How Much Does a Lobster Tail Cost?

The lobster tail is considered to be one of the best tasting parts of the lobster and is considered a delicacy in most restaurants.  Easy to prepare, a lobster tail can be found at most grocery stores and seafood markets.

Lobster tails by adactio, on Flickr
Lobster tails” (CC BY 2.0) by  adactio

How much does a lobster tail cost?

The cost of a lobster tail will depend on the market conditions, where you live, where you are purchasing it from and what kind you’re purchasing (warm vs. cold). On average, a pound of lobster tail is going to cost anywhere from $20 to $30 per pound.  With the average lobster tail weighing about six ounces, be prepared to spend about $25 for two tails at a local grocery store or online.  Cold water lobster tails, according to ReluctantGourmet.com, can cost about $5 more per pound.

At Sam’s Club, for example, two lobster tails sourced from the Bahamas retail for close to $21 per pound at the time of this writing in 2017.  Costco charges closer to $90 per box, with about eight to nine tails weighing close to seven ounces each.

At Kroger, a five-ounce package retailed for close to $7, while their eight-ounce wild caught lobster tail package retailed for $21.

On Amazon.com a few of the best sellers were in the $2 per ounce range.

If you were to want the meat harvested from the tail, then the costs could increase to about $50 to $65 per pound.  At the Yankee Lobster Company, for instance, they charge $55 per pound.




Lobster tail overview

Commonly sized lobster tails, when purchased at a local grocery store, can range anywhere from as little as four to 14 ounces.

When it comes to a lobster tail, you will find either a warm or cold water tail.  A warm water tail will primarily come from warmer waters such as Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America, whereas your colder water tails will come from Main, New Zealand and Austrailia.  There are definitely taste differences between the two.  A cold water tail will have meat that’s whiter in appearance and it can be more tender due to the slower growth in colder waters.  Those who eat cold water tails will also tell you the tails can have a “cleaner” taste.

What are the extra costs?

Due to the sensitivity of the order, shipping fees can apply if you were purchasing online.  Depending on the retailer, these shipping fees can be in the $15 to $45 range; however, the retailer may waive them if you meet a certain order requirement.

Tips to know:

Ask the retailer before you buy to see if it’s a warm or cold water tail.  If the retailer doesn’t know, then it’s best to look elsewhere.

Closely examine the tails.  If you notice any yellow spots, then this could indicate the tails came from warmer waters.

Black spots are a sign of lobsters weren’t handled well and should be avoided.  If the tail is gray, it could indicate the lobster wasn’t alive during processing.

Smaller tails are typically the best because of the flavor.

If you want a simple recipe at home, consider this Food Network baking recipe.

Lobster tail nutrition facts

How to eat lobster tail

How can I save money?

When choosing a retailer, always research their reputation online to ensure you’re buying a quality product.  If you do see a fantastic price that’s too good to be true, then there’s a good chance it’s a warm water tail that won’t have as much flavor.

The best time of year to buy lobster tails will be in the winter months.

Some retailers, such as Costco, will sell in bulk by the case.  If you were to need 10 or more pounds, you could save a few dollars.

How Much Does a Money Order Cost?

Money orders are a fast and convenient way to turn cash into a check and is basically a check that is not connected to your bank account.   They are ideal for those who don’t have a checking account, you’re worried about a bounced check, you need to mail money and/or you want to send a payment more securely.

A money order can usually be processed in a variety of places such as the post office, supermarket, bank or even a convenience store, but the post office is by far the most common place to purchase a money order.

International money order by Dvortygirl, on Flickr
International money order” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Dvortygirl

How much does a money order cost?

On average, a money order will cost anywhere from $0.70 to as much as $10.  This will depend on where you get your money order.  Refer to our table below to see what a money order could cost at various locations.

For example, Walmart.com claims that a standard money order can cost $0.70.

At the post office (USPS.com), a money order that is valued from $0.01 to $500 can cost $1.20, while a money order for $500 to $1,000 will cost $1.60.  These prices are valid as of June of 2017.  At the post office, if the money order is going to be sent to a military member, the cost can be as low as $0.40.

Purchasing a money order online can cost as much as $5 to $10 per $1,000 needed.

