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Saving Money

General Shopping Tips

1. Use a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys: impulse-oriented items are usually near the checkout stand.
2. Shop around for major purchases. Use the Internet to find the best buy on items. For a major purchase, give yourself 24 hours to think about the purchase.
3. Use rebate offers and coupons only for items that you would purchase anyway.
4. Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out.
5. Look carefully at products in an aisle: the items with the bright and slick packaging are generally more expensive.
6. Items that aren't on sale are sometimes placed as though they are on sale, without using the word "sale” (in a display at the end of an aisle, for instance). Check the price to make sure it is actually “on sale”.
7. Every time you stop moving in a store, you increase your chances of putting something into your cart. Aisles, in which only two carts can fit, as well as colorful and attractive layouts, maximize the number of stops you have to make when shopping.
8. Carry a pocket calculator -- or use the one on your cell phone. Do the math to find out what the best buy is. Prices are chosen to make comparison math difficult. Instead of selling the 100-ounce detergent for $6 and the 200-ounce detergent for $11 (making it easier to figure out the better deal), they sell the 100-ounce for $5.99 and the 200-ounce for $10.89.
9. Higher-end stores will sometimes put items in "bins", but the prices are still quite high. The bin concept makes you think it is a bargain.
10. High-markup items are made to look prestigious. If you see something in a glass case, your initial reaction is to believe that it is valuable and prestigious to own. The truth is that these items typically have tremendous markup (jewelry, for example).
11. Ever noticed that at some stores, the cosmetic department is front and center? That's because it's very profitable, and by putting it in a place where people walk by time and time again, customers are more prone to make a purchase.
12. Some grocery stores will give you the item for free if the scanned price is incorrect.
13. If you've found the section you want, always look at the bottom shelf first. This is usually where the better per-unit deals are.
14. At the checkout, rethink everything you put in your cart -- and don't hesitate to hand an item to the cashier and say you've changed your mind.
15. If you leave the house without the coupon in hand, ask the store clerk if they have an extra flyer, or coupon on hand with no limit.

The content hereof, together with any attachments, are subject to Federal and State Copyright and Trademark protections. This content may not be used, reproduced or distributed in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of CLC Incorporated.

The information presented is not to be a substitute for seeking advice specific to your situation from a tax, legal or financial professional. If tax, legal or financial advice is required, contact a tax specialist, attorney or financial advisor.

“Put More Money In Your Pocket” was edited by Constance Foley, M.A.Ed. Contributors include, Donna Shackel, ATP®, CRTP, Jackie Neubert, CDFA™ and Constance Foley, M.A.Ed.