Finding Savings

Saving is great and should always be the goal. Sometimes there are everyday items that we must purchase or pay for that don't come with any real savings. As consumers, we must keep our eyes open for opportunities to save (big and small).

Coupons

Coupons are a great way to get discounts on all sorts of things. Coupons can help you save on car repairs, on groceries, on household items and more. One does not have to be an "extreme couponer" or fanatic to benefit from the use of coupons. It doesn't hurt to do a quick check for a coupon prior to making a purchase for something you want or need. If you were going to buy it anyway, a savings (big or small), never hurts. 

Recently, I picked up a coupon next to the security desk at work for a FREE carwash. It was a new carwash at a local gas station. The card had 4 coupons total. With two cars in the household, we were able to both get free car washes which ended up being one less expense for the month. With a car wash typically running $20 per car, that's a savings of $40. It may not seem like much, but every little bit counts. 

I no longer cut coupons for groceries, but now clip the electronic coupons to my grocer's card. This combined with shopping sale items helps to cut the grocery bill and allows the dollar to stretch further. Time well spent to pack on the savings.

Gift Cards

Around the holidays, many merchants sell gift cards that include a special offer/gift. Usually, it's another gift card in a small amount when you spend a certain amount. For example, The Cheesecake Factory currently has a promotion where you can get two free slices of cheesecake with every $25 gift card purchase. The free cheesecake is redeemable on a future visit. If you have ever been, you know how expensive the cheesecake can be...this is a deal! But it's only a deal if it really brings you value. If you know someone who loves this place that you were planning to get a gift, you could get the gift card for them and have the cheesecake on a later date. You can catch some really great deals and specials on gift cards during the holiday season, just be sure to read the fine print to ensure you get the most out of the card and savings. 

Do Your Homework

The nice thing about having cellphones with data plans is the ability to look things up instantly. If you are in a store shopping and you spot a deal, take a quick moment to research before you run to the checkout line. Using your phone, go online and search for the exact item that you are looking to buy. Is the price still competitive? If you purchase online and add shipping do you still pay less then in the store? Does another local store have it for less? Do you need it right now? You could even ask the store that you're in if they price match. You can save time and money just by asking. 

I get it, shopping can be quite an adventure. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and make impulsive buys. Recently while in a membership-only warehouse club, I spotted a mail scale (something I've been wanting) that was on sale at what seemed to be a very low price. After looking it up online, I realized it wasn't such a great deal and left it on the shelf. I was ready to buy, but after taking a moment to research, the excitement died. The point is, the temptation will always be there, but the key is to shop smart and make informed buying decisions. 

Managing your money like a boss is about getting the biggest bang for your buck! Look out for opportunities to save even when you're spending!