Shopping Tips for Thrifty Ladies Who Want to save Money ...

1. Shop around a Little Bit

If you’re going to make a large purchase, it pays to compare prices at a couple of different places so you can get the best price possible. I’ve heard of people getting groceries at several stores, but this only saves you money if you aren’t spending a ton in gas to get from store to store. The bottom line is that shopping around can save you some money, whether you’re making a one time purchase or your weekly trip for food.

2. Use Caution with Special Offers

Sometimes it makes sense to take advantage of a deal to save yourself some money in the long run. However, some of these special deals aren’t really going to save you much and some could get you to spend more. Sometimes an item will go on sale, but you only get the deal if you buy several of the item. Work it out to be sure the deal is actually going to save you some money. If not, pass it up.

3. Use Coupons the Right Way

Don’t use a coupon just to use it. Only clip coupons for items you buy anyway. This makes sense because it allows you to save some money on the things you need, but won’t trap you into buying something you ordinarily wouldn’t just because you can save a dollar or two.

4. Use Store Rewards Whenever Possible

Many stores offer some sort of club or rewards program that can save you money. Here’s a great example. I use the Cartwheel app and get my groceries at Target. In less than the two years since I downloaded it, I’ve saved more than $500! I’m not kidding. If you shop at a store all the time, it only makes sense to take advantage of their rewards program to save money and earn perks.

5. Only Shop Once a Week

Instead of hitting the store every day to get dinner or stock up on shampoo, make a list once a week and shop for everything at one time. The fewer times you go to the store, the less likely you are to spend money on extras and things you don’t need. It makes sense, right? The less time you spend at the store, the less money you’ll spend. Make a weekly trip instead of a daily one and you’ll save loads of dough.

6. Have You Ever Considered Borrowing?

Maybe you need an item on short term basis. Instead of shelling out the money to buy it, think about asking around to find someone who can lend it to you. For example, my husband wanted to spread wood chips to landscape our yard, but we didn’t have a wheelbarrow. We borrowed my parents for a few days and saved ourselves a good amount of money. Easy, right?

7. Avoid Impulse Buys

This requires some consciousness and may take a bit of practice. Impulse buys can really damage your budget so it pays to pay more attention to keep yourself from doing so. Before you toss something in your cart, think about whether or not you really need it. If not, walk away.

Which of these tips do you think you can do? What other ideas can you add?