Are you allergic or otherwise averse to coupons, but want to save money? There are things you can do to pocket your dollars without having to clip. Danielle from Denver Metro Moms shares some of her best tips in this guest post:
Bring a list and plan ahead. There have been several times when I’ve left for the grocery store without a list. Once I get there I feel like I’m aimlessly roaming the isles trying to remember what I needed. Usually I end up spending more than I need to and inevitably I forget something! So, next time you’re headed to the store, jot down what you need and bring the list with you. You’ll save time, gas money, and prevent frustration!
Eat Out for Less. Let’s face it, we all enjoy eating out occasionally. We do it either for entertainment, convenience, or simply not wanting to cook. Next time do it for less. Order water instead of a soda, and you’ll save at least $2 per drink. Go for lunch instead of dinner when you can use a discounted lunch menu. Eat a smaller meal at home then go for dessert. Take advantage of sites like Restuarant.com. Another option is sharing a meal with your spouse. You’ll save yourself some calories and cash.
Stock up when you find a deal. Next time you come across a good deal, stock up if your budget can handle it. Most things freeze well or have a fairly long shelf life. Make sure you pay attention to expiration dates. It’s not really a deal if you end up throwing it out. Look for “Manager Specials” in the meat department or clearance section on end caps.
Negotiate & Shop Around. The other day we were in a store and I found a shirt I liked but it had a small spot on it. I thought it would probably come out in the wash, but I wanted to see if they’d discount it because of the spot. My husband said, “I’ve got to see this!” Sure enough they knocked 15% off, I washed it and the spot came out. Shopping around and negotiating applies to everything, but especially large ticket items. Make sure you do your homework and find out who has the best price. Most places will price match if you can prove the competitor’s price is better.
In the end, saving money may require a little more work sometimes, but it’ll allow you to keep more of your hard earned money.
Your turn: What other ways do you save money? I know there are many simple things you can do to reduce cost and save more. What do you do?
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