LocationCost
7-Eleven$1 to $5
Albertson's$0.65
Bank of America$5
Bank of the West$5
BB&T$5
Chase Bank$5
Circle K$0.99 to $1.29
Citibank$5
CVS$0.70
Family Fare$0.75
Fifth Third Bank$1.25
Giant Eagle$0.99
HSBC$5
Kmart$0.70
Kroger$0.65
M&T Bank$5
Meijer$0.65
MoneyGram$0.70
Navy Federal Credit Union$14.50
Pentagon Federal Credit Union$2
Publix$0.89
QuikTrip$1.50
Regions Bank$1
Rite Aid$0.89
Safeway$0.59
Smith's$0.70
TD Bank$5
US Bank$5
USPS$1.20/$1.60
Vons$0.89
Walgreens$0.60
Walmart$0.70
Wells Fargo$5
Western Union$1
Winco$0.30

Money order overview

As noted above, a money order can be purchased at most grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, check cashing stores, the post office and even online.  However, you won’t be able to get a money order at a pouplar grocery store chains such as Aldi, Costco, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Sam’s Club, Save-a-Lot and Whole Foods.

Money orders will always be valid and they will never expire.  However, the only two people that can cash them are the person to whom it is written and the person who purchased it.

USPS has a list of countries that can cash money orders.

Similar to a cashier’s check, a money order will usually have a cap to how much you can put on it.  While a cashier’s check is backed by a bank account, a money order will be backed by smaller organizations; because of this, some deem a money order as being less secure.

The security that is offered by money orders is that this check will never bounce.  With regular checks that are connected to your bank account, you can bounce a check when someone cashes a check you have written while you have insufficient funds.  With a money order, there are guaranteed funds backing up the check.

The post office and banks should have some type of watermark or seal on the money order to show that it is backed by an approved institution.  Fraudulent money orders have been issued, so the post office or a bank is the safest place to purchase one.

What are the extra costs?

Single money orders will have a maximum limit that is usually around $1,000.  So if you had to purchase $1,500 worth of money orders, you would have to purchase two separate money orders, which means you will have to pay for each one.

In some circumstances, you can track a money order for a small fee.

International money orders can cost an additional $3 to $6.

Some companies, such as the USPS and Western Union, can replace your money order for a fee that ranges anywhere from $5 to $35.

If you need to cancel a money order, it will cost you anywhere between $6 to $15 or more.  For example, the USPS will charge close to $6 if you needed to cancel it, while the Western Union will charge you closer to $15.

Tips to know:

If you are insistent on getting a money order through a local bank, they may want you to have an account before they process it for you.

For those sending money orders overseas, you may be limited to an amount that is less than $1,000.  Usually, it is around $700.

Talk with the business or person before handing over a money order.  Because a money order can easily be faked, some companies will only accept a cashier’s check.

In certain situations, the small charge of a money order is well worth it to avoid the risks of losing your money or bouncing a large check.

Cashing a money order will always be free at your local bank or credit union as long as you’re a member; however, if you were to cash at a third-party, fees may apply for those who want to cash it.

Always keep your receipt as a proof of payment.

Alternatives to a money order can include a certified check, traveler’s check and/or wire transfer.  Depending on your needs, you may want to consider other solutions to see if it fits your situation.

Can you buy a money order with a credit card?  Yes, you can purchase a money order with a credit and/or debit card, but if you were to use a credit card to purchase a money order, a credit card company will look at this as a cash advance and will charge you higher fees because of it, according to WalletHub.com.

How to fill out a postal money order

How can I save money?

Try to avoid the banks if you want to get a money order for the lowest amount.  Instead, consider a cheaper alternative such as the local post office or even a retailer such as Walmart.

For larger purchases, consider getting a cashier’s check rather than a money order.  As mentioned in the extra costs, you will have to pay a fee for every $1,000 or so.  If your money order is for more than $2,000, it is probably best to look into local cashier check rates.

To avoid going to a local store, consider sending money online via services such as PayPal.  Here, money can be sent for as little as a few dollars.

How Much Does It Cost To Feed a Horse?

The actual cost of caring for a horse is quite steep, especially if you do not have an area for them to roam in a pasture.  Horses are grazing animals, and most, as long as they have the fields to roam, can survive on grass and plants alone.

Depending on the purpose of your owning a horse, you may need to purchase horse feed in order for the horse to have that extra nutrition.

Oats by wallygrom, on Flickr
Oats” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  wallygrom

How much does it cost to feed a horse per month?

Depending on the size of your horse and the type of feed that you choose, the average horse will eat anywhere from $1.50 to $6 per day worth of food.

According to Back in the Saddle Project, weather slightly plays a role in the volume of feeding.  Horses are fed more in winter to keep them warm, and they will not eat nearly as much in the summer.  They also mention that horses have a certain amount of food to eat depending on their size and breed. Usually, a saddle horse weighing about 1100 pounds and involved in light work needs to be fed, on the average, at least 2.5% of their weight on a daily basis.  If this is quantified in numbers, the same horse is estimated to eat 27.5 pounds of hay per day.

