22 posts categorized "Super Money Savings"

01/03/2011

Don't Let Your Gift Cards Collect Dust-Exchange Them

Gift 1 According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards remain the most requested holiday gift, with almost 55 percent of people reporting that they want one. Still, many of us will never get around to using our gift cards either because we’re too busy, we forget, or we just don’t like the store the gift card is from. The NRF reports that between 8%-10% of gift cards go unredeemed, if you’re guilty of not using gift cards, it’s time you stop throwing money away. We found a list of sites that will allow you to exchange your card for one your certain to use.

Sites such as Cardpool.com and Plasticjungle.com are becoming increasingly popular across the internet as more and more people are looking to exchange their unwanted gift card for one they’ll actually put to use. This particular site and others like it will buy back your unwanted gift card in exchange for cash, check, PayPal deposit, or an Amazon.com gift card. Keep in mind however; some sites will only pay you 60%-70% of its face value.  According to CNN, a $50 gift card from Sports Authority can be exchanged for $37.50 in cash, or a $39.38 Amazon.com gift card on Cardpool.com.  

If however you’re in the market for a new gift card, you’ll likely be able to purchase one at a discounted rate, making your money go even further. Sites such as Giftcardsagain.com allow users to buy unwanted gift cards as a discount. The card is then shipped free of charge and arrives within 7 business days.

Giftcardswapping.com will allow you to exchange your card for another one of equal value, however the cards available on this site are extremely limited and customers are required to shell out a fee of $3.99 for the service.

Cardavenue.com averages an inventory of approximately 5,000 cards each month, according to MSN. Users create a wish list where they can list the gift cards that they are willing to accept in exchange for their unwanted ones. The site however charges a fee of 3.95% to sellers and allows users to offer the seller cash on top of their gift to cover the balance.

One of the largest markets of gift card auctions however is eBay. The varieties of available cards are separated into multiple categories, including retail stores.

What many people may not realize is that gift cards equal money, regardless of where they are from. Don’t let your unused plastic collect dust at the bottom of your drawer, combine your unused cards to get the one you really wanted today! 

 

Did you know? El Paso Employees offers Visa gift cards. If your looking for that the perfect card, make it a Visa this way you'll know they're sure to use it, because a Visa gift card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted!

 

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Did you recieve a gift card this holiday season that you'll likley never use? Do you plan to exchange the card on any of these sites? Or maybe you've already utilized any one of these sites to get the card you really wanted. Tell us about it! We'd love to hear your stories!

11/15/2010

Create a Scrumptious Thanksgiving Feast without the High Cost

666356_76728159 The countdown for the Thanksgiving holiday has begun and most families will be celebrating with a traditional Thanksgiving feast. If you’re in charge of preparing this year's meal, you might be worried about the high costs of cooking such an extravagant dinner. Preparing a delectable Thanksgiving banquet however doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the 24th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates that the average cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 was $42.91 in 2009. The AFBF survey shopping list included turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices when purchasing these items. By shopping smart and following these tips, you too can keep the cost of your Thanksgiving Dinner down.

As with every purchase, it’s important to create a budget, so before you head out to start crossing items off your shopping list, you’ll need to calculate how much cash you’ll be able to set aside for your Thanksgiving dinner. Once your budget has been determined it’s important to know how many people you’ll be expecting so that you can begin to create a menu.

Start shopping early, many supermarkets offer special deals in the weeks leading up to the holiday. For instance, some offer free Turkeys when you spend more than a certain amount on grocery items. Office Depot is currently offering their customers a $10 Butterball coupon with a qualifying delivery order of $125 or more and Albertson’s is currently offering a free frozen turkey (up to 15 pounds) with a $100 purchase.

Do your research. When it comes to finding the best deals, shop around. You many not be much of a coupon clipper but if you’re looking to save money, now is the best time to start saving the weekly ad’s you’ll find in your local newspaper. Some supermarkets may even price match. While you may find great deals in 10 different grocery stores, you may be able to cut your shopping time in half by taking all of those coupons into the one store that is willing to match their competitor’s prices.

