Stay within your budget when you buy clothing, food, gifts, household items, and computer supplies.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: A bit
Here's How:
- Save money on clothing, a huge expense for families. It makes no sense to spend a lot on children's clothes and lucky parents have a hand-me-down source for occasionally worn good clothing.
- Shop the sale seasons. The best clothing sales are in February and August. Buy high quality classic items at half price.
- Check out new styles in magazines, at the mall, and on the Web; then, make your purchases of trendy seasonal clothing and everyday basics at discount stores.
- Learn the best discount stores in your area. Check the stock often to catch the best items. Try Marshall's, TJ Maxx, SteinMart, Burlington, and Target for starters.
- Shop consignment stores for kids' clothes. You can even find them on the Web!
- Save money on food with good shopping habits.
- Plan your weekly menu around the grocery store sale flyers. Make a list before going to the market and go through your coupons for further discounts.
- Limit eating out to occasional lunches and sale days at the fast food and chains that kids love. Watch for coupons.
- Shop warehouse stores carefully. Large packages of snack and frozen foods are often a bargain, but many large quantities just aren't worth it.
- Save money on toys, gifts, and home decor that sneak up on your well-planned budget.
- Shop for next year's Christmas supplies the week after Christmas. Toys go on sale in January. Stock up on birthday presents then by taking your regular birthday list with you.
- Find nice gifts for adults and home decor at bargain prices at the discount stores such as TJ Maxx. Target has beautiful housewares at a fraction of department store prices.
- Buy party supplies in bulk. Use colorful vinyl tablecloths and solid plates and napkins for kids' parties and family events. Stock up on gift sacks and wrapping paper when you find them on sale.
- Pay cash for food, clothing, gifts, and household items. Don't be seduced by the credit card's siren call!
- Look for rebates and special offers when buying computer software, peripherals, and supplies.
