Shopping Tips
Save money shopping smarter!
Being a smart shopper means researching the product, reading the ingredients, even buying second hand if it means getting better quality. It means not buying something if you can re-purpose something else! And, at the very end, for me it definitely does mean getting a deal and saving money!
A couple of rules we follow:
A couple of rules we follow:
- Know what products you use and stick to them. Example: I prefer Scott toilet paper so I clip these coupons and watch for sales. I bypass all the other toilet paper coupons and just wait for Scott. If not Scott, then I only buy store brand instead.
- When you can't beat the price (super cheap with sales and coupons) buy as many as you can. You know you will use it (ex. toilet paper!).
- Do NOT just buy something just because it is on sale unless it is something you have been really wanting to try. This is how they get you to spend more money than you intended and to buy things you don't need or use.
- A saying my husband and I say all the time:
- "I am not prepared to be spontaneous at this time" and when it comes to spending our money, unless it is the deal of a lifetime and we can't live without it, being prepared is necessary!
New or Used?
In my opinion some things should absolutely be purchased new. Unless you know exactly who you are getting it from it probably just isn't worth it. Some good examples are mattresses and couches. Other things, I say used can be a great option for purchasing a higher quality than you would otherwise be able to afford!
Many products are just fine second hand. Whether it's a yard sale, thrift store, or Facebook, this is always an option for us. Especially things like basic tools, baskets, and holiday decorations. We keep our eye out for local yard sales and I try to get into Savers at least once a month to see what's 'new' there. Items are so common to be purchased used that they have their own entire websites. Take automotive for example. Too many sites to count! Used clothing is becoming more popular too. Used furniture is always a great option as well and if you have ever purchased "antiques' then you have purchased used! Honestly, a lot of older items were actually of such a great quality they are still just as good today!
One of my favorite things to do now though is buy used on Amazon. I just recently purchased a 10 piece set of Analon pots and pans. They cost $299.99. However, they had them available as used, sold by Amazon Warehouse Deals, for $262.49. When I went to the listing and read it, I found out that they were brand new in the box with no damage at all. The only problem was the box had been damaged and possibly opened. I decided to give it a try and save $37.50. It would still ship for free with Prime, so I was in! They arrived, and were absolutely perfect! Yes, the box was damaged some, but the pots and pans were perfectly brand new, so who cares about the box? It was for me, not anyone else. Now anytime I make a purchase on Amazon, I am sure to check to see if it is available through the Warehouse first! Check out our affiliate link to the Amazon Warehouse Deals at the bottom of the page!
If you do choose to buy new though, please try to buy products made in the USA!
We also love FREE stuff!
Many products are just fine second hand. Whether it's a yard sale, thrift store, or Facebook, this is always an option for us. Especially things like basic tools, baskets, and holiday decorations. We keep our eye out for local yard sales and I try to get into Savers at least once a month to see what's 'new' there. Items are so common to be purchased used that they have their own entire websites. Take automotive for example. Too many sites to count! Used clothing is becoming more popular too. Used furniture is always a great option as well and if you have ever purchased "antiques' then you have purchased used! Honestly, a lot of older items were actually of such a great quality they are still just as good today!
One of my favorite things to do now though is buy used on Amazon. I just recently purchased a 10 piece set of Analon pots and pans. They cost $299.99. However, they had them available as used, sold by Amazon Warehouse Deals, for $262.49. When I went to the listing and read it, I found out that they were brand new in the box with no damage at all. The only problem was the box had been damaged and possibly opened. I decided to give it a try and save $37.50. It would still ship for free with Prime, so I was in! They arrived, and were absolutely perfect! Yes, the box was damaged some, but the pots and pans were perfectly brand new, so who cares about the box? It was for me, not anyone else. Now anytime I make a purchase on Amazon, I am sure to check to see if it is available through the Warehouse first! Check out our affiliate link to the Amazon Warehouse Deals at the bottom of the page!
If you do choose to buy new though, please try to buy products made in the USA!
We also love FREE stuff!