B.Y.O.P. When it comes to dessert, making a pie from scratch costs significantly less than purchasing a pre-made one, but if making desserts is not your specialty, consider asking each of your guests to bring over their favorite pie. This way, not only will you save time by not having to worry about dinner and desert, you’ll save money too.

Keep it simple. While Thanksgiving day dinner is an important meal that so many of us look forward to, keeping with the basics will not only help keep your cost down, but save you the stress of having to prepare even more food. Stay with the staples, such as turkey, potatoes, and stuffing. They are traditional favorites your guests are sure to love!

 

 

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Were these tips helpful? How do you keep your food costs down when preparing for your Thanksgiving feast? Share with us! We’d be happy to read your comments.

Did the holidays sneak up on you this year? Start saving early next year with a Christmas Club account from EPEFCU. Open one now through January 31st and start saving for next year today!

11/08/2010

Holiday Tavel for Less

319680_4318 It’s no secret that the holidays are peak travel times. So if you’re making plans to hop on a plane to Grandma’s this year, the earlier you start planning your trip, the further your dollars will go.

According to SmartTravel.com, fares steadily dropped in 100 of the most popular cities for Thanksgiving travel at the end of September, a trend that resembles last fall’s, when the best Thanksgiving airfare sales could be found at the beginning of October. Take advantage of sites that allow you to compare prices from various airlines. When prices drop you will be alerted via email so that you can choose a flight based on the best available option. Before making your final purchase from sites such as Expedia or Kayak however, always check the airline’s website first. Airlines will sometimes offer a better deal when you purchase directly from them online.

You will also find great deals on lodging through websites that allow you to bid for your room. Often times you can name your price and get a four star room at a price that you feel comfortable paying.

When searching for the best airfare deal, don’t rule out alternate airports. Secondary, smaller airports are usually cheaper to fly even after you factor in the cost of having to pay for transportation to your final destination. You’ll also find that during this time of year the smaller, out of the way airports are less crowded than the major airports, further eliminating the stress of traveling during this time of year.

Shopping online can not only reduce the stress that comes from dealing with holiday crowds, it can also save you money when it comes to delivering packages. Rather than checking in gifts for relatives at the airport, ship them directly to the intended recipient. Many websites will gift-wrap packages and include a greeting card for you at no extra cost.

When planning your getaway, avoid peak flying days, such as the day before and after the holiday. Also, consider flying the day of the holiday. The airports will most likely be quieter as most people will have already reached their destination and you’ll enjoy better ticket prices. Save money by booking connecting flights. While a connecting flight may not always be the easiest or most preferred way to fly, it is the cheapest; as long as you don’t mind the extra time it will take you to reach your destination.

If you’re wishing for a smooth trip this season, be prepared for the unexpected, plan for unforeseen delays by signing up for real-time flight status updates that can be delivered straight to your phone. Furthermore, make certain to pack extra snacks and batteries.

 

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Remember, when traveling during the holiday season, the key to a stress free trip is to plan ahead and start early. This includes saving for Christmas gifts early in the year. At EPEFCU you can open up a Christmas Club Account which lets you save early for Christmas expenses. Were these suggestions helpful? What other tips would you offer for those trying to save money while traveling this season? Let us know! We’d be honored to read your comments!

11/05/2010

Deck Your Halls for Less

Holiday blog ornament The holidays have arrived and for many it means a slew of festive décor will soon fill your homes. Your home can look like that picture perfect living room in this month’s Home and Garden, and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. We’ve put together some smart holiday shopping tips and ideas to make decorating easy on your wallet.

As with any other shopping trip, before heading out, sit down and create a budget. This should include the amount you feel comfortable spending on holiday décor. Remember that this budget does not include any items you will need to purchase for gifts. Once you have created a budget, store the allotted amount in an envelope and use only this cash to make your purchases. By setting aside the money in an envelope, you won’t be tempted to go over budget once you’re out shopping. By using a debit or credit card however, it’s a little easier to convince yourself that even going $20 over budget is okay.

