You may have the post from last week on Savvy Shopping … Here are a few ideas for shopping SMART!
1. Call to see if any grocery stores in your area accepts their competitor’s sale ads instead of running from store to store in search of sale items. Some stores honor price-busting!
2. No time to clip coupons? You’re not alone. Less than 3 percent are ever redeemed, says Paco Underhill, author of Why We Buy (Simon & Schuster). Instead, look for the coupons found on the store aisles.
3. Fast forward through the floral, bakery and gift sections that are directly in the main path. Ellie Kay, author of Shop, Save, and Share (Bethany House), calls these the “money-draining traps.”
4. If possible, leave the kids at home or with a friend. “You’re less likely to give in to their desire to buy on impulse,” says Kay. The longer you shop the more you’ll spend — about $1 a minute!
5. Beware of signs. Handwritten ones don’t always point to sales and those stating LIMIT 10 aren’t placed there because stores are worried about running out of stock, but so customers will buy more.
6. Don’t assume an item’s on sale just because it’s on the end of the aisle. Grocers put items on endcaps to catch your attention, not to necessarily to give you a good deal.
7. Take cash and leave your credit cards and checkbook at home. You’ll be forced to stay on budget.
What about you? Do you have your own tips? I’d love to hear what works for you!
Taking the few minutes that clipping coupons entails can really save you tons of money. I may spend a half hour clipping and looking over the ads. I saved over $40 on my last shopping trip. $40 for a half of an hours work is totally worth it.
Stocking up when there is a good deal is a good idea too. I already have sugar, flour, chocolate chips, etc stocked up and ready for the holiday baked goods.