January 5, 2010

Sometimes More Actually Costs Less

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Sales are commonly worded “2 for $x.xx” or “buy 10 or more and pay $x.xx”. Your first though may be “I don’t need ten of those” and you end up buying one. I am often guilty of not looking at the big picture, but have improved on this as of lately.

In December I had a credit at the online store where I purchased my personalized photo holiday cards. If I bought 1-9 cards the price was $1.87 per card. If I bought 10 or more cards the price went down to $1.64. I only needed 9 cards and put 9 in my cart, for a total of $16.83. Just for fun I added a tenth card to my cart to see what would happen to my total. It went down to $16.40! 43 cents savings may not seem like much to brag about, but keep in mind that I got an additional card too.

Another example is my recent trip to Walgreens. I went in and found kids cough medicine 2/$5. I just needed one bottle so that’s all I took up to the register. My one bottle rang up for $4.83. Adding a second bottle double what I took home and only cast a few cents more. Always read the small print to see if you are required to buy a second (or in some cases third) item to qualify for the sale price.

I am noticing volume discounts a lot more often now. If you end up spending less out of pocket why not take advantage of the extra items? Some people may argue that they don’t need the extra items and don’t have anywhere to put extra stuff. My reply is that if it saves you money, there is always room somewhere for what you will use in the near future. Even if you have to store your excessively purchased craft supplies under your bed. Also, just because you don’t want an extra doesn’t mean you can’t give that second bottle of .17 cough medicine to your neighbor.

Next time you buy and are offered a volume discount do the math. Use the calculator on your phone or figure it up in your head. The savings may surprise you! Please feel free to leave any comments you may have.

 

December 28, 2009

Shop Christmas Clearance To Save Money

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That’s right, now is the time to buy holiday items and decorations you will need next year. If you get your items at the right price it will be more than worth storing them in the closet for a year. Buying now can save you big bucks, and is one of my favorite frugal tips.

Wrapping paper is one of the main items to look for as you fight the after Christmas crowds. You use a lot of it wrapping all those gifts, and at $2 or more a roll you end up spending more than you realize. Most stores have their holiday merchandise marked down 50% and soon you’ll be able to get items 75-90% off. You can afford the pricey $5 wrapping paper at 90% off, that’s only .50!

Sweaters and jackets should be going on sale now also. Most people have already bought what they need this year and stores know that. If you find a super cheap jacket don’t be afraid to buy it now and save it.

Tree trimmings can be found at below bargain prices. Stores know that consumers aren’t going to pay full price, and if they don’t practically give their tree decorations away consumers won’t buy them.

Steer clear of edible items unless you plan to eat them soon. Cookies and fruit cake will spoil before next year. If you buy Christmas themed foods enjoy them now.

Merchandise that was geared to be holiday gifts will also go on clearance. Pick up inexpensive marked down items and use them as birthday gifts throughout the year. Stores got in way to many foot warmers and fleece throws that would make nice non-holiday presents.

If it’s a good deal and will save you money the buy. Don’t buy stuff just because it’s on sale. Only buy items that will save you money in the long run. It’s easy to get sucked in with a giant red clearance sticker. Ask yourself if the item is even worth the sale price. Got a comment, question, or tips? Leave a comment! We love to read them!

 

December 25, 2009

Things To Consider When Returning Christmas Gifts

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Christmas is about family and traditions. Chances are even though the gifts you received were thoughtfully purchased with love, there are still a few you want to return. Either the sweater from your aunt was too big or you just don’t need another universal remote. Whatever the gift in question may be, you plan to take it back.

If you’re taking back a $3 item standing in the return line for 45 minutes might not be such a great idea. If you decide your item is worth the wait in line keep in mind that each store has their own return policy. To make your return as easy as possible take the gift receipt if you have it or the original store receipt if you have the guts to ask the giver for it. If you don’t have either a gift receipt or the store receipt, the store doesn’t have to take back or exchange your item.

