1. (Not So) Extreme Couponing
This doesn't have to be some crazy obsession that takes over your life. Saving money should be easy, or you won't do it. An easy way to save a chunk of change is a variation on extreme couponing. Start by getting the Sunday paper, for the coupons and the ads. Browse through the coupons and cut out anything that looks like something you will use (and if you're not picky about brands, so much the better!) For instance, I know that in the near future I am going to need toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, etc... So I cut out any coupon for one of those products. File them in a coupon organizer however makes sense to you. I'm pretty lazy, so mine are just in general categories (personal care, food, misc.) Then, wait for that same item to go on sale. This is where the sale papers come in handy. By stacking a store sale and the coupon, you get great savings, without the crazy couponing.
2. Never Buy Without Looking For A Coupon
This is applicable both in-store and online. If you have a smartphone you really have no excuse not to save on almost every purchase. Simply go to your phone's app store, and search coupons. You'll find a ton of apps that collect coupons from major retailers across the country. Say you're at GAP, just use the app to search for coupons before you check out. The majority of the time you'll find savings of 15%-20%! Don't have a smartphone? Stop by the concierge desk at the mall, they often have 10-20 current retailer coupons.
Shopping online? Before you check out, google search for (name of retailer) coupons or try a site like retailmenot.com. It's hit or miss with online retailers, but I can often score at least free shipping. (Better than nothing!)
3. Join The Loyalty Club
Have a store that you shop at more than you probably should? If they have a loyalty program, join it! You'll earn discounts, free products, etc. For instance, I spend way too much at ULTA, but in the process I earn free services at their salon (saving me a TON in the long run) Just be warned, this can get out of hand, with rewards cards taking over your keychain/wallet. So be selective, joining only at the stores you shop at most, and again, if you have a smartphone, take advantage of apps that will help you organize all those pesky cards in one location!
4. Patience Is A Virtue
When it comes to saving money, savvy shoppers know that waiting a few weeks can mean big savings! It may be tempting to buy that brand-new top in the window, but if you wait a couple of weeks you might save 20% or more! Stock up on holiday wrapping paper for next year the day
after Christmas, when it's only pennies! Also, know and utilize store price adjustment policies. Knowing my luck that cute dress I buy today will be 50% off next week, so I just hang on to my receipt for a few days and get the price adjusted as necessary.
5. Knowing Where To Save And Where To Splurge
Some things in life are worth spending a little more on, and some aren't. For instance, I can't keep white tees and tanks clean for the life of me. I guarantee I'll spill something on it within days of owning it. For this reason I buy less expensive white tops, knowing that they will be expendable. (yes, some have only been in my closet a few days.) It would be silly of me to run out and get a $100 designer white tee, no matter how wonderful it is. However, my designer suit has impressed at many a job interview, and that dress that fits perfectly has been to every wedding in the last few years. These are items that were worth every penny, and will most likely be in my closet for many years to come. Plus, knowing that I have that one perfect dress that always gets complements makes me
much less likely to run out and buy a new dress every time I get an invite in the mail.
