For years readers have been asking me for a one-stop-shop of the bargains I write about. It’s here. Go to the Strib website and click on “newsletters” near the top of the page to sign up. The Deals+Steals weekly newsletter includes the Dealspotter blog you’re reading now plus my Dollars & Sense column, the best sales of the week aka Steals+Deals, a tip of the week, the Pay Dirt column,  Dollar Duo videos, a weekly restaurant deal, wine pick and cheap drink.

If there’s a another money-saving feature you’d like to see added, let me know.

A few unrelated bargains to pass along. First, a couple of bargains at local restaurants. At 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) go to TC Originals for 30 percent discounts on gift cards at local, independent restaurants such as St. Clair Broiler, Spill the Wine, Murray’s, Luci Ancora, Ike’s and the Dakota. The certs sell out quickly so waiting until this afternoon will be too late. If you’re looking for a larger discount, try Restaurant.com, which is starting 70 percent off its remaining gift cards today. Use the discount code FEAST to get the 70 percent discount. Certain restrictions apply, such as minimum spending amounts at some restaurants.

In today’s column about free movie passes, readers have sent along other ways to get the freebies. Try Gofobo.com and Filmetro.com. Also, subscribers of Entertainment Weekly can sign up for free screenings on its website.

H&R Block offers free tax advice today until midnight. Call 1-877-472-5625 or email taxtalk@hrblock.com to connect with a tax expert. If you feel the need to verify and advice with the IRS, call 1-800-906-9887. The same 800 number from the IRS can also let callers know about free tax prep sites for low-income workers, the elderly, and members of the military. Â

Tuesday, April 7, Tuesday Morning closeout stores open with new merchandise. Items on sale in this month’s flier include Jack Nicklaus golf shirts for $20, indoor/outdoor rugs for $145 to $300, Portmerion dinnerware $12 to $15 and Tommy Bahama sunglasses for $25, regularly $103. For the unititated, Tuesday Morning is open most days but occasionally closes for restocking. (The next closing isn’t expected until July, one store rep told me Monday.)

I tend to shop TM on the first day of their new sales, usually at 8 a.m. when the stores open. (Stores open at 10 a.m. most days.) I think the deals can be good on some of the brand names. For example, I really like it when they feature Sferra Italian bed linens, which rarely go on sale at specialty stores, and feel silky soft but wear like iron. I rarely buy anything except what’s featured in the sale fliers, although I occaisonally see Limoges and Wedgwood items.  

I’m curious what others think about the deals at Tuesday Morning. I give their featured sale items a thumbs up but the rest of the store a so-so. This month’s sale doesn’t have anything that will get me out the door, but have you noticed the online only sales? That’s a good deal on Calvin Klein Sequoia bedding. Â

In a recent email from Arc’s Value Village, the non-profit suggested that a thrift or consignment store is a great place to shop for a dress that a person might wear only once. Good tip. From a guy’s perspective, I offer the same advice if you ever need a tuxedo. Many guys will probably never wear a one unless it’s a rental for a wedding, but there are those “opportunities” at charity functions and special occasions. My advice is to check the tux section at any consignment, vintage or thrift shop. Unlike suits, tuxedos don’t show their age quite as quickly and most can be purchased for way less than $100. Previously rented tuxedos, as well as shirts and accessories, can also be purchased at Knight’s Formal Wear in Plymouth (815 N. Hwy. 169, 763-546-9644).

What else should you buy used? Coffee mugs, paperback book series, wicker baskets, curling irons, Corningware, aquariums, champagne glasses, and vases are always in plentiful supply at thrift shops. If you’re considering a small kitchen appliance such as a rice cooker or a crock pot and you’re not sure if you’ll use it enough, head to the second hand store for big savings. It’s the thrifty and green thing to do these days.

In this economy, consumers have more power to negotiate lower prices. Around Christmas, XM Satellite Radio sent me a special for $5 per month for three months or $77 per year. The normal rate is $12.95 per month. I took XM’s deal for three months and called them recently to say that I wouldn’t be renewing. Enticements of more low rate offers were thrown out to me, but I politely said “no thanks.” Then the customer service representative said that she was aware of many people having to cut back on expenses, so she offered me three more months free with no strings attached. Well, there is one catch. I had to make a note on my calendar to call to cancel in a few months or I would be billed automatically, a feature that I hate about my XM and OnStar subscriptions from GM.

This also applies to any cell phone, cable or ISP provider too. I have basic cable from Comcast which costs me about $15 amonth for channels 2-23. Recently, Comcast advertised a starter digital package for $30 a month, regularly $57.50, for six months. Although it was advertised for new customers only, I asked if I could get the $30 offer as an existing customer and I did. Before the six months are up, I will cancel the service (which will cost me a $15 trip fee to change the service at my home) and then ask about current specials. If there aren’t any, I’m content to return to basic for $15 a month. I also do this for premium channels. Currently, I am getting Starz for $5 a month. 

