Save money while shopping
Part 3
1. Buy online
Many online companies offer great deals and, in some cases, free shipping. Since the internet is such a competitive market, you can usually find some great deals. Plus, many of your favorite in-person businesses have websites that offer even greater savings. Bookstores like Amazon.com will sell books up to 70% off the original price.
2. Consignment stores
Instead of throwing away or selling lightly worn clothes or other household items at a yard sale, consider selling them through a consignment store. You’ll get a better price for your items, and consignment stores are always looking for quality merchandise. Visit Half.com, which is an online consignment store that offers books, movies, computer software, and much more, whether new or used.
3. Take a close look at the separation grids!
Always head straight to the clearance shelf where you can find amazing deals. Sometimes you may have to do a little digging to find the right item, but the savings will be worth it. Most clearance shelves offer variety, current trends, and great value. For example, Bed, Bath & Beyond has a clearance section where you can find all kinds of wonderful home goods for a fraction of the original cost. I have teenage daughters, so buying designer clothes is very important to them. When we shop at department stores, we always find great deals on the clearance shelf.
4. Reuse
When shopping, look for items that can be reused. Rechargeable batteries are a perfect example. Although the initial purchase may be more than non-rechargeable batteries, there is a definite savings over a long period of time. Stop buying paper plates, paper cups, and plastic eating utensils. I know a lot of people who wash and reuse them, but I don’t like that idea. I only buy these items if we are going to a cookout or picnic. There is no reason to buy them for birthday parties or family gatherings. Just use the plates, glasses, and utensils in your cabinets. You may have to wash a few more dishes, but it’s worth the effort.
5. Buy in bulk
It’s true that grocery shopping can save a lot of money. Even if you have a small family, you can always divide large amounts. The price for bulk items is generally a great bargain. If you are single, you can go with friends or family on bulk items. However, be sure to look at the prices. Stores and commercial clubs are sometimes more expensive.
6. Coupons
Okay, maybe you used to laugh watching people pull out their coupons in stores, but the truth is, using coupons can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Coupons can be used in supermarkets, retail chains, and any store where the item is sold. Some stores offer double coupon days, which is an added bonus. On average, you can easily save 5% to 15% on a $ 100 bill simply by presenting a coupon. Coupons aren’t just for food, and by searching your local newspaper, you can find coupons for all kinds of merchandise. You can even buy coupons on eBay! You can get $ 100 worth of coupons for just a few dollars on eBay. Even if you can’t use them all, you’ll save HUGE on your grocery bill! I have saved up to $ 75 on a $ 225 grocery bill. I paid $ 150 for $ 225 in groceries. If I did that twice a month, I would save $ 1800 a YEAR!
7. The right time to buy
Studies have shown that when you shop hungry, depressed, tired, and stressed, you buy more. Before you go to the supermarket, eat something. If you are upset or feeling a bit sad, calm down or wait until you feel better before you go shopping. As fun as it may sound, having a clear mind is important when it comes to buying and spending money efficiently.
8. Comparison store
Price comparison can make a big difference to the price you pay. You may be looking for a barbecue grill in one place for $ 350.00 and by making two more stops, find the exact or comparable grill for $ 300. Also, consider the price of assembled items versus unassembled. For example, you can find the unassembled grill for $ 250. A couple of hours of “fun” putting together the grill is certainly worth a $ 100 savings.
9. Dollar stores
Many years ago, dollar stores offered only unbranded or poorly made merchandise. However, that has completely changed. Now you can walk into a dollar store and find the same laundry soap, cleaning supplies, clothing, school supplies, all for a fraction of the cost. Where a bottle of store-brand laundry detergent can cost $ 6.50 at a grocery store, you can find the identical product and size at the dollar store for $ 2.50. Visit your local dollar store and enjoy mountains of savings.
