Now is the time that everyone is stocking up on summer clothes. It’s getting warmer so people are buying shorts, tank tops, bathing suits etc. What does this mean? Winter clothes are on sale!
I know it seems odd to buy winter clothes in summer, after all won’t they be out of style by winter? The trick is to buy winter items that are necessary and that don’t fade as styles do. Jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens are all things that can be worn more than one winter in a row. Buy warm clothes that you know you’ll wear for years to come. A good investment is a leather jacket, or a bright red scarf. These are all things that go out of style more slowly than pea-coats and boots.
One of my favorite shoppers and someone who has taught me a lot about how to shop smart is my sister Cara. I decided to interview her so she could give some basic tips on overall shopping strategies. She is definitely someone to take advice from. Shopping with her has never saved me more money!
I’ve found that March is the month of birthdays. I’m a photographer so I love using my pictures in gifts. Walgreens has awesome deals on photobooks and more!
I’ve been getting back into working out lately, but instead of spending money at the gym, I’ve invested in small pair of hand weights that I picked up at Wal-Mart for $3.00 each. Not bad for being 3 lbs! To top it off I grabbed the Jillian Michael’s “30 Day Shred” for just $9.00 (also at Wal-Mart).
Staying fit does not have to be expensive. Before you start a gym membership make sure you have the time to go. So many people think they do and then realize they don’t! Look at your schedule and plan each time you’ll head to the gym each week. This will hold you accountable, keep you organized, and get you into an exercise routine!
Buy one get one! It’s a great deal right? Maybe. The only truly great bogo is buy one get one free, and that’s as long as it’s not a ridiculous price to begin with.
Buy one get one half off is actually only %25 off.
Buy two get one is actually only 1/3 off.
So you decide which BoGo’s are worth your time and budget!
My boyfriend and I love to read, but books are so expensive! Hardcover are the worst, but if you’re sentimental like me, they’re best. Books A Million often has bins with books average $5.00. They may not be in the “best” shape, but they’re still readable.
Also, go to consignment stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage sales. Books are everywhere here!
You’re budget might not always stay the same, so it’s important to stay on top of things. Keep updating your budget to fit your spending and saving. If you see yourself needing to save more the first place you should take the money from is your shopping cash! I know it hurts, and I know you’d rather live off of ramen noodles for a month, but if something needs to be sacrificed it should be your shopping budget.
I love my real jewelry, but it’s definitely not for every day use. So! I stick to my “fake” jewelry on an every day basis. However, “fake” does not mean “cheap”. Finding nice fake jewelry on a budget is not an easy task. So many times stores over-price their costumer jewelry because they know customers will spend the money. I rarely every buy costume jewelry at full price. Places like Kohls, Belk, Dillards mark up their jewelry so they can put it on sale later. So, wait until it’s on sale! Sooner or later that gorgeous ring, or stunning bracelet will be on the 30-40 percent off rack. When it is, scoop it up. If you’re a risk-taker like me, wait for the %75 off sales. Those are my favorite!
I absolutely love fried chicken! So this means I make it whenever I can. I’ve learned that when buying a full chicken it’s much cheaper to buy it not cut up yet. Then, have the butcher chop it up (unless you know how). For some reason stores charge more when they package a cut up chicken verses a non-cut up chicken.
Keeping your hair nice does not mean you have to buy the most expensive shampoo, conditioner, or whatever you use. Instead of heading straight for the professional hair care, check out the mid-priced lines. John Frieda for instance is a great hair care line and everything averages under $10. I put it in the $5.oo bin because all of my John Frieda products I use cost under 5 bucks! Just watch out of sales and coupons!