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Hello,
We had scheduled a camping issue for this week, but as we started to put it together we realized we already did a camping issue back in June. So if you were looking forward to some camping tips, be sure to check the camping issue at the link below.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10051863.tip.html
This weeks newsletter contains shopping tips. Most of the tips are focused on big ticket purchases. We hope you find them useful. We also have a related poll today.
Poll: How do you like to research large purchases?
Answer this poll:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36991867.tip.html
Before you buy a big ticket item (or any product), feel free to post a Product Review Request on ThriftyFun at the link below.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/product_request.lasso
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tips:
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Tips
Know Store Return Policy Before Buying
Before purchasing something from a store, make sure you know and understand their return policies, and how they apply to what you are buying. Most stores have restocking fees for opened items and some items like software cannot be returned if opened. Also, some stores only accept returns of certain types of items, like electronics, for anywhere from 7 to 30 days after purchase.
By Fisher
If you are buying a store brand for the first time and are hesitant if it will match up to the brand name, check with the store on their satisfaction/return policy. The Target and Walmart near me will refund 100% of your money if you are unsatisfied, as long as you retain the receipt. This was great to know when I started experimenting with store brand diapers and also formula. Nothing wasted if you know you can return it if it doesn't prove to be satisfactory.
By Keelie S.
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Using Coupons Before They Expire
When using coupons, I organize them by month not the item. For instance, all my January coupons are in the December area of a coupon saver and my February Coupons are in the January, March coupons are in February, etc. Check your dates and then put in a month ahead. You won't have another expired coupon. Works for me. Hope it works for you.
By CONNIE from Ballwin Missouri
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Additional Warranties at Checkout
At checkout at electronic stores, the clerk will always offer you an additional warranty. The script usually sounds a little like this: "Would like addition buyers protection on this product for only $20.00". Only buy products that have good warranties in the first place, and say "No" when a checker offers you an impulse warranty on electronics. If you are afraid that the product will not last past the manufacturers warranty, it's probably not worth buying. Also, your credit card may offer extended warranties on purchased items already.
By Fisher
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Avoid "Skip Payment" and "No Payments or Interest Until" Offers
When shopping, avoid "skip payment" offers as they cause you to pay more interest and face larger bills. Also, avoid "buy now and pay later" offers, which encourage you to spend money you don't have.
By Terri H.
Editor's Note: One thing to keep in mind about many "No payments or interest until..." offers is quite often once the no payment period has past, they not only start charging you interest on the balance but also charge you the back interest that you thought you saved.
The way to take advantage of these offers is to ensure that you actually pay off the balance before the end of the promotional period. Read the terms VERY carefully because their goal is to make sure that you DO pay interest.
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Saving Money on Major Purchases
When you're thinking about a major purchase make yourself a list and stick to it. It's too easy to be caught up in the moment and buy before you really think about something first. Don't let anyone push you by intimidation. If you are not 100% sure, you can always think on it and often will end up with a better deal.
By Nancy Kashdin from Elmira
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Things To Consider When You Buy Something
At least it is for me! When I am thinking of buying something, I make myself stop long enough to consider the following questions:
1. Is this a planned expenditure or an impulse buy?
2. Am I able to put it to good use right now?
3. How often per year will I be able to use it?
4. Do I have the cash to pay for it right now without impacting anything else?
5. Where am I going to put it or store it at home?
Most of the time, I decide against the purchase after the first couple of questions but if I make it through all of them, I ask myself do I really need this and what else will I be giving up if I do purchase it?
I have found during the past couple of years that I am able to avoid almost all impulse spending in this manner and even most of the planned purchasing. The only thing that is multiplying and expanding is my savings account, and the elimination of any debt, which makes me very happy. This is the 8th month in a row where I had more money left at the end of the month than I had planned on at the beginning.
By Ronsan
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Doing the homework before buying really pays off! Our church is replacing tables in the fellowship hall, and after selecting the brand, style and identifying number, I called all stores within a 30 miles radius to find out if they stock these, if they can order out for us, and ofcourse prices. I was really shocked at the disparity of price quotes. I was able to get the very best deal, the best service and exactly the model we want at a price way less than the others through a smaller company locally.
Because we are a church, and are supporting local business before heading to the big city some 30 miles away, they gave us an additional 10% off and offered to stock an additional 6 tables just in case we need them. How many tables are we talking about? Just a dozen. I let the telephone do the work and I am so very pleased I checked with every business I thought might even remotely carry these tables. It sure paid off handsomely for us!
By Ronsan
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You can make shopping around a lot quicker if you have cellphone. Before you go shopping, write down the numbers of other stores that carry the products you are interesting in purchasing. That way you can call around to get competing price quotes and not have to drive to every store. Even if you don't have a cellphone, some stores have courtesy phones you can use.