Before heading to the craft store, fire up your computer and try to cross off some of the items on your holiday check list by purchasing them online. Websites such as save-on-crafts.com and factorydirectcraft.com offer an array of festive adornments at a significantly lower price than the local retail stores.

Also, check to see if retailers offer online coupons that you might be able to print out and use in-stores. Hobby Lobby for example offers a weekly coupon. This week’s coupon was worth 40% and could be used on any item at regular price. Simply print out the coupon and enjoy your savings.

Bring out your creative side. With do-it-yourself crafts, not only will you save money, you’ll also get to spend some quality family time. For a chic centerpiece, walk outside and collect the best looking pine cones you can find. Next, lightly spray-paint the pine cones in shimmering colors, such as gold or silver and cranberry red. Display your artwork in a glass bowl. Making natural decorations is an inexpensive yet tasteful way to decorate your home.

Shop smart by purchasing your festive décor off season. During the holiday’s you can expect to pay a fortune for decorative items. However, come December 26th most retail stores are going to be looking to unload all of their unsold items. Take advantage of the slash in prices and stock up on big ticket items you can store away for next year. You may be able to find outdoor decorations marked down by nearly 75% after the holidays.

Don’t exclude discount stores such as Big Lots or even Dollar Stores for basic items such as Christmas lights and wrapping paper or gift bags. Chances are you’ll find the same festive patterns and lights you’d find at large retailers for much less.

The nearest retail store is not the only place to find holiday ornaments. Make a trip to your attic or your grandmother’s home to rummage through old holiday decorations. Heirloom ornaments or old greeting cards can add warmth, tradition, and a greater sense of meaning to any room in your home this holiday season.

 

 

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How do you celebrate the holiday season without breaking your budget? Share your secrets with us! We’d be honored to read your comments!

 

11/01/2010

Stay Warm this Winter without the High Price

Winter The holidays have officially begun, and with November underway we’ve noticed a change in the weather here in the Sun City. It won’t be long before we’re switching off our air conditioners and turning on our heaters. According to the Energy Information Administration, households heating primarily with natural gas will spend an average of $27 more this winter, that’s a 4% increase compared to last year. Approximately 52% of households in the U.S rely on natural gas as their primary heating fuel.

It’s easy to keep your heating bill under control this winter season. Perhaps the most obvious solution is to turn down your thermostat. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save as much as 5% on heating costs, according to the Consumer Energy Center.

If you plan to leave your home for hours at a time, turn off your thermostat completely and take advantage of the sunlight during the day by opening up your windows to allow the natural light to heat your home. Once the sun has set, make certain to close your curtains or blinds to keep the heat inside your home.  

Replacing your windows could also save you money when it comes to your winter heating bills. If you’re looking to invest in new windows, look for the energy efficient kind that will help you keep more money in your pocket in the long run.

The government is currently offering a 30% tax credit if you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home. This includes energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights. The offer ends December 31st of this year however, so if you’re planning on replacing your windows soon, it may be wise to invest in energy efficient windows before the years end.

Make the most out of your kitchen this winter by putting your recipes to use. Using the oven and stove to cook or bake can help keep your living space warmer. Your stove however should never be used as a space heater. Doing so may produce toxic levels of carbon monoxide.

Make certain heat stays inside your home by fixing the leaks around areas such as doors and windows. Not certain if your home contains leaks? Light a candle and hold it up to areas that are likely to have a draft. Blocking those drafts is an easy fix and can be done in one day. Pay a visit to your local hardware store. Look into purchasing door sweeps and caulking to patch up those drafty areas around windows and doors. If your home has a fireplace, make certain that the flue is closed properly to ensure that heat is not escaping your home.

Reduce your water heater temperature. The Consumer Energy Center recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to shave off up to 11% on your heating bill.

