The ABCs of Shopping Frugally

If you're Aware of penny-saving ideas when shopping, you can accumulate many small savings that will Amount to big bucks.

Books do not have to be expensive. Beyond getting a library card you can buy pre-read books cheaply at church bazaars, on Amazon, or at yard sales. There are online sites that allow you to rent numbers of books each month, less than buying, and have no late fees.

Computer savings are possible. Check eBay for refurbished computers, and if you buy a new computer, make sure you are getting basic software as part of the deal, but check that it is not trial or limited edition software.

Discounts are available; you need to look for them. Look online for merchant coupons and discounts. Become a member shopper of outlets and merchants like Borders and get weekly and monthly discounts. Go to discount stores such as Sam's Club, and find discounts online.

Energy Star puts its name to appliances and other products from light bulbs to furnaces. Government approved, these labels save you money in energy over the life of the product.

Furniture can be expensive. Here are some tips to save when shopping in furniture stores Shop both the outlet section of furniture stores and discount stores. If you buy a roomful of furniture or more, ask for a bulk discount (10%).

Groceries that are at the top or very bottom of the shelves are the least expensive. Look up and bend down, and compare.

Holiday gift costs mount up quickly. Buy everyone the same thing like books, pillows, or robes. Then buy them when they go on sale and customize for each person receiving the gift. Another good idea is to buy gift cards. People can shop after Christmas at huge savings so your money will go further.

Impulse buying costs shoppers money, especially at the grocery store. Always go into stores with a list and a budget. It will save you money in the end.

Junk or another man's treasure? Don't throw things out before putting your things on consignment at resale shops or selling them at a yard sale or on eBay. Then you'll have extra money to shop with that will save.

Kitchen cabinets are a high cost item if you are remodeling or improving your home. You can get about 50% off the costs if you are willing to assemble them from kits. Online savings are also available, and you might consider refacing old cabinets for savings.

Label buying seems to give people both a lift in spirit and status. However, you can get label clothes and shoes at box stores like T-J Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory and on line for much less with the same feelings.

Meat can be the most expensive part of a meal. Try other types of meats, less known or common cuts, and save. Instead of pork shoulder, try pork shank and braise for tenderness. Instead of chicken breast, try chicken thighs; they are very tasty.

Negotiate! Service companies have leeway for discounts, but you need to ask. Cable companies can reduce your monthly bill without reducing your services, deliveries can be made for free, and no furniture should be bought without asking for a discount.

One-stop shopping may be convenient, but it doesn't save you money. When you buy items like cleaning products at the grocery store to save a trip to the Dollar Store, you lose. Tools are best bought at stores like Home Depot, not at the drug store; and bird seed at Wal-Mart is actually more than buying bulk at Blue Seal.

Pajamas are good gifts. Buy them on sale in all sizes with thematic prints for birthdays, Christmas, or Valentine's.

Quest for the best buy. Your quest should include comparison shopping, then looking in less-common places for the products you're buying, like online or at yard sales. Never buy before checking out other alternatives for better cost.

Rx medications can cost you less on the Wal-Mart savings plan. Although you get generic medications you pay only a $4.00 co-pay. You can also ask your doctor to write the prescription for double strength and cut the tablets in half, getting twice as much for the price of one.

Sports Equipment can be expensive and quickly outgrown or outdated. Try Play It Again Sports and Craigslist. Don't always buy the fanciest stuff. Also, ask coaches and school if they have equipment for loan or on hand for use.

Sales Tax is not in every state. You should look to see which states have no sales tax and buy big ticket items there. New Hampshire is one such state. The travel time and cost may well be worth it.

Used clothes not only work for projects and Halloween outfits. Baby clothes are hardly worn out before they're outgrown and will work for your child just fine. Also, people who can afford good clothes can afford to donate them to Good Will and other re-sale shops. Go looking and you'll find bargains.

Videos games can be bought for less. You can save 10% on video games at Amazon if you sign up as a member of Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA). They offer other discounts from other retailers, too. Or, just wait 6 months; the game price usually goes down $5 to $10 dollars.

Knowing When to shop is important. Certain items come on sale during certain months. January and July are for furniture. Buy cars at the end of the month and at the end of the year. White sales are in January. And, buy at the end of the season for anything seasonal.

Xtra items that you use should be bought at sale times and stored or frozen. Buy hot dogs and hamburger on sales at the grocery store and freeze. Buy Aspirin and toilet paper at discount stores and closet them, and buy jeans on sales in different sizes and save for your children as they grow.

Yarns are seasonal. At the end of the winter buy your wools and in the fall buy your light-weight sock yarns. BTW, knit scarves, booties, and vests or sweaters makes less expensive and more meaningful gifts.

ZZZZZ....Now you can sleep soundly knowing the little things you do to save in the stores can save you big $$$$$$$s.

Jan Rideout is co-founder of http://Pennypinchinghints.com, a comprehensive site dedicated to helping people manage their money, access shopping coupons, and find savings with deals and freebies.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.