In Northern California, an average 50 pounds of bale Alfalfa hay costs $8 on pickup basis and a dollar more if you have it delivered.  If you buy it at the feed store, it will cost $2 more.  Basing it on pick up price, Alfalfa hay will come out $0.16 per pound multiplied by the weight of the horse, and its daily consumption will cost around $4.40 per day for hay.

Horses also need to feed on grain, which can cost anywhere from $12 and $22 50-pound pound bag on the average.  Daily cost for grain can be between $0.75 and $4.80.

For instance, daily feed for a horse in the Northern California area, for both hay and grain, will cost around $4 to $8 per day. Monthly expenses can run to $130 to $275.

In one engaging forum thread at Horsetopia.com, many active members discuss cost for feeding and their figures greatly vary depending on location, kind of horse, size, and if with or without pasture.  Members who resided in Ohio, Maryland, and Arizona, for example, spent about $100 to $150 per month per horse, while members from Florida spent about $200 per horse.

If the average cost per day is between $1.50 and $6, then the average monthly cost will be $45 to $180 per month.  

Factors that affect the price

The feeding cost is highly proportionate to the amount of work your horse is given.

The breed also greatly matters as thoroughbreds are known to need more volume of food given their weight which is always heavier compared to easy keepers.

The place where you raise your horse also influences prices on hay and grain.  Hay prices can change quite often and are dictated by weather and other factors.

If you have a pasture or property on which the horse can freely roam, your feed costs will probably be less.  The horse will naturally graze, which means he will need less feed.

Horse feed overview

Horse feed will be a mixture of hay and grains as well as some other fillers for things such as the horse’s coat.  One ingredient that you may find in horse feed is beet pulp, which is the dried pulp left over after making sugar from sugar beets.  This is often used to put weight on the horse.  Other ingredients you may find in horse feed are soy hull and oat hulls, which are the outer shell of the soy bean and the oat kernel respectively.  The main goal of most horse feeds is to provide the horse with plenty of fiber to keep its digestive tract healthy.

What are the extra costs?

Almost all horse lovers say that veterinarian visits account for a bigger chunk of the expenses.

As noted above, certain feeds are going to cost more than others.  If you have to have the feed delivered rather than picking it up locally, additional delivery charges may apply.

A six month supply of mineral supplements can cost about $20 to $40, or around $0.15 to $0.25 per day.  This is the same concept as a multivitamin for humans; it provides those essential vitamins and minerals you may not be getting from everyday nutrition.

A salt block, while optional, can cost around $10 to $20.

If you use your horse for hard labor on a daily basis, you will most likely pay a lot more to feed him.

How can I save money?

You may be able to cut costs by asking around for the cheapest but best quality hay and getting hay from the field by yourself.

If you have a pasture area, you can definitely save on hay and other feed.

How Much Does Dom Pérignon Cost?

Dom Pérignon was known to innovate and perfect his creations, from the vineyards up to their preservation in the cellars.

Known as a vintage champagne, Dom Perignon has been said to be a very delicate champagne, tasting of floral notes and packed with fruity flavors such as lemons and peaches.  The winery will only produce wines from the highest-quality grapes, and after the wine matures, it’s only released for a number of years in order to allow it to mature.  Even though it may have a delicate taste, connoisseurs say the wine has great depth and complexities.  Depending on the vintage, some years have hints of dark berries, tropical fruits and almond-like tastes.

Today, Dom Perignon is said to exclusively use Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from only the finest growths and vineyards.

Dom Perignon Champagne by geishaboy500, on Flickr
Dom Perignon Champagne” (CC BY 2.0) by  geishaboy500

How much does a bottle of Dom Perignon cost?

The price of Dom Perignon will greatly depend on the year it was produced. its vintage age and where/who you purchase it from.  If you don’t care about a vintage wine and want to purchase it at a local wine retailer, then you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $150 to $400; however, if you’re looking at a wine from years ago that has peaked for 20+ years, then the prices could reach well into the thousands.  This Business Insider article, for example, said a bottle of Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon by Karl Lagerfel, which was a special edition released in 1998 retailed for $1,955.

While the vintage year can matter, it will be the vintage age that can drive the price up.  As the champagne begins to age, the winery won’t release it until it has reached the first year of maturity.  When they do decide it has met either the second or third peak of maturity, which is 15 to 25 years after the vintage label, then they will apply the Oenotheque label, which can greatly increase its price.

For example, at Wine.com, they list 10 Dom Perignon varieties, with prices ranging anywhere from $180 to $400.  Most of the wines listed were manufactured in the early 2000s.