Insulating certain areas in your home could also have an impact on your home heating costs. In older homes, insulating places such as an attic or a basement is a simple and cost effective solution.

 

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How do you keep warm during the winter months without running up your home heating bill? Let us know! We’d love to read your comments.

10/25/2010

Don't Let Scary Price tags Keep You From Purchasing a Costume this Year!

Halloween2 Halloween is just around the corner and if you’ve been putting off purchasing your costume because of the scary cost then we’ve got some costume buying tips that are sure to make your wallet happy.

Putting your Halloween costume together this year doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, just a little bit of creativity. While it may be easier to purchase a costume complete with accessories, it may not be the smartest thing if you’re trying to save some money.

Start by raiding your own closet for costume pieces. Those items at the back of your closet you thought you’d never wear just might come in handy this October. If you still can’t find what you need, visit your nearest thrift store. Second-hand clothing stores carry a variety of pieces at very little cost.

Using real clothing pieces from either your own closet or from a second-hand shop will not only save you money, but it will give your costume a more authentic look.

If after rummaging through your old clothes and thrift stores you still come up empty handed, consider waiting until a few days before Halloween. Seasonal items will usually be marked down significantly, including Halloween costumes and candy. While you may not get to pick from a large selection, your new outfit will definitely cost you less a few days before the holiday. Also, make sure to look over the clearance section first. Oftentimes the newest design of a pirate costume will cost more than last year’s version.

Halloween costumes are usually only worn once a year and by the following year, you’ve got a new costume in mind. Instead of paying full price for a costume you’ll most likely only wear once, get together with family and friends and exchange costumes. Their old outfit can make you look brand new.

When searching for your new look this holiday, stay away from specialty stores and consider purchasing your new outfit at a drug store or other discounter such as Walgreens or Target. These stores have a great selection of holiday costumes and accessories at a much lower price than specialty stores. Can’t find your size? Both Target and Walgreens sell Halloween costumes online. You are sure to find what you’re looking for if you opt for purchasing your costume via the internet, just make sure you place your order with enough time to receive your shipment.

 
Lastly, while it’s difficult to predict what you’ll want to wear a year in advance, you can bet on finding great deals on left over Halloween costumes the day after the holiday. Get a head start on next years festivities by purchasing your costume a few days after Halloween and you’re sure to encounter some significant markdowns. 

This Friday our branches will be celebrating Halloween by dressing up and decorating their lobbies. We’ll be making the rounds with our camera in tow and uploading pictures of all of the creative costumes and we’ve decided to let you, the member vote! So check back on Friday and vote on your favorites all weekend. 

 

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Were these tips helpful? What have you done to save money for the upcoming holiday? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!

10/04/2010

What You Need to Know About an IRA

Mblog Now that you’ve learned the basics of a 401(k) we’d like to go over the fundamentals of another investment option, the IRA. An IRA or Individual Retirement Account is a type of savings account with larger tax benefits. Keep in mind that an IRA account is not an investment; it is merely the account that holds your investments, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

Unlike a 401(k) which is provided by your employer, an IRA is an investment vehicle which you open on your own. If you’re interested in opening an IRA, you have several different options; however, the two most common types of IRA’s are a ROTH IRA and a traditional IRA.

The main difference between the two is the point at which you will be required to pay income taxes on your money. With a traditional IRA, taxes are typically paid when money is withdrawn from the account once the owner is ready for retirement. A ROTH IRA however works in the reverse. Taxes are paid not when the money is pulled from the account but rather when it is deposited into the account. In both cases however, your money grows tax free while it remains in the account.

According to schwab.com, a traditional IRA contribution for 2010 is fully deductible for single filers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $56,000 or below (partially deductible $56,000–$66,000). For married filing jointly, the phase-out range for deductibility is $89,000–$109,000 ($167,000–$177,000 for the nonparticipant spouse of an active participant in a qualified employer plan, when filing jointly).