 Let me know for what services you’ve successfully negotiated a lower price.

One of the largest sample sales for clothing in the Twin Cities (160 racks) starts today and continues through Saturday. The best deals are on the $3 and $5 racks, but all items are at wholesale prices or discounted at less than wholesale prices. Selection includes women’s, juniors, plus sizes, accessories, kids and men’s. Brands are in the moderate to better range including Tribal, Habitat, PBJ Sport, Fresh Produce, Quiksilver, Calvin Klein and Pepe. The David Rosenberg sale runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at 11525 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, next to Mainstreet Consignment. Additional markdowns are taken each day.

Art Holdings (6210 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, 763-567-2212) is clearing out some pieces from the now closed art departments in Macy’s stores, including beveled mirrors and European-style traditional oil paintings. Save 75 percent off about 100 framed mirrors priced from $200 to $800 after the discount, regularly $800 to $2,000.  About 2000 traditional oils are priced at $150 to $1,500, regularly $500 to $5,000. Also check out the online auction too. Everything starts at $5. The sale ends Saturday.

Paula Berge of Woodbury is a pro at finding the free deals at CVS and Walgreens. I asked her for the best bets this week if you want to want to start getting freebies.

 At CVS: Berge admits this is not a spectacular week to start your freebie account. Still, she quickly found five deals (all free after after the ExtraCare bucks credits): Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix ($4.99), Act Mouthwash (99 cents), SlimQuick Energy Drink ($4.99) and Fusion Razor ($7.99). You pay for those items out of pocket ($18.96) and get ($18.96 in extra care bucks to use on stuff you really want). If you use manufacturers coupons such as a $1 coupon for the Carnation Mix at www.everydayeating.com  (go to the “get money save coupons” spot) or a $4 Fusion coupon in Sunday’s paper, you’ll save even more. What does berge do with stuff she doesn’t want? She donates it to charity.  

For $20 out of pocket costs, you’ve got $20 worth of credit on your EasyCare card to use of stuff that really need, which may be eligible for Easybucks when you buy them in the future. 

What about Walgreens? Berge said the only freebie this week is Colgate toothpaste for $3.29, but for $3.29 plus tax out of pocket (less with a coupon), you’ll get $3.29 in store credit to use another time. Â

If you want to get custom-made whitening trays for your teeth, your dentist will probably charge about $250 to $450, but you can save yourself at least $150 by looking for the specials in the freebies such as neighborhood newspapers and City Pages. The Highland Villager has a $99 custom-tray whitening sale from Mendes Family Dentistry, a highly-rated dentist in Checkbook. I’ve even seen deals as low as $49, although I couldn’t find a current one.  Why do dentists offer low introductory offers? There usually aren’t any hidden fees. They’re just trying to get you in the door, like Target selling a gallon of milk for $1.69. Both are hoping you’ll buy other stuff at regular price.

After you find a whitening bleach you like, order refills over the Internet for about half the price of the dentist’s office. Do a Google search for your brand and strength, for example Nite White Excel 22 percent. The website should indicate the expiration date of the product. If you’re stocking up, refrigerate the unused portion of bleach for best results, said Dr. Jorge Perdigao at the University of Minnesota School of Dentristry. Perdigao mentioned that eBay sells at-home kits to make your own molds and bleaching trays. Anyone out there tried making your bleaching molds?

Most furniture stores are in a funk. Buyers and few but markdowns are plentiful. This weekend take advanatage of several sgood ales. If you’re looking for contemporary that sometimes borders on avant garde, try Rosenthal’s downtown Minneapolis. Rosie has marked down many overstocked items an additional 20 to 50 percent, some below her cost, she said. For more “classic contemporary,” try the sample sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Design Within Reach in Uptown (2939 Hennepin Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-827-0990).  Designer Marketplace near the Basilica and the Walker Art Center, which gets a lot of high-end closeouts or cancelled special orders from IMS, has an additional 15 to 30 percent discount storewide this weekend for its anniversary sale. If you’re looking for office furniture, check out the used selection of high and medium-end office chairs, desks and bookcases at the PPL Shop. Trust me–no one has lower prices and a better selection on slightly used stuff. It’s a gem. As for the Schneiderman’s sale, I have not been to it, but a couple of furniture insiders have told me the deals are for real. The original sale price may be inflated, but the sale prices are legitimate markdowns. Let me know your experience at any of these sales. Did I steer you right or wrong?