On Amazon.com, a handful of listings range anywhere from as little as $195 for a 2006 bottle to as much as $589+ for a 2004 bottle.

Costco, at the time of this writing, was offering a bottle of vintage 2006 Dom Perignon for $132,99, according to CostcoWineBlog.com.

Refer to our table to see what some years may have cost you if you wanted a vintage bottle from that particular year.  We scoured the Internet and listed the prices we had found from reputable wine retailers online.

Vintage YearPrices Found
1900$215
1947$1,000
1949$1,000
1952$1,000
1955$1,400
1959$1,400
1961$500
1962$660
1964$425
1966$500
1969$400
1970$450
1971$500
1973$350
1975$300
1976$400
1978$350
1980$250
1982$300
1983$300
1985$275
1986$50
1988$250
1989$150
1990$250
1992$250
1993$180
1995$200
1996$250
1998$175
1999$150
2000$150
2002$150
2003$125
2004$125
2005$125
2006$110
2007$165
2009$350
2010$215

What are the extra costs?

If purchased online, you may have to pay shipping costs.

Tips to know:

A bottle of Dom Perignon will always be best chilled at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  If storing at home, it’s critical you have the right setup to keep the champagne aging appropriately.

If you have your eyes on a certain vintage year, it’s best to research it first as some years can taste much better than others.  Some years, for example, may have a collector’s appeal, which is the reason for its higher price.  In this eBay buyer’s guide, they say the 1961 vintage year was served at Princess Diana’s wedding, which means a higher price on the market most of the time and has nothing to do with its flavor.

The vintages can go back as early as 1921 to as late as 2010.

How can I save money?

Shop around.  However, don’t settle for the cheapest price as there are many fraudulent sellers online.  If you want to purchase online, just make sure you do your due diligence ahead of time to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable seller.

How Much Does Car Horn Repair Cost?

There could many reasons you may need to repair a car horn.

The fact that it is broken may be due to a problem with the switch or there could be a problem somewhere in the electrical system or even in the wiring connections.

If there is a broken electrical connection inside the horn or damage done to the horn’s diaphragm, then the horn relay will be the source of the problem.  In most cases, however, the cause of a broken car horn is usually due to a burned-out fuse that causes the car horn to stop working.  In this case, the fuse simply needs to be replaced and the car horn will start working once again.

Steering Wheel by BFS Man, on Flickr
Steering Wheel” (CC BY 2.0) by  BFS Man

How much does it cost to repair a horn in a car?

Car horn repair costs can be very minimal depending on the cause of the problem.  If you have to take the car in, the cost will greatly depend on the mechanic you choose and the problem they find.  Horns can be bought for as low as $10 from retailers, for example, and if you were to need a professional to help you with the problem, then it shouldn’t take longer than one hour to perform the repair.

Purchasing and replacing the car horn on your own can range anywhere from $10 to $45, but for a professional mechanic, the costs will probably be anywhere from $45 to as much as $110+.  The said price would depend greatly on how simple or complicated the problem is that needs to be fixed and the car you drive.  Keep in mind that this is a basic quote if you were to have a simple malfunctioning horn.

On a forum thread at 2carpros.com, one forum member, who owned a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII, said that the repair cost on his car for a dead horn averaged about $100 for the horn and labor.

Repair Pal, according to estimates that people received, the costs were anywhere inside the $78 to $175 range.

Repairing a car horn overview

Before the horn is even repaired, a mechanic will first check the voltage inside the horn’s circuit to see if any voltage is present.  Next, the fuse will be checked to ensure it’s sending power through the circuit, and if there is voltage, the horn’s connection will be checked to ensure the connectors aren’t corroded or dirty.  From there, the horn will either be completely replaced or the connectors will be retested, and the horn will be tested again.

During the repair, the stock horn will be disconnected.  Most horns are either located under the hood near the battery or between the fenders and will be powered electrically.  When pressed, electricity will flow to the horn circuit, through the fuse and relay and eventually to the horn to create the horn sound.  Once removed, the new horn will be connected to the existing power wire.  As long as the electrical wires and fuses are in working order, the car horn should work once again.

What are the extra costs?

A failing horn shouldn’t involve other components; however, there may be other costs involved depending on the complexity of the problem.  If the wiring is bad and has to be replaced, this can be considered an additional cost, for example.  There may even be a deeper issue within the car’s electrical system, which could increase the costs as well.

Tips to know:

Check the fuse and horn relay.  Newer vehicles are installed with plug-in relays that are quite easy to replace if this is the source of the problem.

If you think the problem is with the connections, try tracing back to see where you have voltage because that is also what mechanics do to find out the cause.

If your horn doesn’t work, your car won’t pass a local state inspection.

