When I get the urge to shop and don't want to spend a lot of money, I go to the dollar store. It's a great way to squelch the urge and I can get a few inexpensive items that I usually need.
By Kim from Franklin Park, IL
I really don't think this is a tip. It's more of a suggestion for all of us to help where we can. I was at Walmart yesterday. I've made it a habit to pick up a shopping cart that's wandering around, and loose in the park lot, to use in the store.
To help save money when grocery shopping or shopping for multiple items anywhere, use a tally counter to keep track of your spending and don't be surprised when you get to the register. Calculators never work for me because I always end up zeroing by mistake...
This week we're conducting an experiment in our house. Each weekend, we reluctantly run errands that total $200 or more.
I purchased a special pen which attaches to a lanyard around my neck. I bring it with me when I go shopping to make sure I (a.) cross everything off my list and therefore do not miss anything, and (b.) never lose my pen.
There is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.
I always spend less money if I use cash instead of my debit card or check book. An excellent tip that I have used for years is so easy. When I shop...
Despite what they say in their advertisements, stores aren't out to save shoppers money. Their business is to make money, and the better they are at doing just that the more profitable the franchise.
If you get a carryout meal, only to get home and it's not exactly what you ordered, by all means, keep your sales receipt. Stop back in and tell the management about your purchase. They'll most likely make it to your liking.
Write down which items are in which aisle numbers in your grocery store. Then order your shopping list accordingly and you won't find yourself re-tracing your steps a million times.
Watch for False Advertising. Try to look at your receipt when you buy big-ticket items like a flat screen T.V. My husband was alert enough to see that Best Buy advertised a high definition T.V.
Before going shopping, go online first and check out that store's website. If you You might find some printable discount coupons to take with you to save you some money.
While watching a Vietnamese cooking show - this gourmet fried onion pieces from Trader Joe's was being featured as a garnishing touch for a noodle dish! Many Asian dishes do use fried onion pieces for optional garnishing so this is a time saver!
Before purchasing something from a store, make sure you know and understand their return policies, and how they apply to what you are buying.
I use a digital camera when I go to the home-improvement store for help. I just painted a bathroom and took with me a picture of the existing fixtures and floor-tile color.
Just before going grocery shopping, log on and read the latest ThriftyFun tips. You'll be inspired to keep your spending down, so you'll save lots of cash!
One of the best ways to save money on clothing, accessories, and shoes is to avoid purchasing duplicates of what you already have. To do this, simply make it a habit to shop your closets and drawers, and anything you may have placed in storage first.
Start your shopping list down an inch or two on the paper, then fold it over the front of the supermarket trolley and clip with a spring hair grip. Then you can see at a glance what's on your list. By Lizaixi
