Shopping Smart (repost)

Price matching, couponing & seasonal shopping are some of the many ways to shop smart.

Price matching: Some stores will match the prices of their competitors, in the hopes that you will shop with them instead of their competition. Of course, often the competition does the same thing. Price matching can be done at many stores such as Staples, Best Buy, Target, Lowes, Home Depot & Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is my favorite store to price match at, since they also price match groceries. Here is the complete post on Price Matching at Wal-Mart

Couponing: This is an excellent way to get items at a discounted price. Many stores will also take their competitors coupons such as Michaels will take Joanns coupons and Staples will take Office Max coupons, etc. There are also many couponing blogs out there. I cannot hope to cover all that they do, so here is a list of my favorite coupon blogs. These blogs will tell you everything you need to know about couponing and how to get started.

A Thrifty Mom
Couponing 101

Seasonal Shopping: This is buying things during their lowest price of the year, such as turkey and baking supplies in November. Purchasing items when they go on clearance is also a great way to stock up. I buy all my Christmas wrapping paper in January when it is 75% off. Here is a great article from Moms By Heart about Yearly Sales and Clearance Cycles

Buy at the Lowest Price Point: When things have a long shelf life, stock up on that item when it hits it's lowest price point! For example at the last Smiths Case Lot Sale, they had tuna for .50 a can. I know we eat about 1 can a week, so I bought 50 cans which is enough to last us about 1 year. Here is A Thrifty Mom's explanation on this same principle.

Buy Online: Sometimes the best prices for non grocery items can be found online. Amazon.com & Ebay are my two favorite places for lower prices. Many items have free shipping as well! Do your research and you’ll be able to get some great deals!