My #1 tip is to sign up for the store's email list. Most of the time, they send a coupon when you sign up. This also works well if you have particular stores that you like. New York & Company seems to be constantly sending out coupons via their email listing.
Also, if you have a store you like (and a location in particular), ask one of the associates what days they put new inventory out on the floor; they might do it every Monday and Thursday nights (for example). They have to move old stuff from the floor to clearance in order to make room for the new items, so the day after (Tuesdays and Fridays in my example) are a good days to go through the clearance section (this is a tip just given to me by an associate of my fave store).
I compare everything from toilet paper to electronics! I didn't used to do this and ended up wasting money... foolish youth :) Someone mentioned haggling in their comments - I LOVE to haggle!
Yes yes yes, comparison shopping is one of the reasons I manage to hold on to so much cash throughout the month. Even if it means going to multiple stores, at least I know I'm getting the best prices for most (if not ALL) of the items I have to purchase for my household.
Comparing prices, I have found, is one of the best ways to cut down on impulse buying. I think, "ooo I really want that" but then after comparing prices between stores, I usually realize I don't need it. So I compare prices on most things
I comparison shop to some degree. Not so much grocery shopping though, as I stick to QFC as it's the most walkable/convenient. Mostly on online shopping.
I am European and moved to the USA a few months ago. I grew up with cleaning my yogurt and jam jars to return it clean for recycling. I grew up with an awareness that in the entire circle of life I am unique and special exactly like every other plant, animal or person. Treat those like you want to be treated yourself. Money does not grow on trees, you have to work for it. Fruit do grow on trees. Care for the labor and what is given to you. Because that is where you come from and that is where you should go too: care for yourself and appreciate your resources, without them there is not left to go for. To keep it short and simple: sustain and produce, care and share. The word consumerism was never mentioned... I compare prices for poultry, produce and dairy. Comparison: Whole Food, Harris Teeter, Farmers Market, PYO, directly from the farm /cooperative and restaurant supplier.
I cook from scratch, make my own pasta, dressings, condiments, often my own flour, bake bread and make fresh juice and or lemonade daily. It not only complies with what I have written above, it saves time, money, benefits your health. I feel content and accomplished. I am a tough baller for the best quality, best price at the most convenient timing possible.
I guess my statement above makes clear how shocked I was entering an American supermarket the very first time!
Now you got my story, the view of an "outsider" which love living resourceful inside out!
I always shop around and comparison shop for mostly larger items. It saves money and I have worked it into my normal shopping habits. The smaller items don't seem to save as much so I don't focus on them as much as the larger more expensive items.
Really depends on how much free time I have. Usually, honestly, the savings are not worth the time spent researching/traveling/etc. But if I'm about to spend a LOT of money, or I have a lot of free time, sure.
Store credit?? Please stay away from more borrowing money. The snakes will eventually bite you. I like real deals and not playing the shell game of store financing. Cash is king.
eBay is an excellent way to supplement your income. Buying items at yard sales and re-selling is an easy way to double your money. Great Deals to be found as well!
Heck yeah, I compare prices at all of the online vendors I can find. Usually it is a better deal for me to order online than in the actual brick and mortar, even with shipping!
#5 doesn't only apply to same-sex couples. Although this doesn't go both ways, I certainly shop my boyfriend's closet. He's very toned & slender so I can fit into a lot of his stuff without looking bummy. My "boyfriend jeans" are ACTUALLY my boyfriend's jeans and a lot of button-up shirts have ended up as very adorable outfits for me. :)
I totally agree with the classics route. If you buy tried-and-true pieces that have stood the test of time, you'll never go out of style. Thanks for the comment!
We've been line drying for 2-1/2 years, and I can't see going back to using a dryer. All our drying is done indoors with clothes racks and hangers. The stiff towel syndrome is one we faced, but found via several online line-drying communities that it was due to the detergent we were using. What started as a way to get by while we waiting for parts for our broken dryer led to a new way of life. Our energy bill was cut in half and we're enjoying the savings.