Things to keep in mind when returning items:

Is it in the original condition? If the tag is missing from clothing most stores will not take the item back. Often if electronics are opened stores will only give you the exact same item, and only if the original item was damaged.

Is it a valuable gift? Stores might not have a problem taking back a $15 gift without a receipt, but they might be very hesitant about taking back a $500 TV. If you don’t have the receipt for your pricey item be prepared to be turned away.

Was the item ever on sale or clearance? If so don’t expect to get the full value back. Stores often will only credit you the lowest sale price.

Was it re-gifted? If the item wasn’t sold by the store in the last 30, 60, or 90 days you may be stuck with it. If the gift giver had your new holiday candles in her closet since last Christmas you might be embarrassed when you try to return them to the store.

Before heading to return items ask yourself the questions above. Will you be embarrassed at the store if they return to take your items? Is your item worth standing in the return line for? Being frugal doesn’t just apply to your money, but also your time! Have any gift return tips? Leave a comment!

 

December 18, 2009

Bargain Christmas Shopping!

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Hopefully you have gotten your holiday shopping under way by this point, and if you haven’t, then your best bet is to get to WWHOW right away to find out the best local deals in your area! If you are someone who procrastinates till the last moment in Christmas shopping, then you may end up spending an arm and a leg on presents because you have not been a savvy bargain shopper. For shame…

The point of the matter is that it really pays off to shop at high quality stores, but the only way to do so is to find discount bargains on WWHOW. It’s also a great idea to get organized and make a list beforehand so that you don’t deviate from your plan. Impulse shopping can really come back to bite you, and you may end up spending hundreds of dollars more than you want to if you aren’t prepared. What many stores don’t want you to know is that almost all store locations have discounts available, especially around the Christmas season. Take advantage of bargains and sales posted in your area on this helpful bargain shopping website, and save extra money on delightful presents this Christmas season!

 

December 13, 2009

Frugal Snack Ideas That Save Money

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As a stay at home mom of three we go through a lot of snacks. Snacks can be one of the main budget busters on your grocery list, as some snack foods are more expensive than regular meal foods. What’s a mom on a tight budget to do? Plan ahead and buy only lost cost snack foods.

Inexpensive snack foods include:

Popcorn-Comes in butter, light, seasoned, and more flavors then I could possibly list here!

Saltine Crackers-Available in salt, no salt, whole wheat, light, and more. Smear on a little peanut butter or add a little cheese for some variety.

Toast-It’s not just for breakfast! Eat it alone, with butter, jam, peanut butter, or anything else your kiddos might like.

Dry Cereal- It’s a great safe finger food for toddlers.

Bananas-They’re always less than .50 lb in my area, but I usually get them on sale for .35 lb. Serve them whole, slice them up, or dip them in chocolate and freeze them. Yum!

Pretzels-They come in HUGE bags and are super cheap when compared to chips.

Popsicles- They came in huge boxes and bags for just a few dollars. They’re a life saver in the Summer!

We spend the most money on snacks when we’re running errands I have forgotten to bring a snack along. I usually end up pulling through a drive through for a drink and something for each of my kids from the dollar menu. That’s $5 bucks out the drive through window! I realized I need to keep store brand granola or fruit bars in my purse at all times. They’re small, light, and the kids love them.

Buying plastic baggies for snacks on the go is convenient, but if you spent $3 a month or baggies, that’s $36 a year. $36 is a lot to throw away. A more frugal option is to buy cheap snack size storage containers from the dollar store. They last forever if you take care of them. Online you can buy fabric snack and sandwich bags for a few dollars that are super cute and also last a long time.

While snacks can take a chunk out of your grocery budget you don’t have to skip them altogether. If you choose low cost options you, your budget, and your kiddos can all be full happy snackers. Do you know of a great low cost snack or have a tip to share? If so leave a comment!

 

December 4, 2009

Get The Most Out Of Your Holiday Shopping Dollars

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After making a list of who you need to buy for and perhaps what you need to buy, spending your money is not the next step. In between the shopping list and the actual purchasing of gifts you should take time to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your holiday buck.