Before purchasing a horn, make sure it’s legal in your area as some aftermarket car horns aren’t legal.

How can I save money?

If you have the time, try to find out the problem on your own before taking your car to a mechanic or car dealership.  That way, you can save yourself around $75 to $100 per hour that mechanics charge for their services.  Installing a car horn is very simple and can be done within an hour or so.  To learn how to install a car horn, there are many guides online such as this eHow.com guide and WikiHow one. There are also many on websites such as YouTube that might be able to help you diagnose the problem in the first place.

You could potentially get a used car horn from a car that has been totaled in an accident.  Check with a local junkyard to see if there are any car horns available.  If so, you could find one for as little as a few dollars.

How Much Does a Donut Cost?

Donuts, sometimes spelled doughnuts, are a popular sweet snack that are sold in various bakeries/stores in many countries.  In the United States and Canada, doughnuts are a popular choice for those who would like to have something sweet for breakfast.

A donut is a type of dough confectionery that’s deep-fried and formed in shapes, normally in rings, and sometimes with fillings.  Donut stores have also learned to offer a different variation of donuts through the years like donuts with decorative toppings and flavorings.  The two most popular types are the circular type with the hole in the middle and the filled doughnut.

Donuts by DaveCrosby, on Flickr
Donuts” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  DaveCrosby

How much does a donut cost?

A single donut, regardless of where you purchase one, can be anywhere in the $0.89 to $1.50 range.  Your basic glazed donuts will often be less than $1, while a specialty donut can be closer to $2 each.

A dozen Dunkin Donuts costs about $7.49, whereas a dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme can cost $6.99. Tim Horton’s, another popular donut chain, sells a dozen for about $5.49.

Relaxorium.com  compared Krispy Kreme Donuts against Winchell’s, and they quoted the price of a dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme at $6.75; at Winchell’s, you get 14 donuts for $5.99.

Krispy Kreme donuts came out to be 85 cents apiece if purchased singly, whereas the Winchell’s are 70 cents each.   On average, plan on spending anywhere from $0.50 to $0.99 for a single donut.  The more you purchase at a time, the more you will be able to save.

Donut overview

Most donuts belong to one of two categories: either a yeast donut or cake donut.  A yeast donut is made from a dough that use yeast to make it ride, much like bread.  A cake donut is one that is made from a cake-like batter.  Yeast donuts are lighter and fluffier than cake donuts, which are more dense and moist.

Aside from the ring-shaped donut, other shapes can include flat spheres, balls, which are commonly referred to as donut holes, and twists.

A dozen donuts usually come packaged in a box of flavors of your choice.  Donuts are generally deep fried in flour dough and can be found in grocery stores, bakeries, and popular franchises.  Dunkin Donuts, for instance, is known as one of the most popular donut chains in the country.  Established in 1950, they are the second oldest in existence next to Krispy Kreme.  They claim to churn fresh donuts daily and have a wide array of attractive and delicious flavors to choose from.

Injected donuts are often filled with fruit preserves, custard, or cream.

What are the extra costs?

Specialty donuts can often be ordered from various companies, such as Krispy Kreme as your local bakeries.  These type of customized donuts will be considered an additional expense.

There is no minimum order for delivery but you will have to pay for corresponding delivery charges unless you purchase a minimum of 3 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.  Orders of less than 3 dozens will incur an add-on cost of $12.

Many bakeries can deliver, and regardless of the cost, some may charge a flat rate or charge by the mile.

Types of donuts

The most basic donut is round in shape with a hole in the middle.  These can be glazed or covered with frosting, powdered sugar, and decorations.  Donuts that are considered cider donuts are usually plain or covered with a cinnamon and sugar combination.

A cruller is a long rectangular-shaped donut that can also be glazed or frosted in the same way that a round donut can be.  most crullers are made from cake batter, but the French cruller is one that is made from yeast.

A round donut with no hole in the middle is usually filled with something such as cremes or fruit fillings.

Other types of donuts include desserts such as cinnamon rolls and apple fritters.  While they are made from the basic ingredients which a donut is made from, they usually taste and feel much different than a donut does.

If you want a donut that you can just pop in your mouth, a donut hole is a perfect match.  Donut holes are made to resemble the piece of the round donut that has been cut out of the middle.  These are essentially bite-sized donuts that can be flavored the same way as a round donut.  A donut hole can be made from yellow, white, or chocolate cake batter.

Tips to know:

When purchasing a dozen donuts, most bakeries have more than 30 flavors from which you can choose.

Many bakeries offer perks for frequent purchases through the accumulation of points earned with every purchase.  Take advantage of these if you are a returning customer.

