Posts Tagged ‘way’
In my local town, most of the stores have set sales days. The closest grocery store has sales every Tuesday and Sunday. If you shop Sunday, you also get a coupon for 5% off valid on Tuesday. Now a lot of people tend not too worry about such small savings. But over time, these small consistent savings add up to large amounts of money. Not only the money we directly save on groceries, but also the money we save in gas and time.
As you can see, only being able to shop two days a week, or sometimes only once does take a little more planning. Not only planning out our meals, but also planning out where we will store it (our refrigerator is tiny). It will however, save you time overall since you will spend less time in the store and less time going back and forth. Creating a list of the items you need for a set period of time will also help you from buying things you don’t really need. Helping both your wallet and your diet.
Another great way to save money is to buy at the end of the season. If it is something you know you will be using again next season, then purchasing it at the end of the season is one of the best savings you can make. Most holiday items will go on sale from 50-70% off once the holiday is over. If we could make that kind of money in the stock market, we would all be rich by now. Sure you will need to store it for a while, but you also get to purchase it when everyone is already done with their buying.
Additional tips
- Keep records of the prices you are paying. Just because it says “SALE” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good buy
- When you find something you use on a regular basis really cheap, buy as much as you can store
- When possible and reasonable, buy in bulk to save extra.
Helpful links
In general I try to make things as simple as possible. If I am purchasing something, I want the transaction to go as smoothly and quickly as possible. That way both myself and the other party gets the best value. However, there are times when being politely difficult is the only way to get a fair price. I find this particularly true for utilities and any company that you need to call to get customer service (phone, internet, online banking, cable and satellite, gas and electric, water, etc.). Below are a few tips I use to not get cheated or have to pay any additional fees.
- Choose a time when you have lots of time- If you have time you will be less likely to get fed up and take the bad deal.
- Make them call you back- you don’t want to pay for the phone call
- Ask them to explain everything they tell you- If you still don’t understand ask them to explain again
- Be polite, but difficult- If you are a good customer, tell them so. Ask them why they are treating you unfairly (if they are doing so).
- Ask for a higher authority- This saves you being on hold and you are more likely to get a better outcome. The higher the authority the more the more the time costs them.
- Be willing to make suggestions and compromise- Being difficult is the means to get an outcome. Don’t forget what you are aiming for. If they offer you a good deal or something different (but equal and fair) consider taking it.
