Tips for Frugal Shopping

Feeling the crunch? Don't worry. I've gathered up some of my very favorite budget shopping tips for you to use and still get a chance to kit out your wardrobe. Even if you don't shop on a budget, applying these techniques just saves more money to buy more things. . . and that's never bad. Shopping smart is always great.

Switch some regular purchases to online selections.

Consider buying some of your office supplies online, for example, instead of picking them up at the usual shops. You can save 15% off of your purchases over a certain amount, and you can also score free shipping. Forget having to wait in line, and spending money on gas driving to the store.

Jot down your best deals.

Do you find that some shops are better for certain things? Make a list of where you score the best deals to avoid wasting time hunting online every time. For example, my personal list reminds me to look for books over at eBay as well as Amazon-- and to avoid Barnes and Nobles' sometimes more expensive shipping costs. Always keep that in mind as well- shipping costs can really affect what you consider to be the best deal.

Ask around.

I have a very frugal friend who knows who to maximize her savings. When I really think that I can't save any more, I double-check with her: she tells me exactly how to save more. If you have a friend who could compete with Amy Dacyczyn's Tightwad Gazette lifestyle, you can always learn a thing or two. Silently observe them if you don't want to ask for advice, and you're sure to discover new saving techniques that way, too.

Start "recycling."

If you are an avid eBay shopper, try to keep things in rotation. Instead of having a mountainous pile of "to donate" items, when you buy something on eBay, put something on sale of a comparable value. It's a great way to keep costs down, keep yourself more organized, and simultaneously reward yourself for it.

Only buy in bulk when you need to.

This tip applies for my grocery purchases, but it can also apply to family supplies and household items. If you are on a strict budget, consider buying regular-sized packages and seeing how your usage of the product changes. The psychology regarding your well-stocked items can be amazing, because when you feel like you have less, you'll probably use less. I do this with my food to eat less as well, but you need to shop for the deepest discounts to save on a comparable level with some items purchased in bulk.


Do you have any saver tips?