How can I save money?

Buying donuts as a single will always cost you more than purchasing in dozens.

Krispy Kreme offers loyal customers points that they earn every time an order is placed online.  These points, when there is enough, can be used to redeem the original glazed donuts flavor for free.

Many large companies offer coupons online through Facebook and their website.  Be sure to search for coupons before heading to a local shop.

How Much Does a Donkey Cost?

Donkeys, also known as burros, are found all throughout the world.  These animals are part of the Equidae family, which also includes horses and zebras.  Looking a lot like their cousins, these donkeys are known for their floppy ears and stockier build.

Donkeys by Tim Green aka atoach, on Flickr
Donkeys” (CC BY 2.0) by  Tim Green aka atoach

How much does a donkey cost?

A donkey’s price will be determined by a number of factors such as breeder of the animal, bloodlines, sex, color, personality, and size.

On average, you can spend as little as $100 for an adopted, mature donkey, to as much as $3,000 for a younger one that is trained and considered a high-quality breed.

Jacks and geldings, around six months old, can cost $300 to $600.  If you want the donkey registered, the registration should be considered an additional cost.

Miniature dwarf donkeys can cost $1,200 to $2,000.

Depending on the breeder, some jacks and geldings can be bought in bundled packages with their mother.  Common packages that include a mother and her young can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000.

Female donkeys around 6 months old can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,900 and 8-month olds can cost $1,500 to $2,000.

Mature open jennies can cost anywhere from $900 to $1,400.

Older ones can be sold for as little as $500.  In fact, retired jennies can be as little as $200.  Keep in mind that these donkeys can only do so much because of their age.

LittleFriendsRanch.com, at the time of this writing, has a handful of donkeys available for sale, with prices range anywhere from $300 to as much as $2,000.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Depending on the breeder, donkeys are usually sold with health records indicating dates of vaccinations and past deworming schedule.  Some are even microchipped to make identifying them easier in case they become lost.

Many breeders even offer support before and even after the sale for any questions you may have.

What are the extra costs?

If not specified, and you want your donkey to have the documents, you may have to pay for registration, which some breeders may ask for an additional $100 or so.

A donkey may require extensive training if you want to use it for riding purposes and/or to perform specific jobs.  Training costs will depend on what you want to have done and the trainer that you plan on using.

Donkeys are actually pretty low key when it comes to maintenance.  When you factor in shelter, food, medicine, supplements, and water, you should plan on spending $500 to $800 annually.  LongHopes.org, for example, breaks down the monthly/annual costs and says the average donkey should cost $895 per year.  This would include the hay, dewormer paste, vaccinations, mineral supplements, fly spray and carrots.

Donkeys are considered to be great escape artists.  If you do not have a great fencing system in place, you may have to invest into one to prevent the escape of the donkey.

Experts note that donkeys are best in pairs.  If purchasing one for the first time, it is probably best to consider buying two rather than one.

Tips to know:

If you are not knowledgeable with equine training and handling, it is best to get professional help to manage your animal.  If you buy a cheap donkey without training and proper handling, eventually you will still end up paying for the cost of hiring a trainer.

A pair of donkeys usually needs at least an acre to roam around.

Because donkey’s feet are porous, it is important they can get off the grass when it is wet.

A burro and donkey are pretty much the same thing.  Burro, which means “donkey” in Spanish, and all donkeys belong to the same species.

How can I save money?

Breeders usually offer discounts if more than one donkey is purchased.

If you plan to get a donkey just to have a pet, older jacks with no papers are the most affordable.

Like any other animal, most breeders will have classified ads online.  Be sure to browse a handful to get a good idea of what most people are charging in your area.

If you don’t mind an older donkey, see if your area has a special rescue group or adoption center.  Oftentimes, if you’re able to find one, you may be able to adopt one for as little as a few hundred dollars.

How Much Does an Afghan Hound Cost?

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed with roots that can be traced back to the era ruled by Pharaohs.  In those days, nomadic tribes relied on the Afghan hound for its hunting skills, particularly their keen sight, agility, and jumping ability.

Today, this breed is usually raised as a glamorous show dog since it exudes beauty, elegance and dignity evocative of an aristocrat, earning it the title “king of dogs.”  The Afghan Hound is intelligent and independent but does not always obey when called.

Afghan Hound by Nelanthas, on Flickr
Afghan Hound” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  Nelanthas

How much does an Afghan Hound cost?

The cost of an Afghan Hound puppy will depend on the age, gender, quality, bloodline and the breeder you adopt from.  According to most classified ads we had looked at, the prices ranged anywhere from as little as $800 to more than $2,400.  If adopting from a trustworthy breeder, then you should be expected to pay at least $1,000 for a healthy puppy.  A top show breeder, if you were able to find one, could easily command a few thousand dollars.

