Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Printer
- Newspapers
- A Frugal Nature
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Step 1
Here are some at home ways you can spend less and get more...
1.If you can - shop by yourself so that you can stick to your list. Sometimes it's hard and we have to take family members along..get them involved in the fun of savings.
2. Do not shop when you are hungry. You'll buy too many craving items.
3.When using a Warehouse/Bulk shopping store be careful to buy the deals. There are some great bulk sales but also loads of expensive enticing items floating around the store..go in buy what's on the list and run to the cash registered before you get sucked into buying more of something than you will ever use.
4. Get a cheap coupon organizer. It's worth spending 5 bucks to get yourself on track..coupons thrown in a drawer will b forgotten.
5.Bring a calculator so you can determine figure out the better values and keep track of spending.
6. Use the coupons you cut and send in your rebates...the little bit of time you take to cut them, organize them
7. Don't just buy because it's on sale...if you might not use it - then don't. Save your money for the things you really love and you'll waste less and have more in the end.
8. Buy store brands when that are known for quality.
9.Cut down on all the over snacking...you'd be surprised how much you save when eating fruits and veggies versus fried foods and bagged chips.
10. Keep track of stores that take coupons and ones that double them. Have that list inside your coupon organizer. -
Step 2
The internet is chock full of forums. People are so wonderful about posting and sharing their saving finds. Pick a few forums that you love and check them often.Join their new letters if offered. When you find a great deal you might want to show some love back by passing the news on to frugal shoppers. These sites list the newest coupons, freebies and are one of the easiest ways to keep yourself up to date.
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Step 3
Join mailing lists for every local market and check their websites weekly. Almost every major company has a website these days and many of them have printable coupons. I found an amazing link that lists the majority of the grocery chains http://www.grocerysavingtips.com/grocerystores.htm give your home and email address and watch the savings flow. If you give your email address to your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, ice cream chain many companies email freebie promotional and Birthday coupons. You can sign your whole family up.
You can eat out with significant saving if you use Restaurant.com - you can spen 10 dollars and get $25.00 certificates for dining. Another way to get the newest coupons is to sign up for sites that are all about introducing new products for various companies. One of these sites I joined was Vocalpoint.com ...it's a community of women who give their opinions and enter contest, there are forums and the best part is coupons keep arriving in the mail for name brand items..the site also lists a lot of freebies to send for. -
Step 4
A unique and fun way to save money on meals is to become a mystery shopper. Restaurant mystery shops are common in trade for your observations you eat out for free and make a little cash. Not every company asks you to be certified. Check out volition.com and www.mysteryshop.org to learn about safe companies...you might love it and they often encourage you to bring family along.
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Step 5
And what a better way to save than to get freebies...I myself do surveys and many times I get to try samples of products - usually they come in a two week supply. I get paid for trying them and sometimes earn gift certificates that I can use for food and other items. Sites like Walmart have a very generous sample section worth checking out. The internet is full of safe categorized freebie sites full of samples there are even ones dedicates to pets. There are fun sites like Houseparty.com BzzAgent.com that give you a parties worth of products to try in exchange for word of mouth marketing. You might want to think about setting up an email account and database to keep yourself organized and for quick sorting.
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Step 6
Online grocery shopping often is the same price as in person. Many chain grocery stores offer online ordering and free delivery for first time users. Why not take advantage of this. Also coupon code sites may have additional offers. Type in a search engine the name of the store or item you want to purchase and add the words coupon codes and makes sure to get your addition savings.
Comments
jkopinion said
on 6/16/2009 Wonderful money saving tips! Thanks! 5*
Sondrac said
on 4/3/2009 Great article and well written!
Violets said
on 2/18/2009 Love the list of resources!
ACORN12 said
on 1/31/2009 Very well written and thorough!
insidestory said
on 1/30/2009 Amazing and detailed article thank you so much for sharig your tips to save money! Not shopping when hungry, has always made a big difference for me.