Tips For Saving Money
July 5, 2008 – 5:55 pmWe all could use some help when it comes to saving money. That odd trip to the store for a sweater that results in a new wardrobe, or a trip to buy a new phone and we walk out with a phone, an answering machine, and a digital camera. These things happen, but adopting some frugal spending tips can make saving instead of impulse spending the norm.
Dont shop on payday. A freshly cashed check can start burning holes in pockets before money for the monthly bills and savings has been safely put away. Just because payday produces a large amount of cash, that doesnt mean that it should be spent in just any way. An uncontrolled day of shopping on payday may result in unpaid bills at the end of the month.
Dont shop for groceries when youre hungry. Buying food on an empty stomach is guaranteed to produce unnecessary spending; its an undeniable fact. Despite a well organized budget and a shopping list, hunger can take over and make you buy things you never normally would. Purchasing fast food on the way home from the store to squelch your hunger is another money trap.
Visit thrift stores and consignment shops. This works for kids when they are babies and toddlers. These stores have beautiful clothing that is in excellent condition. All it takes is a little searching to find a treasure or two at a fraction of the cost. Name brand clothing can be found here also. Thrift stores are a good alternative to hand-me-down clothing for younger kids.
Buy in bulk only if it is something that you need. While buying in bulk can be one way to save money, it is not true in every situation. Simply bringing a calculator with you to the store to check unit prices will help you decide which bulk purchases are really going to save you money. Becoming a member at a shopping warehouse is a good idea if you buy in bulk on a regular basis.
Ask for a rain check. Some stores don’t give them for certain sale items, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. A rain check can save you money. Don’t buy a six dollar case of water if you can get it for two dollars with a rain check. Buy up to the limit you are allowed to purchase and stock up.
Bargain shop when looking for services. Call around to several local companies and get estimates before making a decision about which to go with. Remember that businesses have different policies and they dont always charge the same price for their services. Finding out how much each company charges will help you to get the best price.
Purchase gifts throughout the year. Buying gifts year round instead of only at birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions will actually save you money. You can store such presents at home and always be ready when the time comes to give gifts. Great deals can be found by buying next years Christmas gifts when prices are super low during this years after Christmas sale.
A little bit of planning and effort can turn into big savings if you put these frugal spending tips into practice and make them regular spending habits.
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