Retailer’s Online Chat Adds to Ways New Site is Helping Consumers Stretch Their Dollars
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 12, 2008 – As American families continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, gas and other commodities, Wal-Mart today announced that the company will host its first ever “Dollars and Good Sense” online chat with Ellie Kay, known as America’s Family Financial Expert, on Thursday, June 19 at 12 p.m. E.D.T. The chat, available on www.MakeYourDollarStretch.com is for anyone looking for an opportunity to discover new ways to save and spend wisely.
Ellie Kay will take questions during the chat, ranging from how to keep your vacation on a budget to the pros and cons of buying a car or house today, and discuss general ideas to help families save money in a variety of ways.
“Everyone is impacted by rising fuel costs no matter their salary or where they live, but not everyone knows that there are simple solutions to save more that help make tough times not so scary,” said family financial expert and author Ellie Kay. “I’ve spoken about these ideas on radio and TV and am excited to lend my assistance to help others in an on-line forum, where so many people are going today to look for practical advice.”
Those participating in the chat will have the opportunity to see a variety of money-saving tips from Ellie Kay, including steps and tips in her recently published books. For those unable to participate during this time, pre-chat questions can be submitted on Wal-Mart’s “Make Your Dollar Stretch” Web site, now through June 19. Key questions and answers from the online chat will be posted on the website following the chat.
“The internet is buzzing with conversations about saving money, so our first webchat with Ellie should be a hit," said Nick Agarwal, vice president of communications, Wal-Mart. “With thousands of visitors daily, our site continues to be a growing resource for people looking to get the most for
their money.”
Launched in May, www.MakeYourDollarStretch.com (also www.walmart.com/savemore) features an array of money-saving tools and tips. Including an interactive “Spending Style” quiz, which rates how individuals save and spend, the site provides easy-to-use tips, videos and columns from financial expert Ellie Kay, and a forum for consumers to post their own money-saving ideas. New content is regularly added relevant to consumer insights and the summer months ahead.
About Ellie Kay
As an author, speaker and spokesperson, Ellie Kay has 20 years experience helping families around the world gain control of their money. Her diverse approach to writing and speaking includes everything from providing upbeat financial advice and giving military families around the world practical skills to handle their unique financial challenges. She is the mother of seven children, placing her in a unique position to help families spending on a budget. Her counsel has led to several acclaimed books including, A Mom’s Guide to Family Finances, and the recently released, A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT.
More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.
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