Many of you know I love a bargain…and I have a natural knack for saving money. I don’t know that I’ll do this monthly (I’m even contemplating a website that I can post info), but for this month, I thought I’d experiment and send a few friends some savings ideas. If you don’t want to receive this type of e-mail from me, just reply back and I’ll remove
you from my list for savings ideas.
For those of you who have a 2006 goal to save money, here are some ideas! First, check out the following 2 websites. They’re full of tips and savings ideas! There are many sites with ways to save, but start with just 1-2 that work for you. Then, go to these sites a few times during the year—maybe quarterly. Get 1-2 ideas and incorporate into your lifestyle.
Before you know it, you’ve saved a few dollars.
1-www.creativefrugality.com
2-www.miserlymoms.com
FYI—Annually, I set a goal to save $X (between $300-$1,000). I track my savings throughout the year and make it a game. If you are competitive, maybe this strategy will work for you. You’ll be surprised how saving $20 here and $50 there can add up!
A couple of easy tips— avoid tempting yourself to spend when you don’t NEED something. Toss catalogues and don’t look at them! Avoid going to the mall and shop with a list when you do shop. And when you do shop….and you find a REAL sale, think about buying now to save later (but don’t use as an excuse to over-spend).
January Shopping
I don’t want to incite anyone to go out and spend unnecessarily. However, if you are in the market for something below, here are some deals I’ve found lately. By the way, you can always purchase after holidays or during sales and put the item away in a “gift box” so you’ll have it available when you need it. I purchase many gifts after Christmas when items are 50-70% off. Don’t forget that after Valentine’s Day, you can get gifts that you can use at birthdays, in Easter baskets, or even Christmas (ex: Pencils with hearts on them are fun for your daughter to receive in her Easter basket).
Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate: If you shop at either Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate, you probably know they are both “going out of busines.” All merchandise must go by the end of January. So, stop by and get a deal if you can find a style you like in the size you wear!
Kohls: If you shop at Kohls, the two best times of the year are January and July. During these two months, you can often find sale racks with mark-downs up to 70% off.
Pepperidge Farm Thrift Store: For my VA friends, check out the Pepperidge Farm Thrift Store in Fairfax or Springfield. They have frozen dinner entrees for $3.99. They’re a delicious and inexpensive way to feed your family. Ask the store manager when he/she will receive the next shipment of frozen entrees in order to get the best selection.
Ross-Simons: With Valentine’s around the corner, let me mention that www.ross-simons.com has incredible deals on their website that are even less expensive than their catalogue. So, if you are in the market for jewelry or a special gift, check out this site to see if you can get a sweet deal!
Party City: Watch for when they sell solid colored napkins, table cloths, plates, etc. for $0.69 - $0.89 / each. This is the time to buy and stock up for birthday parties, school events, family socials, sporting event parties/events, etc. I recently bought
a bunch of napkins and plates to send to school when requested (for kids’ parties) and for my children’s b-day parties. You can always add colorful decor at the party and save a bit with simple napkins, etc. It’s the little things that add up fast!
****REMINDER—- I am available to speak on the topic of frugal living, budgeting, personal finances, etc. Let me know if you have a church or civic group that’s interested!
I’ve also written my first book, which is a devotional for the grieving. I’m humbled to share my story about losing my dad and the grief journey that followed. I am hoping I can help others who are hurting. Let me know if you would be interested in a copy (or I can speak to groups about the subject of grieving).
Joy to you! Michele