Comparison shop. Check out store ads before you even leave the house. You can view most retail store sales ads from websites. Also check out the ads in Sunday’s newspapers. You might be surprised to find that the electronic gadget on your list van cost you $10 more at the store you were planning to visit. Don’t be shy about calling stores and asking them how much certain items are. Stores want your money and employees shouldn’t mind telling you the price of a product.

Look for store coupons. Stores such as JcPenny, Michael’s, and JoAnns often put out weekly coupons in the Sunday paper. Coupons can save you anywhere for 20% off your total purchase to 40% off a single item, or even more! One coupon I found in my mailbox yesterday was for $5 off and $25 purchase at a national chain store. Using coupons is the fastest and easiest way to stretch a dollar.

Consider purchasing online. Sometimes online prices are lower than in store prices. Plus, many stores are offering free holiday shipping. Not only will you save a few bucks but you won’t have to spend gas money or time driving to the store and waiting in line. Don’t forget to do a quick online search for coupon codes to see if you can save even more on your online purchase.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of sites such as Wwhow that alert you to special deals and savings. There could be an amazing deal on an item on your shopping list, but if you don’t check for specials you will miss out.

Check out dollar stores that guarantee that nothing is over $1. I was able to find Wii baseball bat controller snap-ons, head phone, little radios, and great stocking stuffers at my local chain store. I also bought Disney wrapping paper, scissors, and tape for holiday gift wrapping.

Each dollar you save is a dollar you can use somewhere else. By taking a moment to comparison shop, look for coupons, and check out sites such as Wwhow you can guarantee that your holiday dollar will go farther than ever. Don’t forget to leave a comment and say hello!

 

December 3, 2009

Coupon Shack Offers Holiday Deals!

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Bargain shopping can take on a whole new meaning this holiday season when you check out Coupon Shack. This blog is exactly how it sounds, and it offers you a bunch of connections for new coupons, printable coupons, and hot deals. You can create your own account to login to this website, and it will also offer you price comparisons for some of the hottest items.

When it comes to the hottest deals on this website, there are some great finds. One especially good new deal is Personalized Holiday Invitations with free shipping available. If you are having a Christmas party or gathering, then why not do it in style with these personalized invitations for the holiday season? For the most diehard bargain shopper, you are absolutely going to appreciate the price comparison portion of this website, which will allow you to see the regular price of the item and what you will be saving with the coupon. Just as an example, if you want to buy your son or daughter a Thomas The Tank Engine Sleeping Bag, you can see that it is normally $21.99, and you can get it for a mere $19.79 with an exclusive coupon. Get yourself to this website for your Christmas shopping!

 

December 3, 2009

Get Ahead On Your Bargain Christmas Shopping!

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With the state of the economy, it is now more important than ever to bargain shop for the Christmas season! This doesn’t mean that everyone should get a lump of coal, but it definitely pays off to be a savvy shopper. Please tell me that you are looking at WWHOW before you head out the door to do your Christmas shopping and not waiting in line at five in the morning at Best Buy the day after Thanksgiving… Are you guilty as charged?

Regardless, you still have the opportunity to check out the amazing bargain shopping site of WWHOW where people just like you can post new deals, including the amount the item is discounted, that they have found for Christmas shopping. This is going to save you a serious amount of footwork, which means that you won’t have to wrestle someone for the hottest new toy for your niece or nephew on Christmas Eve at Wal-Mart. Christmas shopping can get really brutal, which is why it pays off to plan ahead with this bargain shopping forum. No matter what you are looking for to buy for your loved ones – watches, jewelry, toys, sports accessories, books – you will be able to find it here!

 

November 22, 2009

How To Get Shopping Deals on Black Friday

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Black Friday is the shopping day that you either love or hate. You may dread the traffic, the crowds, or the extra work involved if you work in retail. People that love Black Friday really love the experience. They love the rush of the hunt, getting a good deal, and being involved in this national day of spending frenzy. My point is, some people like myself crave Black Friday all year long like chocolate.

