(ThyBlackMan.com) As the holidays approach there are many things I’ve learned from being, single, married and now divorced. I am no Economist however, I am economical. I have been doing these things for about eight years I have done my own research on how to save while still being single yet still being savvy. As time has gone on, it has become more of a sport for me rather than work. I would like to share some of my tips I’ve learned over the years.
Tip#1 – I usually buy the Sunday paper sometimes two or more. Why: The Sunday paper is filled with coupons and this is where strategic planning goes to work, if you have kids that are old enough to cut the coupons let them do it. Have them to place them in categories such as meats, toiletries, and cleaning products. This will save you some time at the grocery store and from cutting it out yourself.
Tip#2 – I usually make a list, I know that you have heard this many times before but it is true when you’re on a budget place the coupons that you’ve cut out with the product on your list you tend to buy often. Why: You will not always need what you’ve cut out so stick to what you and your kids really like, you won’t waste money that way.
Tip#3 – Who doesn’t love free stuff I think if something comes in the mail or paper that states “Try this free”. Whatever it may be laundry soap, foods, or a new product, by all means, go for it. Be careful to look at the
expiration date on it and place it with your other coupons. Don’t be reluctant to sign up at those stores that offer “free” products every week if you are a member. Why: This is money that you can save and use for other things like gas, bills, or put into a savings account.
Tip#4 – With that being said, this brings me to the cards that every store wants you to add to your already full keychain. Do sign up for the rewards most stores will give you a discount on particular products the key is to sign up with those stores you shop at most frequently. Why: Because you will save and get “free stuff” by doing so. It may seem like hassles but remember what I said before this is part of “strategic planning”. It will save you money in the long run. I can’t tell you how many times I walked out of a store paying 79 cents each or less for 3 products, just by taking advantage of, but also bring your rewards.
Tip#5 – Do go for the “BOGO” stuff if you need it and you have a large family, what you have to purchase.
Tip#6 – Now these same strategic can also be used when buying clothing products. While cruising through the paper you may find an advertisement from a clothing store so of course cut those too. The ones that say but twenty-five dollars’ worth get 10 dollars off. Well, the key here is not to go over the twenty-five.
The way that I approached this is I go on a day, in the middle of the week usually in the morning. Why: There are not as many people shopping because they are mostly at work and that gives you the freedom to shop with ought all the hands in one basket. It is also good for the new sales that stores have on.
I once got a Liz Claiborne purse worth 90 dollars for only 63 dollars. How you might ask a particular store sent me a coupon for 10 dollars off and when I went to look at the purse it was 10 dollars a 90% mark down. I wound up paying up paying the tax on it and I walk off feeling like I conquered the world.
Tip#7 – Look at your receipt always and focus if you can on prices being rung up at the registers. Sometimes they don’t ring up on sale and if you can’t when you come home take a moment to look at your receipt to make sure you haven’t been overcharged.
Tip#8 – Why: This happens more often than not. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for a discount on any merchandise that is torn, ripped, or damaged. I usually ask for the manager because they are the ones with the authority to bring the price down. Why this can save you a few more dollars here and there/most of the time they are willing to come down rather than losing the sale.
Tip#9 Stick to your budget/list “temptation” is the word for it. But try not to give in. This will save you money you don’t have to spend.
Tip#10 Take the time to get organize one day when you’re not as busy do it a little time to sum it up. Something’s I have done are: -Bought a big, medium small photobook taped placed all my membership cards to it and all the cards (UPC code) forward so that when I’m at the store the cashier can just scan it. I have the kids cut out coupons from the Sunday paper and place them in in categorized order.
-Look for things on sale then used the coupons to save more off additionally.
-Bargained with the manager for a better price.
-Eaten before I went shopping.
-Left the kids at home, if they are old enough to do so? I have reviewed my receipt as soon as time permitted or before I left the store.
–Watched the scanner when items were being rung up to make sure of accuracy.
-Stuck to the list.
-And last but not least – don’t ever feel bad about not finding any thing that you want chances are you will get a better deal later. That has happened to me a lot. Until then, Save! Save! Save!
Staff Writer; Chakeeta Lee