Ways To Save Money Every Day
December 8th, 2006 | by Molly's Brother |Our daily schedules are hectic–doubly so for parents carting their kids around to practices, rehearsals, parties or play dates. We might want to save money, but we’re also willing to pay for the added cost of convenience shopping. By taking a few minutes out of your week, however, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to save a few extra dollars.
SIGN UP FOR CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAMS
Stores and restaurants in your area–both national chains and individually-owned–probably have customer rewards programs. If you frequent a business quite often, then don’t hesitate to sign up for the customer appreciation program offered by the business. Be sure, though, that it doesn’t cost you any money (you want to save money, remember?).
For example, a local Italian eatery I frequent sends out weekly reminders of “half-price” nights for returning customers. One night every week, every pizza on the menu–no matter the size or the toppings–is half price. Another night, every wine on their menu is 50% off. To get these benefits, I only had to sign up with an email address.
Once you start looking around, you’ll see these offers at office supply stores, pet stores, and grocery stores. (Rule #1 for saving money is signing up for you grocery store’s Club Card. In addition to the savings they offer on items in the store, every couple of months they’ll send a flyer to you with targeted savings based on your spending habits.)
GET THE LOWEST GAS PRICES
I admit it. In all the running around, I don’t always fill up at the cheapest pump. However, I’ve become more aware of where the cheap spots are through the help of GasWatch.info, GasBuddy.com, and MapGasPrices.com
SEPARATE YOUR FOOD/NON- FOOD PURCHASES
I have recently discovered how to purchase non-food items more cheaply. Before I discovered this price differential, I would buy my cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other non-food items at the grocery store. I then discovered that they were 20%-30% cheaper at stores like Target and Wal-Mart (even if I used a coupon).
Now, I divide my shopping excursions. Food items are purchased at the grocery store. Non-food items are purchased at Target. Friends of mine now suggest that I forgo Target and make a jump to the dollar stores for non-food items. (I haven’t been able to do that, though, since I wonder about the quality of the items being sold at these dollar stores–even if they’re name brand.)
In our busy lives, it’s not always possible to cut the corners financially. But, with a little planning you could save hundreds–if not thousands– of dollars over the course of a year.
4 Responses to “Ways To Save Money Every Day”
By Hmartin on Dec 9, 2006 | Reply
I shop for non-perishibles at the local dollar store. I found good quality in their toilet paper & paper towels. I can get a 4-pack of paper towels for $1.00, which beats any of my local stores, even with coupons. Obviously, quality can be an issue with some products, but I’ve found some GREAT buys at the dollar store. In addition to paper products, I also buy most of my cleaning supplies, sandwich bags, aluminum foil, ect there. Remember though, some dollar stores are better than others, but once you find one you like, the quality usually doens’t waver.
By Molly's Brother on Dec 9, 2006 | Reply
You’re right. Some dollar stores are better than others. Maybe next week I’ll take a look at my local dollar store and do a price/quality comparison. Thanks for the input.
By Trixie Belden on Dec 13, 2006 | Reply
Hey, thanks for visiting my blog!
Your point about dollar stores is a good one. There were two within walking distance of my apartment when I lived in Manhattan. Now that I’m in suburban Maryland I haven’t seen any. It’s very strange.
By Molly's Brother on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
I wonder how popular dollar stores are in the suburbs, though. They do seem to be a creature of more populated, ubran areas.