money easily, reduce clutter, and make room for new styles.
Before heading to my first consignment store, I researched and had lengthy conversations with multiple store owners throughout Baltimore. Each store is different in terms of what it’s looking for, but here are a few tips for successful consigning:
How to sell to consignment shops
Call first. Many consignment stores will only take designer names, and most will take clothes by appointment only. Some fill up so quickly that they won’t meet with you until they’re ready for more stock. Calling first saves you time, energy, and frustration.
Think about the time of year. Most consignment shops take only in-season clothes. It’s best to plan as early as possible because, just like other stores, consignment stores put clothes out on the racks seasonally. They may already have spring/summer clothing out, even though it’s still winter coat weather.
Make sure your clothes are washed and wrinkle-free. Most places will not take your used garments if they have the slightest stain. If you have even just a couple of wrinkles, they will most likely ask you to get your piece dry-cleaned before bringing it back.
Start with some of your best pieces. That way, the next time you call, the store owner may be more inclined to meet with you sooner rather than later.
Don’t have any expectations. Don’t put a price on a piece of clothing unless you’re considering keeping it. The store owners know their own inventory and customers best, so leave the pricing up to them. Also, don’t expect them to like a piece of clothing as much as you might. It’s best to come to the store owners with an open mind.
Find out how and when you will receive payment. Each store works differently. Some may cut you a check for every item sold, or some may decide to cut you a check for items sold within a given period. They may even be able to set it up to pay you electronically. Also, not all stores will offer cash for your clothes – some may offer only store credit. Decide which one is more important.
Don’t bring anything to consign that you wouldn’t buy yourself. You are truly your best critic. If you bought something on a whim with unusual patterns or that was part of a trend that has been out of style for quite some time, consigning the item may not work. Most consignment store owners are very selective.
Every time I have consigned my clothing, it’s been a huge success. I continue to donate pieces I can’t consign to local charities. Working with a new consignment store to sell clothing is definitely a process, but it’s worthwhile. Who doesn’t love having extra spending money in exchange for something that could be just collecting dust?
More clothing posts
As the crisp air of winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to tackle the challenges of the colder months. Winter car maintenance is not just about preventing breakdowns; it’s an essential step in safeguarding your investment while saving money in the long run.
From checking tire pressure and battery health to ensuring the right levels of antifreeze, these maintenance tasks can make a world of difference. But who says you have to break the bank to get your car winter-ready?
With cost-effective strategies like DIY maintenance tips, taking advantage of discounts on car services, and purchasing necessary supplies well in advance, you can keep your car running smoothly all season long without straining your wallet.
Join us as we delve into effective ways to prepare your car for winter, ensuring both safety and savings.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Spending some time preparing your car for winter cannot only help prevent a breakdown or accident but can also save you money on repair costs and gas. If you don’t know how to get your car ready for plummeting temperatures and icy roads, this preparing your car for winter checklist of 12 quick and easy fall and winter car maintenance tips. Some things you can do yourself, while others require a mechanic. All will save you money down the road.
How to prepare your car for winter
Cold weather car maintenance doesn’t have to be hard! As you can see, there are easy steps that you can take to ensure that your car is running the best way possible.
Learn how to take care of your car in winter to keep it running and reliable!
1. Get a tune-up.
If you’re due for a tune-up, schedule it for the fall. Cold winter weather magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling. Check your owner’s manual for the tune-up schedule and follow it.
2. Change the fluids.
Six fluids should be changed before the chilly winter temperatures come. These include brake system fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid, and suspension differential fluid.
Sediment and other impurities can find their way into brake fluid, so a routine change is a smart idea. Some manufacturers don’t suggest a transmission fluid change until the car has logged 100,000 miles. But ask your mechanic if a change might be a good idea, considering the age and wear of your car.
Use cold-weather washer fluid in the winter and keep the reservoir full. Keep a bottle in the trunk; it will come in handy when grimy snow or road salt smears your windshield. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years, advises the nonprofit Car Care Council.
3. Change your oil and oil filters.
Okay, we know oil is another fluid, but it deserves its own category. Regular oil changes prevent overheating and grime buildup. Changing the oil also improves fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of engine failure.
It’s especially important to plan a pre-winter oil change because oil thickens and becomes sluggish in winter temperatures. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Want to keep your oil warm in wintry climates? Consider purchasing an electric blanket for your car’s oil system.
Don’t think you can ignore oil changes if you only drive in town. Those starts and stops can be tougher on the engine than highway road trips. Also, be diligent about changing the oil filter at recommended intervals.
Photo: Deposit Photos
4. Check your brakes.
Brakes are your car’s most important safety system (after you, the driver). Before ice and snow put your brakes to the test, make sure to get your brakes and brake fluid checked. Replace brake pads if necessary, so you’ll be able to stop on a dime, even on slippery winter roads.
Tell your mechanic to check the emergency brake as well. Even if your brake pads are good, the cables or mechanical elements can seize or break, especially if they are unused.
5. Clean and check your car battery.
Cold weather is hard on batteries. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance each fall. It’s especially important because so many computerized safety systems run off battery power.
You can use a tester to determine whether your battery is weak. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, go to an auto retailer like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. They will test your battery for free.
In addition, you’ll want to clean your car battery. Check the battery posts for residue, then use a wire brush to remove it. Wipe down the battery case to remove grease and grime.