10. Go generic
When shopping for food, try some of the generic items. Unless you or your guests are connoisseurs of fine dining, you won’t know if the green beans were generic or from a reputable brand. Once you add a little butter, salt, and pepper, no one will notice the difference except you: $ .79 per can versus $ .33 per can. People don’t realize that many generic brands are actually manufactured by well-known brand companies, just under a different name. In fact, companies like those that make sandwiches will have conveyor belts that go side by side, one for the brand and one for the generic brand. This is quite common and the only difference is the label and the price.
11. Stock up
As you shop, if you notice that a brand that you and your family use consistently is on sale for a great bargain, stock up. For example, if you use a particular type of shampoo that costs $ 4.50 per bottle and you find it on sale for $ 2.50, buy two bottles. You should only do this on items that you know will be used. If you only buy an item because it is on sale, you are not saving money by not using it.
12. Buy clothes
There are many secrets related to saving money on clothes. As a perfect example, instead of buying a matching suit for $ 450, buy the pieces separately. This will save you between $ 100 and $ 150. Also, buy multiple pieces that can be mixed and matched, giving you six four-piece sets.
13. Trendy fashion
Most people love to dress in the hottest way, but for those fashions, you pay a lot of money. Consider dressing in basic clothes and then accentuating them with fashion accessories. This will save you money on clothes that are less expensive and allow you to dress elegantly.
14. Stay away from shopping centers
If possible, stay away from shopping centers. High-priced malls have expensive overheads and are designed to sell, sell, and sell. Prices are generally higher and, in most cases, people come out with more than they bargained for by buying. It is better to buy in independent stores or on the Internet.
15. Buying cars
Compare prices at the best price. While you may have your eye on that “perfect” car and want it now, by waiting and looking around you could save yourself a lot of money. Also, check other statuses. If you live a few hours’ drive from other cities, check out the price difference. The five hours it takes to drive can be worth the money saved.
16. Menu plan
Although it will take some time initially, after you’ve planned the week-long menu once, it will be much easier and best of all, it will save you money. Knowing exactly what to prepare helps you buy food that can be used more than once. For example, if you are eating spaghetti on Tuesday, you can buy ground beef in bulk at a better price and then use the other half for tacos on Saturday. Another option would be to buy a round steak where you make Salisbury steak one night and then a few days later use the leftovers for breakfast. This will help you stretch your meals and avoid impulsive or last minute purchases.
17. Go out to dinner
Eating out can be expensive. Rather than stop eating out, just cut back and go for two-for-one options. Restaurants of all calibers offer weekly specials, and if you check your Sunday newspaper, you can often find specials. You might even think about signing up as a Mystery Shopper on the internet, where you can eat at good restaurants for free or at a big discount just for writing a report on food, service, and cleanliness.
18. Freeze food
When shopping, look for bargains on items that can be frozen. Most people don’t even think about shredding cheese into a block and freezing it. Did you know that you can even freeze eggs? You can as long as you give them a little room to expand. When you’re ready to use, just place them at room temperature. If you find apples on sale, make your own apple pies and freeze them or make applesauce. Many foods can be frozen without problems. So the next time you see a great deal, think about freezing up. (Dairy products other than cheese generally don’t freeze well.)
19. Baby food
Instead of buying expensive baby food, make your own. You can use fresh vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn, run them through the blender, and then freeze individual servings in ice cube trays. When it’s time to feed the baby, just take out a bucket of food, defrost and you have instant food. This is a real money and time saver. Most foods can be frozen. In fact, if you … make familiar foods like spaghetti or soups, just make a smaller portion with less salt and spices, puree, and freeze just like vegetables.
20. Squash smoking
This is probably the hardest habit to break, but in addition to saving your health, you will also save money. Cigarettes have become quite expensive and if you can quit smoking, you will be able to breathe easier and have more to save for a rainy day.
21. Seasonal shopping
One to three days after the holidays, stores sell off their Christmas items at a discount of 50% to 75%. This is an ideal way to stock up on next year’s Christmas or Halloween decorations. This also applies to stores that sell seasonal clothing. Buying jackets or sweaters in the summer will provide you with great deals.