For example, at the time of this writing, PuppyFind.com had about 20 listings, with prices ranging anywhere from $600 to $2,500.  A few older dogs were also listed for about $300.

A few breeders on the AKC Marketplace had listed their prices for a high-quality, with prices in the mid-$1,000 range.  Like PuppyFind, there were very few breeders available.

Animal World says you should be prepared to spend $800 to $1,200, with some selling for more than $2,000.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Any reputable breeder, at a minimum, should include the registration paperwork, up-to-date vaccinations, a veterinarian examination, health certificate, pedigree paperwork and a travel crate if being shipped.  A deworming, a microchip, and/or spay/neutering may be included as well, depending on the breeder.

What are the extra costs?

Since these dogs can be hard to find, there could be a good chance you have to pay a shipping fee if you can’t pick it up personally.  Depending on how your dog is being shipped, the costs, including the crate, can be in the $200 to $400 range.

As with any dog, be prepared for the startup costs and recurring costs.  This can include the food, accessories, shelter, vet visits, obedience classes, toys, a dog license, grooming and unexpected medical expenses.  At a minimum, be prepared to budget at least $800 per year for a healthy dog and much more if your dog were to come down with an illness or unexpected surgery.

Its long, glamorous coat will require a daily hair combing and will need a professional grooming session at least once per month.

Tips to know:

Owners can explain this breed as being charming, independent, sweet, loyal and very dignified.  When compared to other breeds, its energy level is said to be very active since they are bred for a high-speed pursuit.

The Afghan Hound measures 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 50 to 62 pounds.  Females will always be slightly smaller.

Common coat colors include cream, red, black, brindle, golden and tricolor.  Its coat can be described as being thick, silky, with a fine texture to it.  In order to have the coat remain natural, experts advise against trimming it.

When healthy, its life expectancy can be 12 to 18 years.

When searching for a breeder, consider checking out the Afghan Hound Club of America to find a reputable breeder in your local area.

They don’t shed as much when compared to other breeds, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from dog allergies.

Known to be a healthy breed, they are still prone to health concerns such as allergies, heart problems, cancer, urological problems and chylothorax, a condition where the thoracic ducts leak, allowing fluid to potentially leak into the lungs.

They do get along with other children and pets as long as they have been introduced at a young age.  Due to their higher energy levels, however, they may be prone to chasing children who coax them.

How can I save money?

Again, even though the breed is rare, you may be able to find one at a local rescue group, or if you’re lucky, at an adoption center.  Even though there’s not a great chance of finding one, it doesn’t hurt to see if you can find a dog that mimics the look of an Afghan Hound.  Adopting will be much cheaper than buying a show-quality dog and you can feel great knowing you’re offering a dog a forever home.

How Much Do Hot Dogs Cost?

Hot dogs, also known as frankfurters, are sausages commonly served in buns that are a common food item found at local sports stadiums or at a neighborhood barbecue.  Hot dogs can be cooked in many ways, including over a fire, on the grill, boiling it in a pan of water, heating it in a microwave or slow roasted.

Hot Dogs_02 by rob_rob2001, on Flickr
Hot Dogs_02” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  rob_rob2001

How much do hot dogs cost?

On average, an eight or 12-pack of hot dogs will cost anywhere from $2.50 to as much as $6.

Premium butchers or smokehouses that sell hot dogs may charge by the pound.  If this is the case, plan on budgeting around $3 to $10 per pound.  By going this route, it will really come down to the type of meat used to create the hot dog.

In bulk, the costs can be as little as $5 per 24-pack.  The costs will really come down to the brand.  For example, at Sam’s Club, a pack of 24 Ball Park franks retail for $6, whereas a five-pound package of Bar-S franks retail for a pinch more than $5.  At Costco, a three-count pack of 1.5-pound hot dogs retails for close to $15.

A gourmet dog, depending on the exact ingredients, can be your priciest option, often retailing for as much as $15 to $25 per pound.  At the Snake River Farms, for instance, a one-pound package of its American wagyu gourmet hot dogs, which contains five hot dogs, retails for close to $16.

At a hot dog stand or restaurant, the costs of one can range anywhere from $3 to $6, depending on where you’re getting the hot dog, the toppings you choose and where you live.  Hot dog heroes, a hot dog cart vendor, posted at HotdogProfits.com that they sell hot dogs for $3.50 at $5, for example.

