MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine: Edition oNe (1): How to Shop

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting." -Benjamin Franklin -

This begins my short blog segment on MoneyTalk with Liza Corirne…

Did you know that a lot of people who become wealthy through inheritance or though hard work tends to purchase used cars?

Commonly my friends tease me because I am rather an economical shopper. I have been called crazy for going to after thanksgiving sales and even my boyfriend calls me his “frugal baby”, and this is okay with me. I hope that even when I am in a better financial situation I maintain my frugal ways. I believe that we develop such ways out of necessity or greed. As for me… it isn’t greed but necessity and sometimes kind of fun.

Liza Corrine’s Tips for Finding Good Deals
(Part 1: Nos. 1-5)

Please note I use terms “The Release” aka pros, benefits, etc. & “The Catch” aka cons, negatives, costs, etc.

1. Clip Coupons: Don’t be above this. You can clip coupons while you are sitting watching television. THE RELEASE: They are pieces of paper that when scanned at the appropriate place of business can save you money. THE CATCH: You have to pay attention to expiration dates and maintain a place to keep your coupons.
2. Shop Stores like Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Ross’s, etc: THE RELEASE: These stores have a lot of the name brand items (if you are into that type thing) for much cheaper prices THE CATCH: Items are often limited and/or out of season. These places can be disorganized.
3. When Shopping Online SEARCH for COUPON CODES: Take a moment before you check out and visit your favorite search engine (in my case Google) and search for the store you are about to make a purchase followed by the word coupon code (i.e. Target Coupon Code) . You can check the first couple of links and see if there is anything that you can use. OR you can bookmark a few that I use. Current Codes.com or Rebate Place.com THE RELEASE: You often save a decent amount of money if you only take the time to fill out the paperwork. Vendors count on you not wanting to take the time to do this. THE CATCH: It can cost you a stamp and time to fill out the forms.
4. Shop After Thanksgiving Day Sales: Better known as BLACK FRIDAY. If you lay out sale papers, choose the items you would like to purchase, then make a plan of action...THE RELEASE: you can save hundreds of dollars. THE CATCH: There can be negatives to this event… and that is what it is … an event! If you pick the HOT SPOT (the store that EVERYONE who is Black Friday Shopping has selected you could be in line for hours. Some shoppers are CRAZY!