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ONLINE SHOPPING
We do most of our online shopping through RAKUTEN (FORMERLY EBATES) and every three months they send us a "BIG FAT CHECK" with all the money we saved! Be sure to download the app onto your phone or computer so you don't forget to use them every time you shop! You can also use any coupon with an online code too. Read more about that under coupons. One of my favorite places to shop online is Amazon and I am an Amazon Prime Member. They don't always have discounts through RAKUTEN, but they usually beat the prices anywhere else!
We do most of our online shopping through RAKUTEN (FORMERLY EBATES) and every three months they send us a "BIG FAT CHECK" with all the money we saved! Be sure to download the app onto your phone or computer so you don't forget to use them every time you shop! You can also use any coupon with an online code too. Read more about that under coupons. One of my favorite places to shop online is Amazon and I am an Amazon Prime Member. They don't always have discounts through RAKUTEN, but they usually beat the prices anywhere else!
RAKUTEN Example: Recently, we purchased a television from Target. It was on sale for 299.99, a price that we could not beat anywhere else. We came home and went onto RAKUTEN, which was offering 2% cash back at Target. We purchased the tv through them using our red card (which gives 5% off on any Target purchases and offers free shipping) and chose to do a store pick-up right around the corner from our home on the same day. The Target Red Card 5% gave us $15 off, for a price of $284.99. Using RAKUTEN gave us 2% cash back at Target so we received a credit of $5.70 into our RAKUTEN account. That brought the total purchase price of the tv down to $279.29. Using the Target Red Card, and shopping through e-bates saved us a total of $20.70 on the purchase. Worth it!
Signing up is easy and there are hundreds of stores to choose from. They also show a list of coupons that are available to be used at the store. Also, if you receive a coupon in the mail, say for a store like Sears or Kohls, that can also be used. Any valid coupon code can be entered and used to reduce your final cost and sometimes more than one can be used. They also have special offers for double cash back stores each week. If you are patient, and you shop during double cash back...well you know what will happen!
You can also earn cash back (right now if you sign up through the link below, you and I will each earn $30 after your first purchase through them!) Then you can share your own link and earn $30 for any friends that sign up through you! But first you need to get started and make your own account. It's a win-win for both of us!
Signing up is easy and there are hundreds of stores to choose from. They also show a list of coupons that are available to be used at the store. Also, if you receive a coupon in the mail, say for a store like Sears or Kohls, that can also be used. Any valid coupon code can be entered and used to reduce your final cost and sometimes more than one can be used. They also have special offers for double cash back stores each week. If you are patient, and you shop during double cash back...well you know what will happen!
You can also earn cash back (right now if you sign up through the link below, you and I will each earn $30 after your first purchase through them!) Then you can share your own link and earn $30 for any friends that sign up through you! But first you need to get started and make your own account. It's a win-win for both of us!
SIGN UP AND TRY IT - CLICK THE ICON BELOW
SALES
We are always keeping an eye on sales and only buy something if it is on sale. Be careful though, I am sure you have seen sales that you know were still a scam! We keep an eye on flyers and the internet. If we can combine a store or manufacturer coupon and an RAKUTEN savings, even better! Sometimes you can even use more than one coupon - this is called stacking!
We are always keeping an eye on sales and only buy something if it is on sale. Be careful though, I am sure you have seen sales that you know were still a scam! We keep an eye on flyers and the internet. If we can combine a store or manufacturer coupon and an RAKUTEN savings, even better! Sometimes you can even use more than one coupon - this is called stacking!
COUPONS
We find them online, in the Sunday paper, and even in magazines. However, be careful because the healthy foods usually don't have any coupons! Try to use store 'money off' or 'percent off' coupons rather than product coupons. For example King Kullen will often have a $5 off coupon if you spend $50. This is great because it can be used on fresh fruits and vegetables that don't have manufacturer coupons. When it comes to other products, only save coupons if it is actually something you use regularly. For example, we use Scott toilet paper. They often have manufacturer coupons and I clip them when I see them. I do not clip any coupon for any other brand toilet paper no matter what. If the Scott is not on sale and/or I don't have a coupon, then I just buy the store brand which is pretty much the same! This usually doesn't happen though because I buy in bulk.