Photo: Deposit Photos
6. Make sure your heater and defroster still work.
Winter car care shouldn’t start the day temperatures plunge below freezing and you discover your heater isn’t doing its job. Check the heater and defroster in the fall, before you need them, to determine if they are working properly. If they’re not, get them fixed ASAP.
Check the heated seats, too, if you are lucky enough to have them. If you’re not, check out this 12-volt travel throw that plugs into the cigarette lighter to keep passengers toasty on cold car rides.
7. Replace windshield wiper blades.
As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. If yours have been leaving patches on your windshield, replace them now before the cold weather stiffens the rubber even more. If you are in a climate where you use snow tires, consider using winter wiper blades, as well.
It’s also a good idea to check the rubber seals around your car’s doors and windows. If necessary, use a silicone treatment specially made for vehicles to reinvigorate them.
De-ice your windshield the same way the airlines do: Mix 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 water, then spray it from a spray bottle. Works like a charm. To prevent ice from forming on your wiper blades, use a rag to soak them with rubbing alcohol.
8. Test your headlights.
Shorter days in winter lead to more driving in the dark. Before Daylight Savings Time ends, check that your car’s exterior and interior lights and headlights work and are properly aimed. If headlights seem to be less powerful than they used to be, clean them. Use only a special cleaner that won’t scratch the finish, such as the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit.
9. Prep car tires for winter.
To prepare your car’s wheels for winter, plan to rotate the tires in the fall for even wear and a more comfortable ride. Or switch to winter tires, which offer better traction and help clear snow from the track.
In winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. Always check tire pressure in the driveway, since driving as little as a mile to the supermarket can affect the reading. And don’t forget to test the spare, too, especially if you’ve been lucky and haven’t needed it for a while.
Photo: Deposit Photos
10. Check the exhaust system.
Check your car for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed. A detector made for vehicles will alert you to problems.
11. Keep your gas tank full.
When winter comes, keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to reduce the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Plus, you never know when a sudden snow squall will stretch your commute to hours on the road. You’ll be thankful not to have to worry about running out of gas as you try to get home safely.
12. Put together a winter emergency kit.
Many drivers have been surprised by a sudden storm or stranded for a few hours in a vehicle that slid off the icy roads into a secluded area. For these unexpected situations, put together an emergency kit to store in your car. You’ll want to include an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables or a jump starter that works on a variety of devices. Other items to carry are a flashlight, flares, blanket, extra warm clothes (including gloves and hat), candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and medications.
Another must have for winter driving? A fully charged cell phone. Though you can’t leave it in your car, try never to leave home without one.
What should I keep in a winter emergency car kit?
A well-prepared winter emergency car kit is essential for ensuring safety and convenience when driving in unpredictable winter conditions. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include:
- First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, and having one ensures you’re equipped to handle minor injuries until professional help arrives.
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First Aid Only 91248 OSHA-Compliant First Aid Kit, All-Purpose 50-Person Emergency First Aid Kit for Business, Worksite, Home, and Car, 260 Pieces
- OSHA-Compliant Emergency Kit: Includes supplies including bandages, gauze, butterfly closures, burn cream packets, antibiotic ointment, BZK antiseptic towelettes, disposable gloves, scissors, and tweezers
- Convenient Packaging: An ideal office first aid kit, home first aid kit, or car first aid kit, this set of safety-oriented office essentials comes in a durable plastic case complete with easy slide latches
- Easy Access: This convenient and versatile work, home and car emergency kit features a clear cover and individual compartments that keep supplies neatly organized and easy to locate
- Blankets: If you’re stranded in cold weather, they provide crucial warmth and comfort while you wait for assistance.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries: Essential for visibility and signaling in the dark, especially during power outages or when inspecting your vehicle at night.
Bestseller No. 1
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- Non-Perishable Snacks and Water: Staying nourished and hydrated is vital if you’re stuck for an extended period. Pack energy bars, nuts, and bottled water.
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: Quickly clear ice and snow from your windshield and windows to maintain visibility and safety.
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- Paint Protection Design: The bristle head looks lighter in color and finer because we polished the head of the bristle, and each bristle head was split into several strands for being softer (not faded and worn) to avoid scratching the car paint.
- Built to Last: You’ll only need one, the high-strength ABS shaft, PC bristles, and EVA cotton handle have been engineered to withstand heavy snowstorms and temperatures as low as -40°F. Gifts for Women Men Dad Mom.
- Push and Scrape: Brush off snow and scrape the ice without damaging your windshield! Break up ice with integrated knuckles and easily scrape it away. It can quickly help you brush off loose snow from car windshields, roofs, doors, hoods, and side mirrors.
- Jumper Cables: Cold weather can weaken car batteries. Jumper cables are essential for giving your battery a boost or helping others in need.
- Portable Phone Charger: Keeping your phone charged is crucial for contacting emergency services or loved ones if you encounter trouble.
- Reflective Triangle or Flares: These items alert other drivers to your presence if you’re stopped on the side of the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Multi-Tool: A versatile tool can assist with a variety of small repairs or adjustments that might be needed in an emergency.
- Warm Clothing: Extra layers, hats, and gloves are vital for maintaining body heat if you need to leave your vehicle.
- Shovel: A compact shovel can help you dig out of snow if your car gets stuck.
- Sand or Cat Litter: Providing traction under tires, sand or cat litter can help you get moving if you’re stuck on ice.
By stocking your car with these essentials, you ensure that you’re prepared to face winter’s challenges with safety and peace of mind.
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