How To Save Ten Grand A Year While Shopping
The only one who will ever truly put your financial well-being first is you. When you arm yourself with facts, and you develop your money-making strategies, you’ll see that it is much less of a chore (and much more fun) to take control of your finances than you might think. You can make yourself a better shopper and that’s what it’s all about.
1. Be persistent, but cordial. When you aren’t getting the attention, service, or value you think you deserve, let someone in charge know about it. Don’t give up easily. Continue calling, writing, or showing up in person until you receive satisfaction.
2. Learn the return policies of the stores you shop. Make sure you retain the documents that will allow you a full refund or exchange if you need it.
3. Watch for “after-the-fact” sales on items you purchase. Some stores will refund the difference in price.
4. Shop outlet malls cautiously. You may live too far away to return an item you purchased there. So be sure of fit and quality before leaving an outlet store.
5. Make certain an outlet is really an outlet. A true outlet is a store that sells a manufacturer’s merchandise direct to the public. In other words, there’s no retailer to take its profits. So you can, for instance, buy Sears power tools at that company’s outlet at prices that are 20-percent less than you could buy those same tools at a general merchandise retail store.
6. It’s the price, not the markdown (“reduced 30%) that you’re interested in. Even after a markdown, an item may be higher in price than a similar item at another store.
7. Shop early in the day. If you’re there when the store opens in the morning, you’ll usually get better service, which can translate into bigger savings.
8. Make friends with salespersons. They can alert you to upcoming sales, or they can hold items on sale until you get there.
9. If you’re offered a refund or store credit for a returned item, take the refund. With a credit, you are letting the store hold your money for an indefinite period – and maybe forever.
10. For apparel, shop off-season when possible. By doing so, you can save 30 percent or more on coats, up to 50 percent on suits (both men’s and women’s), more than 40 percent on sweaters, and about30 percent on pants.
11. For fruits and vegetables, shop in-season. Plan your meals to take advantage of plentiful supplies of fresh foods (including meats).
12. Before you buy a refrigerator, television set, or other big ticket item, check stores with a “price-that-can’t-be-beat” guarantee. Then comparison shop at other stores. With proper documentation (tags or advertisements), you’re always assured of the lowest price.
13. Avoid so called “bells and whistles” on electronic equipment and appliances. Most will be rarely used, and they’ll add to the cost when purchased and when repairs are needed.
14. You can save more than $100 a year in fees be selecting a checking account with minimum balance requirement that you can, and do, meet. Compare banks by learning the fees they charge and the fees they could charge (for an overdraft, for example), then go with the bank where you
can save the most. If all things are about equal, go with the bank that’s most convenient to your home or work-place.
15. Take advantage of loss leaders, but be careful that while shopping for the loss leader products you don’t buy something else you really don’t need.
16. Never pay full price unless you are sure you have no other option. It never hurts to ask for a discount.
17. If you need an item urgently – especially one that you may use only once or twice – consider borrowing it instead of rushing out to buying it.
18. Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your insurance agent and credit-card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.
19. A home energy audit can identify ways to save hundreds of dollars a year on home heating and air conditioning. Ask your electric or gas utility to conduct this audit (which should be free or cost only a reasonable amount). If not satisfied with such an audit, find a qualified professional.
20. Workplace savings: Bring your lunch to work. Join a car pool or take public transportation. Cut back on eating lunch out.
Only you can decide which type of investment, or which mixture, is right for you. For most, all these savings deas, if implemented, can amount to nearly $10,000 a year in savings.
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