Here are some tips to survive Black Friday if you’ve never experienced it before:

  • -See if the deals are available online first.
  • -Consider Cyber Monday, it’s safer and you don’t have to leave the house.
  • -Comp all your items at one store.
  • -Team up with a friend or co-worker.

What if you hate the crowds and traffic? Most shoppers aren’t aware that you can get some of the same deals in store online on Black Friday. Two years ago I went to Walmart at 1am to stand in line for a red Jeep Powerwheels for my son. Little did I know I could buy the same Jeep online at Walmart for the same price, without the line, lack of sleep, and crazy person standing beside me. Walmart sold them online the entire weekend and I felt silly.

If you aren’t able to find any deals online on Black Friday it could be because your favorite store is holding out for Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is just like Black Friday, only all the sales are online. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Many people think they need to drive all over town and buy their DVDs on sale at one store and their toys on sale at another. Try to shop at a store that comps other stores sale ads. Collect your Black Friday ads and just visit one store. You can live through one store. Make sure you ask your store ahead of time if they will be comping sale items on Black Friday so you don’t waste time and gas.

To make Black Friday more fun and safer, invite a friend along. You two can fight the crows together and get great deals. Another option is your friend goes to one store while you hit another. She can buy what you want at the toy store while she picks up items on her own list while you get both of your items from the electronics store.

Buying items that are on sale on Black Friday can save you a bundle. Try your very best to buy all your gifts that day and you won’t have to paddle through the holiday shopping crowds again. If you have any tips for surviving Black Friday or any Black Friday stories leave a comment! We love to read comments!

 

November 20, 2009

Thanksgiving Dinner On A Budget

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No matter if you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner for two or twenty, Thanksgiving food costs add up quickly. A delicious Thanksgiving dinner is possible on a shoestring budget if you shop around and plan ahead.

A beautifully cooked turkey is the main event in most families. The only problem is turkey can cost upwards of a dollar a pound. Before you fork over $15-20 for your Thanksgiving bird gather your local grocery store ads. Ads come out on Wednesdays, if you missed this weeks Wednesday newspaper pull the grocery store ads up online. In my area I have several great deals to choose from.

Kroger in my area had turkey for .33 a pound when you spend $20 on additional products. I was about to get a 12 pound turkey for just under $4, compared to the regular price of $12. You may need a smaller or larger turkey depending on the number of guests you are expecting. Estimate a pound of turkey per guest.

Sack N Save in my area offers a free turkey if you purchase a ham. Keep in mind that hams can be expensive. Another local store offers a free turkey if you spend $100 on groceries. Stores in your area may even have better sales on turkey than this, but you won’t know until you look at the ads and make comparisons.

Green beans are a staple at any meal in our house, especially Thanksgiving. Target has canned veggies on sale for .45 each with a limit of 12 per type. I bought 60 cans as this is a great deal. Target in my area also has cranberries and cranberry sauce on sale for around .50 a can, stuffing on sale for .79 a box, and cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth on sale for .49 a can. That right there covers the majority of our Thanksgiving dinner. I still either have to buy rolls to bake if I can find them on sale or my husband will whip up a batch.

Dessert is also a must have at our Thanksgiving. Almost every store ad I looked at had pies on sale. Some had a free pie when you bought ice cream and others had pies on sale for $1.99-2.99. If you can find pie filling and pie crust on sale feel free to bake one yourself, but for us it’s cheaper to spend $2.99 on a store bought pie. To make the sale even better I also have a pie coupon. It’s the little savings in life that get me excited.

No matter if you are cooking for just the two of you or your extended family, Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to blow your budget. Plan ahead, buy foods that are on sale, get a deal on your turkey, and even consider asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert. As with any family get together, it’s not how much you spend, but the quality time you spend together and the memories that are made that are important.

If you enjoyed these money saving tips be sure to leave a comment and say hello!

 

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