Shop Smart!

My goal is to try not to pay full price for anything, whether that is through sales, coupons, price matching, whatever. This isn't possible with everything I buy, obviously some things I have to pay full price for. Some things just don't go on sale or have coupons, so it isn't always possible. But I try my hardest.

Here are the things I do to save money, and some of the guidelines I follow. (As I learn more, I will add to this post)

1. Shop sales - this one is kind of obvious. When something you need or use goes on sale, buy one......better yet buy more then one! Buy as much as your budget will allow, and as much as you will use until it goes on sale again or before it goes bad, and stockpile it! I have shelves in my basement and a freezer full of pantry staples and things I have gotten for a great deal just waiting for me when I need them.

2. But remember, all sales are not created equal - Learn what a good sale price is for the items you use most, and wait until they go on sale for that price before you buy. Sometimes sale prices in store ads aren't really that good of a deal, they just advertise them so you think they are and spend more. I have a "buy-now" price for most items, and I wait until are that price, and that is when I stock up. (For example, I want to pay about $1.00 (but no more then $1.50) for a box of cereal, after sales and coupons. So I wait for that price to come along).

3. Price match! - see my post on How I Price Match at Walmart

4. Shop at the right time - Learn when your store restocks items, or marks down items. I usually shop the grocery store mid-week so they have restocked from the weekend. My Target usually marks down clearance items on Wednesdays, so I try to go there then.

5. USE COUPONS! - Read my post on How I Use Coupons. Also know your stores coupon policy. If you can shop at a store that doubles coupons, take advantage of it! I also recommending printing the stores coupon policy from their website, and keeping it in your coupon binder, so that you are prepared to deal with any discrepancies.

6. Know how to save when shopping online - I ALWAYS use coupon code when shopping online. The are many sites that list coupon codes, I usually have luck with retailmenot.com. I also wait for higher percent-off (25% off or more) sale before I buy. I (almost) NEVER pay for shipping, I search for a free shipping code (try freeshipping.org), and if I can't find one, I usually just wait to order until there is one because I HATE paying for shipping that much. Also sign up for emails for sites and stores you shop at the the most, they will send you emails with great discounts.

7. Earn money while shopping online - Sign up at a site like Ebates or Shop At Home, to earn a percentage of what you spend shopping back. I just got my first "payment" from Ebates deposited right into my Pay Pal account.

Do you have any money saving shopping tips? Please comment below and share them!