We find them online, in the Sunday paper, and even in magazines. However, be careful because the healthy foods usually don't have any coupons! Try to use store 'money off' or 'percent off' coupons rather than product coupons. For example King Kullen will often have a $5 off coupon if you spend $50. This is great because it can be used on fresh fruits and vegetables that don't have manufacturer coupons. When it comes to other products, only save coupons if it is actually something you use regularly. For example, we use Scott toilet paper. They often have manufacturer coupons and I clip them when I see them. I do not clip any coupon for any other brand toilet paper no matter what. If the Scott is not on sale and/or I don't have a coupon, then I just buy the store brand which is pretty much the same! This usually doesn't happen though because I buy in bulk.
Tips for using coupons:
- Stacking - combining two or more coupons for the same or different items in one shopping trip. The coupons must have different bar codes. For example, at Michaels, you can use a 20% off entire order coupon and a 40% off highest priced item together. However, the 40% off item will not have the 20% off applied to it. The 20% off will however apply to everything else you buy! Or, at Target you can use a Target coupon, a manufacturer coupon, and a cartwheel coupon for the same item. That's two different types of stacking. Not all stores allow stacking. A quick list of the stores I stack at: Michaels, Kohls, Rite Aid, and Target. If you aren't sure if you can use coupons together, ask. Ask a manager if the cashier says no. Managers can override and I have found cashiers that have been wrong. Click the following link for more information and a list of other stores that let you stack: http://lifehacker.com/seven-retailers-that-let-you-stack-coupons-1484256706
- Matching coupons with sale items - watch for what you use to go on sale and get out the coupons! Now it's a bargain. Even better if the coupon is doubled!
- Doubling Coupons - most grocery stores have a double coupon policy, but it is good to know what it is so you do not waste coupons that could be valued more elsewhere. See specific grocery stores and their coupon policies below.
- Printing Coupons Online - there are many sites that you can print manufacturer coupons or print store coupons from. You can also find coupon codes for use in on-line shopping. Check out the links at the bottom of the page. I use them all and I am usually not disappointed.
- Know the Store Coupon Policy BEFORE you shop there - pretty much every store posts their coupon policy on their website. The policies are very detailed and specific. They are also different at different stores. Some stores double one dollar coupons (King Kullen below) and others only double up to .99 cents. This can make a huge difference in your savings.
- Know if the Coupon is a Store Coupon or a Manufacturer Coupon - BEWARE - some stores will have coupons that state 'manufacturer coupon' on them, even though they are actually store coupons. This could lead an inexperienced cashier inadvertently telling you that you can't use two coupons (a store and a manufacturer). If the coupon is printed in the store flyer and can only be used at that store, then it is a STORE coupon - not a manufacturer coupon. For example - Rite Aid has coupons in their flyers that state 'manufacturer coupon' on them when they are actually a Rite Aid Coupon that can only be used at Rite Aid. True manufacturer coupons can be used in any store. So check the coupon ad. If it is really a store coupon remember that it can still be combined with a manufacturer coupon!
Resources for Printing and Using Coupons:
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/beginners/extreme-couponing-101
http://www.passionforsavings.com/printable-coupons/
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/printable-coupons-2015
http://www.dealsplus.com
http://lifehacker.com/seven-retailers-that-let-you-stack-coupons-1484256706
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/beginners/extreme-couponing-101
http://www.passionforsavings.com/printable-coupons/
http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/printable-coupons-2015
http://www.dealsplus.com
http://lifehacker.com/seven-retailers-that-let-you-stack-coupons-1484256706
MADE IN AMERICA
If you can buy something made in America, then do it! It is important to support products made here in the USA. I am personally even willing to spend a little more for a product if it is American made. Especially if it is a big ticket item like appliances or furniture. Read our post Made in America for more information!
If you can buy something made in America, then do it! It is important to support products made here in the USA. I am personally even willing to spend a little more for a product if it is American made. Especially if it is a big ticket item like appliances or furniture. Read our post Made in America for more information!
READ PACKAGING AND LABELING CAREFULLY!
Check out our Pinterest Page Made in America for brands and items made in America!
Read about our Top 4 Made in America Purchases for 2015!
Watch our Video Series on our YouTube Channel where we talk about the different products we use that are MADE IN THE USA!
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