Contributions to a Roth IRA are never tax-deductible, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free (unlike withdrawals from traditional IRAs, which are taxed as ordinary income). For 2010, you can contribute the maximum to a Roth IRA if your Adjusted Gross Income is at or below $105,000 for single filers and $166,000 for married filing jointly. You can make a partial contribution if your Adjusted Gross Income is between $105,000–$120,000 for singles and $167,000–$177,000 for married filing jointly.

Like a 401(k), there are limitations as to how much money you are allowed to put into your IRA each year. On average, anyone under the age of 50 can deposit up to $5,000 a year. The older you are the less you are able to contribute each year. 

Another difference between the two accounts is the time at which you are required to begin pulling your money from the account. In the case of a Roth IRA, you have the option to leave your money in the account for as long as you need, all the while your money will continue to grow. In the case of the traditional IRA however, you are required to begin withdrawing money from the account when you reach the age 70 1/2.

When deciding where to open up your account, be sure to find out first if you will be required to start with a minimum initial investment, or if there is a minimum on the amount of contributions that you will need to make. Find out if there are any fees which may you may be charged and if the company offers automatic contributions.

Remember, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement. Make an appointment with a financial advisor, or open up an IRA account online. In any case, you’ll be glad you decided to invest in your future sooner rather than later come retirement.

 

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 Do you currently contribute money into an IRA account? Why or why not have you chosen this investment route? Share with us! We’d be honored to read your comments.

09/17/2010

Smart Fall Buys

Todaysblog Itching to go on a shopping spree? Pick up these items for fall and save.

It’s hard not to splurge every once in a while, especially if you’ve recently buckled down and tried living on a budget. If you’ve been feeling withdrawal symptoms from your shopping spree days and are ready to take a break from your budget, get your fix while still shopping smart and pick up these fall items.

Start shopping for next year’s summer wardrobe. As the fall and winter months near, summer clothing is pushed to the back of the store and marked down as retail stores begin making room for the new fall lineup.

Planning on getting away this holiday season? Plan on purchasing your holiday airfare tickets during the September and October months as airlines typically begin to raise their prices after October, when people begin to purchase their tickets for the upcoming holidays. For the cheapest seats, avoid booking airfare for the busiest holiday travel days. For the Thanksgiving holiday, this means avoiding the Wednesday before and the Sunday after; for New Year’s, avoid returning between Jan. 2 and Jan. 4, says walletpop.com.

If you’ve been longing to trade in the clunker in your driveway for your dream car, now is the time. The end of the year marks the time when dealerships and automakers are trying to clear lots and make room for next years models. While you might not have as big a selection as you would in January, you can count on negotiating a good deal on the “older models.”

You probably aren’t thinking about lounging on your patio as the temperatures begin to drop, but this is certainly the best time of the year to purchase patio furniture. The prices are usually reduced as retail stores try to rid themselves of the remainder of the summer items and make way for the fall and winter ones.

While your busy preparing and shopping for the upcoming holiday season, don’t forget to take advantage of the great deals offered at the end of the year. Thinking ahead of time and shopping wisely will help you maintain a budget during the busiest shopping season of the year.

Were these suggestions helpful? What other great deals have you come across during the fall season? Tell us! We’d be honored to read and learn from your comments!

09/03/2010

TGIF: Thank God it’s free (and Friday!), 7 things you shouldn’t be paying for.

With September underway the holiday season is just around the corner, which means the Christmas shopping season will soon be in full swing. If you’ve neglected to notice that there are only three months left to start saving for the holidays, don’t panic. We’ve put together a list of items you should be getting for free. Stop paying and start saving, there’s still time!

Stop paying for your daily dose of news. Still paying for the newspaper? Save on subscription costs by opting for the online version, most of the time you’ll find the same content online as you will in print.

Sure FIJI water looks great, but it’s also costly, especially when you have an endless supply of water at home and while it might not technically be free why not take advantage of something you pay for on a monthly basis? If you don’t like the taste of tap water invest in a water filter and a reusable water bottle. According to cleanair.org, Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Stop adding to the statistics, you’ll feel better about yourself knowing that you’re saving money and the earth.

