Yeah, we are definitely in a recession/depression so here are seven ways to save money than really don’t hurt. It’s not like you have to give up much of anything to possibly save significant dollars. Very cool indeed.
Save Money Buying Clothing: If you need to buy some clothing (or just WANT to! :-) timing can save you money. Most department stores plan their sales for six-eight weeks after styles first appear on the racks. So if you make it your business to find out when the new goodies appear, you will be able to time your buying to take advantage of cheaper prices. Admittedly, some of the more popular items will be sold out but the savings can be substantial. Either check with sales people when you are in the store or call and talk with a store clerk [at a non-busy time] – and always get on any possible mailing list.
A second way hardly needs mentioning and that is to watch the Sunday papers to locate sales.
A third way is to check the search engines and see what you can find online. Lots of the major stores have discount coupons for either their online catalogs or a physical location. Try search terms like “discount clothing” or “clothing coupons”. You can save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, that way
Save Some Money On Decorating: Many – probably most – homes have photo walls where collections of family photos are grouped. Taking family momentos to a frame shop can cost gagging sums so keep an eye out for frames. Flea markets, yard sales or thrift shops can product real bargains – would you believe $1.50 for 16X20 solid wood frame? Your quality will usually be higher than cheapo junk at stores like WalMart and your cost will be less. Then stain or painr your treasures so that they group together well and hang & enjoy.
A Money Saving Idea For The Movies: There are two simple ways to save money on the movies – which is a great deal because taking a family of four to a movie, then buying popcorn or candy [or both!] and a drink each can really break the budget.
The first way is to sign up for any email list that your local theater may have. Often there are specials or coupons that will reduce the cost of either refreshments or admissions. Secondly, some theaters have ‘clubs’ you can join. Our local EMC theaters, for example, have a membership card and every time I go to the theater I get a reward of some kind. Sometimes it’s something trivial like $1 off food I don’t really care about, but I’ve also gotten drinks, free food and even free admissions. And of course the biggest saving of all is NOT to eat at the theater, although sometimes that’s hard to do with kids – and the adult kids, too.
Saving Money Shopping For Furniture: eBay has auctions and listings that are for local areas only. These are great places to find deals because the market is only local since the items usually must be picked up, rather than shipped. Here’s an example of a dining room table that is about 50 miles from my home and is about $1,000 less than a local store.
Saving Money On Gas: Minivan and SUV owners can save money by removing that heavy third seat. The extra weight causes the motor to work harder and thus use more gas. When running around town, and you don’t need the space, leave that sucker at home.
Save Money Today On Your Utilities: Use an attic tent to cut down on utility bills [see the picture at the top of the page]. They’re not expensive but they keep out the hot and cold air that leaks down from the attic into your home, causing extra labor on the part of your heating and cooling system. It not only reduces the energy costs of your utilities, but it also keeps out dust, humidity and insulation particles – not a bad deal at all for about $150.
It’s not hard to find ways to save money. It just requires a bit of time and some smarts. In a cruddy economy like this one, saving really is worthwhile.
Leave a Reply