As a young-and-married quickly approaching her 1 year anniversary I was so thankful for this post! We totally agree with your "staycation" idea and because of that feel ok spending a little extra on presents and a nice dinner which is a vacation in and of itself from lording over every penny we spend. We agreed to splurge a little on each other and having just bough my husband's present I feel GREAT about it. There is nothing like loving on the one you love, thanks for the post!
Absolutely. Most of the time, for just about anything. It's easy to do for planned purchases, with all the info online now. In the store I'll compare against similar items or what I've seen in other stores. My DH comparison shops interminably in grocery stores.
I comparison shop for groceries by checking the Wednesday ads. We always eat the same few things to cut down on calories so I "know" the good deals.
I comparison shop for clothing (even in thrift stores) by knowing my store. Goodwill is cheaper than most consignment shops. I check the dollar racks/clearance racks regularly. I am not afraid to purchased second hand socks, scarves or over boots.
I gauge the lifespan of most household items, watching for signs of trouble, strange sounds etc. Then,I ask for advice for purchasing less frequently purchased items such as replacement MP3 players, computers or house siding. I am not afraid to spend more for good quality, long lasting and energy saving cement house siding.
The cell phone/internet services are such a challenge to shop for. Information is overwhelming without consulting a tech savvy individual. Cell use history can be viewed at the provider's site for the background information needed to select the appropriate plan. Our internet choices are limited in my location. When you change providers what happens to old email addresses using the providers domain as part of your address?
Thanks
Mrs. Wasneski
I comparison shop for larger purchases, but rarely invest the time for things like groceries (even though I should).
I don't often shop, but when I do, I buy things on sale or lower priced at one store compared to another.
My #1 tip is to sign up for the store's email list. Most of the time, they send a coupon when you sign up. This also works well if you have particular stores that you like. New York & Company seems to be constantly sending out coupons via their email listing.
Also, if you have a store you like (and a location in particular), ask one of the associates what days they put new inventory out on the floor; they might do it every Monday and Thursday nights (for example). They have to move old stuff from the floor to clearance in order to make room for the new items, so the day after (Tuesdays and Fridays in my example) are a good days to go through the clearance section (this is a tip just given to me by an associate of my fave store).
You have to comparison shop. One of the greatest things about the information age is that it creates a much more informed consumer.
I compare everything from toilet paper to electronics! I didn't used to do this and ended up wasting money... foolish youth :) Someone mentioned haggling in their comments - I LOVE to haggle!
Yes yes yes, comparison shopping is one of the reasons I manage to hold on to so much cash throughout the month. Even if it means going to multiple stores, at least I know I'm getting the best prices for most (if not ALL) of the items I have to purchase for my household.
Comparing prices, I have found, is one of the best ways to cut down on impulse buying. I think, "ooo I really want that" but then after comparing prices between stores, I usually realize I don't need it. So I compare prices on most things
I like you on Facebook.
I comparison shop to some degree. Not so much grocery shopping though, as I stick to QFC as it's the most walkable/convenient. Mostly on online shopping.
I am European and moved to the USA a few months ago. I grew up with cleaning my yogurt and jam jars to return it clean for recycling. I grew up with an awareness that in the entire circle of life I am unique and special exactly like every other plant, animal or person. Treat those like you want to be treated yourself. Money does not grow on trees, you have to work for it. Fruit do grow on trees. Care for the labor and what is given to you. Because that is where you come from and that is where you should go too: care for yourself and appreciate your resources, without them there is not left to go for. To keep it short and simple: sustain and produce, care and share. The word consumerism was never mentioned... I compare prices for poultry, produce and dairy. Comparison: Whole Food, Harris Teeter, Farmers Market, PYO, directly from the farm /cooperative and restaurant supplier.
