I like to shop. There, I said it. And I like to think that I’m pretty good at it. I mean, sure, I can choose items quickly and efficiently, and if money were no object, I could blow through it. However, I’m not independently wealthy and I have don’t have a billion dollar trust fund.
Instead, I keep an eye on my spending. Or try to, at least. I like to think I’m pretty good at it, but others may beg to differ. These are a few of my shopping tips I use to stretch my discretionary income.
Look for store coupons
There are several sites out there that offer discounts to stores. They collect the sale info, and post it on their site. This makes it easy for you to find, so you don’t have to spend days searching the depths of the internet.
Shop the Sale Racks
Out of all of the shopping tips, this one is probably my favorite. I almost always look on the clearance rack first. Items are still in style, fairly recent, and usually at a good discount. And if you can find basic pieces, that’s a total score! Like my $3.85 trouser shorts I purchased a couple years ago. They’re a great basic that’s seasonless, and I bought a pair in every color. Besides, no one can tell if you paid full retail or got it for 60% off.
HOWEVER – don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. If you’re not going to wear it, it’s still money wasted. No matter how little you spent.
Sign Up for Store Mailing Lists
Stores often reward their members with special discounts, coupons, and advance notice of sales. Some restaurants even give you freebies
Earn Gift Cards
There are quite a few legitimate sites to earn gift cards out there. You can earn by watching videos, taking polls, playing online games, even just your normal internet browsing. They’re safe, too! I earn a gift card every few months. My mom, who can really work the system, earns one about every 6 weeks.
Store Reward Points
Many stores give you reward points when you sign up for their mailing lists. Ever wondered why your grocery store has the card they scan? That’s why! Be aware, though – the stores are tracking your purchases, too. That doesn’t bother me much, but I know some people view it as an invasion of privacy.
Those are a few of my favorite shopping tips. What are your best shopping tips? Share ’em in the comments.