Refer to our table below to see what the most popular brands cost at your local grocery store:

Type/Brand of Hot DogAverage Price
Applegate$5
Ballpark$3.50
Bar S$1.50
Boar's Head$5.50
Foster Farms$5
Hebrew National$5.50
Jennie-O$1.50
Johnsonville$3.50
Lightlift$4
Nathan's$4
Oscar Mayer$2.50
Sahlen$5
Store Branded$3
Sugardale$2,50
Vienna Beef$6.50



Hot dog overview

“Franks” tend to be all beef, while others may have filler.  It’s best to check the ingredient list on the packaging to know what’s inside your hot dog, but in general, common fillers will include fat, meat trimmings, flavorings, such as salt and garlic, and/or preservatives.  Pork or beef tends to be the most traditional meats used; however, it can be made from turkey to make it a little healthier.  As Hot-Dog.org says, most hot dogs are made from meat trimming, just like you would buy at a local grocery store.

While most hot dogs will have a natural casing, some sausages can be skinless, which means the casing, which is used to hold the filler, is removed between the cooking and packaging process.

Name brands, commonly found at a local grocery store, can include Ball Park, Oscar Mayer, Johnsonville, Hillshire Farm, Nathan’s, Hebrew National, Bar-S and Jennie-O.

Standard national brands will pack eight hot dogs in a package; however, you can find bigger packs with as many as 12 hot dogs and smaller packs of premium dogs with as little as four.

What are the extra costs?

Of course, you will also need hot dog buns as well as condiments of your choice such as ketchup, mustard, and relish.  Premium condiments, such as sauerkraut, peppers, onions, chili and cheese,  will be considered an additional expense.

Tips to know:

Hot dogs will have an expiration date.  If you purchase hot dogs and are unable to use them before they expire, you can freeze them for use at a later time.  Just pull them out a few hours before you want to cook them.  Most hot dogs will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

According to Wikipedia, hot dogs are said to be high in fat, salt, and some brands may have preservatives such as sodium nitrate, which is believed to be linked to cancer; however, this has been disputed.

How can I save money?

Buying more in a pack can help you save money.  If you are having a party or a large gathering, purchase the hot dogs in bulk to save money.  Check warehouse stores such as Costco.

Many name brand hot dog companies, such as Ball Park, often have coupons available online.  Look for coupons online or in the local newspaper before heading to the store to save a few dollars off your next purchase.  These coupons are commonly found during the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day.

How Much Do Hot Dog Buns Cost?

Hot dog buns, the type of bread specially designed to hold a hot dog, will contain the hot dog itself and generally the condiments that go along with it.  The cost of hot dog buns will really depend on the brand and the store you purchase it from.

Hot Dogs_02 by rob_rob2001, on Flickr
Hot Dogs_02” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  rob_rob2001

How much does a pack of hot dog buns cost?

Overall, plan on spending anywhere from $1 to $5 for a pack of 8 to 12 buns.  A freshly made package of hot dog buns, commonly found in the deli section at a grocery store or bakery, will cost about $3 to $5 per eight-pack, whereas your more popular processed buns coming from name brand companies will cost less than $3.

According to the comparison between Walmart and Target made by Cockeyed.com, the price of an 8 pack of hot dog buns costs about $2. The price fluctuates, as mentioned, depending on its brand and where you purchase it.

At Sam’s Club, for example, the cost of a 24-count pack will be in the $3 to $4 range.

At Whole Foods Market, the average pack retails for $3 to $5.  For example, a six-pack of the store-branded organic white buns retail for $4, while a six-pack of Ezekiel sprouted grain bread retails for $5.




Factors that affect the price

Brand

The brand of the hot dog buns matters.  If you are to buy well-known buns, then you will probably spend more than a store brand.

Kind

Hot dog buns are more than just bread, and the prices can vary on the type of bun you buy.  Potato buns with healthier ingredients, for example, might cost more than a processed store brand.  The same can be said about a bakery selling a fresh batch of buns.

Tips to know:

Pay close attention to the “sell-by” or” use by” date printed on the package of hot dog buns.  If you are not able to use all the hot dog buns by the date printed on the package, you can freeze the remaining ones.  Just take them out of the freezer an hour or two before using them.  

Hot dog buns often come in packs of eight or 12, but at wholesale clubs, you may be able to find packs of 24 or more.  Since hot dogs are also purchased in groups of eight, an eight pack is usually your best option.

Most hot dog buns, unless specified, will be able to accommodate a six-inch hot dog.

Hot dog bun nutrition

How can I save money?

Consider a nearby bakery rather than your local grocery store.  Bakeries offer lower prices than the ones offered in the grocery stores.  Plus, the freshness will taste a lot better than hot dog buns sitting on the shelf for days.

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