By Fisher
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I always spend less money if I use cash instead of my debit card or check book.
An excellent tip that I have used for years is so easy. When I shop, I always use money. When my change back consists of loose change, I always throw it in the bottom of my purse, instead of placing it back in my change compartment. At the end of the week, I empty all the change I've collected for that week in my change jar at home. I don't touch it till it's filled. Then I go to the bank with the change and deposit it into savings. It's always amazing how much I've saved by a simple task.
By Kathy
Leave your debit/credit cards at home when you go shopping. Take only the amount of cash you need, or have budgeted to spend. If you have any left at the end of your shopping trip, put it in a jar at home to save up for a special treat.
By Susan from Mount Vernon, WA
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Consequences Of Shopping Impulsively
Questions to ask yourself first:
DO I NEED IT?
If your honest answer is no, think about the things that you "really do" need.
CAN I AFFORD IT?
Tell yourself, if I have the extra cash yes but, If you have to reach for that credit card then you can't afford it.
DO I HAVE SOMETHING THAT WILL DO JUST AS WELL A HOME?
Re-evaluate what you have at home already and decide if this will fit your needs. If not, pack it up and give it to charity.
FIND A CHEAPER, MORE REASONABLE SUBSTITUTE.
Knock-Offs, need I say more.
HAVE I REALLY FOUND THE BEST DEAL?
It takes time and effort but comparison-shopping does make a difference.
AM I WILLING TO WAIT?
Play a game with yourself and walk to the opposite side of the store, wait 15 minutes, then decide if it is really worth it. Now a sale can really mess with your good sense of judgment. Simply getting away from the situation for a couple of minutes (or days) can do wonders. Have you ever noticed that you require your children to be patient but rarely put the same requirement on yourself?
WHAT IF I DON'T WAIT?
Think about the consequences, how you'll feel, does it make you "feel" better to buy something? Do you have any underlying issues that you may need to address?
WHAT WILL THE CONSEQUENCES BE FOR MY ACTIONS?
Make a list of what the consequences will be if you buy that $50.00 purse or shoes. If it is paying the rent, the consequence is the bank will be calling you looking for their money. If it is buying groceries for the family, they will go hungry. I think this is easy enough to answer.
If you don't know the answer to these questions, please don't use that old saying "what I don't know won't hurt me", take it from someone whose been there and done that. It eventually will.
By KarensKrafts
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Buying Products with Blemishes
We've all probably shopped at a Factory Outlet Store before, knowing all the time, you're purchasing second quality products, that save us a lot of money. This can be done at the regular malls or stores, as well, ask if they have any of the products that you're looking for, but with blemishes.
My husband has bought Red Wing Brand work boots, with blemishes. The boots are going to get scratched up even more, the longer he has them, so why not save us some bucks, this way? My husband saved us about 30 dollars by doing this and the company paid shipping to our home!
By Terri
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Stores that sell appliances love to have people buy appliances on their high interest store credit cards. That can result in paying double for the appliances if you don't pay them off aggressively. Always try to save up for large appliance purchases rather than putting them on a credit card. Also, be sure to check the local want ads. You can find good deals on appliances from people who have recently upgraded theirs.
By ThriftyFun
Do you have any tips for saving money on appliances? Feel free to share them in the feedback forum below.
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Tips for Shopping at Outlet Malls
I am planning my first "Outlet Mall" excursion for this next month, for school shopping and for supplementing my little one's hand-me-down wardrobe. What is the best time of month to go to these stores? I know there is a Children's Place, Old Navy, Gap, and other big names (this is coastal OR). My GF and I will be going midweek, to avoid larger crowds!
camo_angels from Willa
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Maintain a notepad with sale items you need so it's handy when you go shopping.
By Lesliew
What do you do to keep track of sales? Post your ideas below.
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Don't buy items when you are stressed out or anxious. Always be prepared to leave a store or a car lot if you don't feel comfortable with your purchase. Most items can be returned, no questions asked, within the first month of purchase if they are unopened. So if you get home and have buyer's remorse because you feel like you paid too much or got pressured into buying something you didn't want, go ahead at take the item back immediately. Any reputable store will allow you to return the item.
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Before buying a big ticket item or anything that might not need, calculate how many hours it will take you to earn the money to buy the item. It helps me put the cost of purchases in perspective.
By Beth
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Always get a raincheck! If the store has run out of an item on special, it is well worth it to go to the service desk and request a raincheck. This will enable you to get the item at the sale price after the sale has ended. Be careful -- some rainchecks have an expiration date.
By Becki Harris
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