I cook from scratch, make my own pasta, dressings, condiments, often my own flour, bake bread and make fresh juice and or lemonade daily. It not only complies with what I have written above, it saves time, money, benefits your health. I feel content and accomplished. I am a tough baller for the best quality, best price at the most convenient timing possible.
I guess my statement above makes clear how shocked I was entering an American supermarket the very first time!
Now you got my story, the view of an "outsider" which love living resourceful inside out!
I always shop around and comparison shop for mostly larger items. It saves money and I have worked it into my normal shopping habits. The smaller items don't seem to save as much so I don't focus on them as much as the larger more expensive items.
Really depends on how much free time I have. Usually, honestly, the savings are not worth the time spent researching/traveling/etc. But if I'm about to spend a LOT of money, or I have a lot of free time, sure.
Store credit?? Please stay away from more borrowing money. The snakes will eventually bite you. I like real deals and not playing the shell game of store financing. Cash is king.
Mom's Deals
eBay is an excellent way to supplement your income. Buying items at yard sales and re-selling is an easy way to double your money. Great Deals to be found as well!
Heck yeah, I compare prices at all of the online vendors I can find. Usually it is a better deal for me to order online than in the actual brick and mortar, even with shipping!
#5 doesn't only apply to same-sex couples. Although this doesn't go both ways, I certainly shop my boyfriend's closet. He's very toned & slender so I can fit into a lot of his stuff without looking bummy. My "boyfriend jeans" are ACTUALLY my boyfriend's jeans and a lot of button-up shirts have ended up as very adorable outfits for me. :)
I totally agree with the classics route. If you buy tried-and-true pieces that have stood the test of time, you'll never go out of style. Thanks for the comment!
We've been line drying for 2-1/2 years, and I can't see going back to using a dryer. All our drying is done indoors with clothes racks and hangers. The stiff towel syndrome is one we faced, but found via several online line-drying communities that it was due to the detergent we were using. What started as a way to get by while we waiting for parts for our broken dryer led to a new way of life. Our energy bill was cut in half and we're enjoying the savings.
As a young-and-married quickly approaching her 1 year anniversary I was so thankful for this post! We totally agree with your "staycation" idea and because of that feel ok spending a little extra on presents and a nice dinner which is a vacation in and of itself from lording over every penny we spend. We agreed to splurge a little on each other and having just bough my husband's present I feel GREAT about it. There is nothing like loving on the one you love, thanks for the post!
Absolutely. Most of the time, for just about anything. It's easy to do for planned purchases, with all the info online now. In the store I'll compare against similar items or what I've seen in other stores. My DH comparison shops interminably in grocery stores.
I like http://couponsmaster.com/ , its simple and easy to navigate
I comparison shop on any items I can. If I am at a store, I use my smart phone to research online prices before purchasing.
Yes, I comparison shop. I need to know that I'm getting a good deal for my money.
On smaller priced necessities, not usually it's not worth the drive. On big ticket items I always do sometimes waiting for a really good sale.
I comparison shop for groceries by checking the Wednesday ads. We always eat the same few things to cut down on calories so I "know" the good deals.
I comparison shop for clothing (even in thrift stores) by knowing my store. Goodwill is cheaper than most consignment shops. I check the dollar racks/clearance racks regularly. I am not afraid to purchased second hand socks, scarves or over boots.
I gauge the lifespan of most household items, watching for signs of trouble, strange sounds etc. Then,I ask for advice for purchasing less frequently purchased items such as replacement MP3 players, computers or house siding. I am not afraid to spend more for good quality, long lasting and energy saving cement house siding.
The cell phone/internet services are such a challenge to shop for. Information is overwhelming without consulting a tech savvy individual. Cell use history can be viewed at the provider's site for the background information needed to select the appropriate plan. Our internet choices are limited in my location. When you change providers what happens to old email addresses using the providers domain as part of your address?
Thanks
Mrs. Wasneski