Saving $$

Lately I have been all about saving money! I love to eat well, shop, and travel. In order to make the most of my budget, I have come to realize that I can save in some areas to splurge in others! Saving  takes just a little effort, but worth it in the end.

 

Here are some easy ways I've been able to save.

Groceries and household items

1. Coupons, duh! 

·         •We get the Sunday paper and I'll spend about 10 minutes going through and cutting out any coupons on items we ALREADY BUY. I emphasize this because I think too often people cut out and try to use every coupon they see, in turn spending way more money and buying stuff they will not even use.

·         •Online! There are coupons everywhere. First some are on various products websites like PG Everyday and each products individual website. Second, look for coupons on websites such as Coupons.com. You can also get coupons right to your email or from Facebook, by liking your favorite products or by entering your email on your favorite brands website. Lastly, Target has a ton of coupons! The best thing about shopping at Target is you can use both Target coupons and manufacturer coupons, for double savings!

·         Coupons can also be found on products you already have purchased, either on the box or inside the packaging. I have found coupons inside Crest White Strips box, inside cereal and frozen item packaging, etc.

2. Target Card

·         This is not a credit card, but instead a debit card linked directly to your bank account. It’s free to sign up and with each purchase you get a total of 5% no matter what you buy or how much you spend! Also free shipping for every online purchase.

3. Target Prescriptions

•     I get one prescription a month and that is to prevent babies! LOL! I get it filled at Target because it is free and after getting it filled 5 times, they send you a 5% off coupon in the mail good for any purchase- again on everything you buy! AND YES YOU CAN PAIR THIS WITH DEBIT CARD AND GET A TOTAL OF 10% OFF!

Everything Else

1. More coupons!

·         Just as you can save with coupons on groceries and on household items, you can save on just about everything else! Many stores send out coupons via mail or email when you sign up on their website or give your info when making a purchase. Stores like Macy’s, Express, and even Saks Fifth Ave. flood my mailbox with coupons each month!

2. Online Promo Codes

·         Before making any purchase online, simply Google to fins a promo code for whatever website it is you are making a purchase on. For example if you are buying something from Victoria’s Secret, search for “Victoria’s Secret Promo Code” or “Victoria’s Secret Coupon” and you will have tons of websites full of various codes. It takes about 5 minutes, but can often save you money with free shipping or with a percentage off!

·         This works on more than just stores! I have used promo codes to save money on race entry fees and travel.

3. Discount and Outlet Stores

•           If you know me or have read this blog, you already know my obsession with Marshalls, Off the Fifth, and Nordstrom Rack. Stores like these are a great way to score designer deals for less! Queenstown outlets feature designers like Gucci and Michael Kors, while Arundel Mills has Coach and BCBG. However these stores do require time and patience J Arundel Mills and other outlet malls often send coupons and announce sales at their store by email and mail, so sign up on their websites or in store. Banana Republic Outlet always has a sale and often a 20% off coupon. You can bring it up on your phone and show it to the cashier to redeem and save.

4. Second Hand

•           I have blogged about consignment stores before as a great way to make money on your old stuff- including handbags, clothes, and accessories. These stores are also a great place to shop as well and I'm not talking about your Macklemore Thrift Shop! Right here in the Baltimore area, there are high end consignment stores like Wear it’s At (Resiterstown), Bmore Betty (Federal Hill) and Uptown Cheapskate (Timonium) to name a few that sell luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Just because it is second hand, doesn’t mean it is not new! Often consignors get rid of items that are brand new still bearing the original store tag. We are all guilty of buying something we couldn’t return or getting something as a gift we never wore! Oh these stores also email coupons out as well and also have sales on their already low priced merchandise.

5. Ebay, Amazon, and so on….

•           Sites like Ebay and Amazon are a great way to buy new and used items for way less! From textbooks to clothing- it’s easy to find what you are looking for and save. Be cautious before buying- read reviews, use Paypal and read descriptions carefully. There are a lot of scammers out there! Sites like Ebay do offer buyer protection, but still the site is littered with fakes from handbags to jewelry. Use common sense before buying.

6. Scanner

 

•           Scanner Apps are free download for your smart phone that enable you to scan product barcodes. It doesn’t work with every product, but works with many. To use simply scan a barcode with your phone and it will show you everywhere you can purchase that item online. This is a great way to save money!