Usually, frugality is a learned skill and seldom a natural habit. This is one of the best qualities a person can have. Who doesn’t like saving big on their purchases. A big difference can be made in your bottom line when you institute a certain level of thriftiness in your regular shopping. Below are some new ideas for you if you need a good starting point.
Frugal Clothing Shopping
Avoid malls and trendy stores while looking for the best deals on clothing. You’ll always pay retail, or close to it when you shop at places like that. When you’re a thrifty clothing shopper, you don’t have to compromise style or even your preferred name brands. Luckily, discount stores are abundant like Kohls, Ross, or Marshalls in which you can score great deals. Often, these stores will have great sales and coupons available as well. Be sure not to skip over consignment stores in your search for a great deal. You can usually find gently or never worn name brand clothing at these establishments for deep discounts. You can even bring in your clothing for store credit or cash.
Frugal Grocery Shopping
Not buying anything that is not necessary is the key to frugality in grocery shopping. Make sure you take inventory on items you already have before heading to the store. You will be wasting money making purchases on things you already had by skipping this step. Once you’ve assessed your stock, plan out the meals you are going to be making through the next shopping trip don’t forget snacks! Then begin making your shopping list. Be sure to include all ingredients needed to prepare your meals. Also, double check for any household items, such as paper towels and toothpaste, that may be needed.
It can be beneficial if you are able to purchase a membership to a wholesale store like Costco or Sam’s Club by allowing you to save money on the items you regularly use by buying them in bulk. Sales and promotions are being offered in these types of stores on their membership. You may have access to one for cheap if you keep an eye out.
Frugal Appliance and Furniture Shopping
Appliances and furniture can be big-ticket purchases, making it especially important to get a great deal. For appliances, don’t go into the buying process with the idea of getting the latest and greatest model. Usually, the basic models will cover all of your needs. Consider checking out scratch-and-dent stores. These stores have things like refrigerators and stoves that are new and function correctly, but they might have been scuffed or dinged during transport. If you prefer to shop at a big box retailer for your appliances, don’t hesitate to negotiate with the salesperson. In skipping this, you may skip out on a significant discount! These stores will also often have open box items on sale or floor models available that can save you a nice sum of money.
Watching and waiting for the right sales can be essential when it comes to shopping for furniture. This is because furniture stores will deeply discount their inventory on big holidays such as Labor Day. Circular ads are being run by these retailers weekly to inform people of their weekly sales. You can find gems if you look well even though some of these sales can be gimmicky. In the aspect of appliance shopping, you do not need to be scared to negotiate with the sales staff for a lower price. Inquiring in to discounted floor models or scratch-and-dent inventory can also prove fruitful.