Discount Diva by
Marta Jisa
A local
stay-at-home mom finding local deals
Retail
(discount) Therapy
We have all read and seen great ways
in which to save a few dollars while at the grocery stores, or even
clubs and websites that you can join (most for a fee) to help you
save money. But if you are like myself you have found that the fee
outweighs the savings, and we most often do not have the larger
stores to shop at locally.
So I have taken it upon myself to
save as much money as possible for my family, not just in the
grocery store, but every purchase that we make as a family. I want
my home and family to be stylish and up to date, but I also don't
want to spend an arm and leg to do so. So is it possible for you to
have nice things and save money? Yes! Here are five tips that I
have found to be extremely helpful!
1. Switch the days you shop! Most
retailers will mark down merchandise on Tuesday, Wednesday or
Thursday during the week. By simply switching the days you shop for
your family's needs you can save big! You also will beat the
weekend rush and be able to find and make smart purchases rather
than ones that are rushed by the crowds.
2. Sign up for every
mailing/emailing list possible! Mailing lists are great ways to
have special deals sent directly to you! I know I appreciate
opening my mailbox to find special coupons rather than bills, and
emails are a convenient way to get deals as well. If you do not
feel comfortable in handing out your family email account then
create an email account from one of the free services (Yahoo,
Google etc.) and use that only for your email offers.
3. Read the paper! You will find
many local special offers and coupons in the advertisements of your
local paper. Make sure that you double check dates and compare them
against your mailed/emailed specials! I have found that there are
typically a few overlap dates so you can not only get your items on
sale, but will save more by using a coupon with the sale. Combine
and save is the way to go!
4. Head straight for the clearance
rack! Never will I enter a store and go straight for the regular
priced items. Always hit the clearance rack, this is a great way to
stock up and save on items for your family that may be out of
season this year, but purchase ahead for next year and save! (Just
be sure to store the items where you will find them! I have
sections in each of my kids' closets of stuff they do not fit in
yet and check them often to see if there is something that can be
used!) Also while at the clearance rack, check all sizes, if you
see something you need in a different size, ask the sales
associate! Most stores are able to transfer items from other
stores.
5. Ask, Ask, Ask!! This is super
important when looking for deals for your family. If you see
something that you love and it is not on sale, ask the sales
associate if they know when it will be marked down. The sales
associate may also know of any offers or coupons that can be used
to get your beloved item at a reduced price. If they are not able
to help you, write down the item number and description and check
back often!
The most important thing to remember
is you are trying to get a deal, and save money. So you need to
keep your eye on the prize! Do not shop when you are bored or just
want to get out of the house. Try to shop only when the need
arises! Spending money on items that are a good bargain is not
saving money. Finding the perfect time to shop and only purchasing
what you need is the best deal of them all!