One saying that has stuck with me through the years: “A dollar saved is worth two dollars earned.”
What does that mean? Think about it… after paying income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, etc., out of every two dollars you earn, you are left with about one dollar to spend. If you want to save money this year, you can go out and earn more, or you can use the six tips below to buy the things you want for less.
Look at what you spend over the course of a year on clothes and household items. Suppose that number is $10,000. Make it your job this year to buy whatever you are going to buy, but for half the price. If you save $5,000, that’s like earning an extra $415 per month.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Call me a fool, but for years I didn’t know you could haggle with retail stores on major purchases. One day I went shopping with a friend of mine and watched her negotiate her way to lower prices on everything. It was an eye-opening experience. I realize now that most of the time, all you have to do is ask. It’s the people who don’t ask that pay full price.
You may feel awkward asking for discounts at first, but with practice it gets easier. And think about it, what is the worst thing that can happen when you ask for a discount? They say no. That’s not so bad.
Start by asking if they have any coupons, discounts or specials running right now. If they say no, make them an offer.
Learning from experts on How to Bargain can also help you gain the extra confidence you need to get the very best price.
One key to haggling is to knowing the price of the item at other store and online outlets. Do you research before entering into the haggling process.
Shop Consignment and Save
Just about every piece of furniture in my house was bought from a consignment store. Why pay the high price of new? Consignment stores can be a great way to find practically new stuff at a fraction of the price.
The best things to find deals on at consignment stores: furniture and designer clothes. Scout out the stores in the nicest neighborhoods, and you’ll often find things that were never used at all. In addition, you can find unique items that no one else is likely to have.
Many people are not aware that Consignment Shopping Saves You Money and you can use this extra money for other important uses. You may be interested in using consignment to sell items which may not fit your lifestyle anymore.
Use Online Auctions and Ads
Once you’ve found a brand you like, check online before you buy. I’ve been known to try on my favorite jeans at department stores, figure out what size works, then buy them on Ebay for almost nothing. I’ve found $300 jeans for $20 before. I like Ebay for smaller, discounted Predator Stump Grinder.
For larger items that you can pick up locally, Offerup or Facebook Garage sales groups are great. You can find deals on washers and dryers, mattresses (yes, new ones), furniture, lawn mowers and much, much more.
Be prepared to ask questions to the seller, and when you visit the merchandise, don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not what you want. In addition, reread tip #2 and make sure you ask them if they’ll take less!
BE CAREFUL! When possible, meet in a neutral place, take somebody with you and use your intuition. If a situation doesn’t feel save, drive away. Your safety is never worth a great deal.
Patience Pays Off
Create a watch list, or wish list, of items you want to acquire at half price. Develop a routine of checking in with the stores to see if your items are on sale. At one point, I had my eye on a pair of chaise lounges. Each week, I checked a certain website, and by the end of the summer, the chairs were half price. Patience pays off.
Patience also means being willing to walk away. You’ll find this is a huge asset in helping you get the things you want at the best prices.
A cornerstone to acquiring wealth is patience. Wait until you have saved for an item instead of using a credit card. Keep your money invested long-term, etc. The most financially secure people will always have stories of not getting the reward right away.
Use Age to Your Advantage
Not that you want to run around telling people you’re a “senior” but if it puts money in your pocket, who cares what word it is? Don’t be shy about asking for senior discounts. If you were under 18, you certainly wouldn’t hesitate to ask for the student discount. Be brazen and bold about asking. Use your life experience to your advantage, and save yourself some money.
Use your experienced age to save money using Senior Discounts, Bargains, and Benefits as often as practical.
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