Love to read? We understand that for true literary enthusiasts, eReaders might never be able to replace the feel of a good book in your hands. We aren’t asking you to give up the real thing; we just want you to stop paying for it. Why pay upwards of $15 for a paperback at Barnes & Noble when you could get it for free? Head out to your local library and start checking out your favorite paperbacks free of charge.

Moving? Stop paying for packing supplies. Businesses like Wal-Mart throw out plenty of boxes on a weekly basis. Take a trip to a nearby retail store and ask them what day their shipments come in. Chances are they won’t mind unloading boxes on you; they would have been throwing them out anyway.  

Checks are costly and unnecessary when so many financial institutions offer free online bill pay. You can add anyone as a payee and never use paper checks again. Not signed up? El Paso Employees offers free bill pay with every checking account.

Looking to adopt a new pet? Shelters usually charge a small fee when adopting a pet; however, people are welcoming unexpected liters everyday and giving them away completely free. Try searching for unwanted pets on sites such as Craigslist.

We’ve mentioned this one before but it’s such a great find that we’ll tell you about it one more time, just in case you missed our previous blog post. Google’s free service works just like 411, only better because it’s absolutely free. If you’re in need of a number with no phone book in sight, dial 800-GOOG-411 (800-4664-411) and never pay for this service again.

Stop shelling out your hard earned dollar bills for these free items and you might just have a few extra dollars to throw into the Christmas fund. Learning to spend your money wisely and staying on track with your budget can take some practice. Start slow by following these simple tips and we’re certain that you’ll find new ways to trim down your expenses in no time.  


Was this list helpful for you? What other items can you add to the list? We'd be honored to read your comments!

08/30/2010

Stop Throwing Away Cash: Simple Ways to Save Money While Shopping

Who doesn’t love to shop? Some would even say it’s therapeutic and we would probably agree. Still, however “therapeutic” shopping may be, it is important that we learn how to shop within our means and discover the secrets of saving while shopping and (gasp!) perhaps have money left over after a shopping trip.

  1. Shop for quality. You may have to pay more money up front but you’ll save much more over time. Think furniture. Sure a kitchen table at a furniture store may cost more than the table you spotted at Wal-Mart, but shelling out the money in the beginning will save you from having to replace the cheaper item later. Look for strong wood pieces instead of opting for the cheaper particle board that resembles the look of wood. If you have kids, you’ll be glad you invested in the real thing.
  2. Do your homework. Hit the web for reviews before investing in a large purchase, you may find that the T.V. you’ve been eyeing doesn’t perform so well after all.
  3. Shop online. Some products should never be purchased in stores. We know you’re anxious and heading out to the store and buying your product will mean you’ll have it that same day, but patience brings savings. Certain products may be marked up anywhere from 90-1000 percent in stores! Instead, look for these products online:
  • T.V. Accessories
  • Audio Accessories
  • Cell phone Accessories
  • Computer Accessories
  • Movies
  • Books
  • Travel
  1. Before you make your next online or in-store purchase make sure to utilize search engines for price comparison sites to make certain you’re getting the best deal available. And don’t forget to use those online coupons! Ever notice the “promo code” box at the checkout page? Don’t leave it blank! If you don’t have a promotional code chances are you can find one online by simply searching phrases similar to “coupon code or “discount code” followed by the site you’re ordering from.
  2. Don’t be afraid to ask. Found a shirt with a missing button? Ask the store clerk for a discount! Chances are the shirt might not sell and if stores find someone willing to pay for the item they’ll let it go for cheaper.
  3. Avoid conveniently placed items. Take some time to study the layout of your supermarket before your next visit and keep some of that cash in your wallet.  According to an article posted on Yahoo, market owners oftentimes strategically plan out where they will place items in their stores. Knowing the tricks of industry experts can help you avoid their traps.
  • Sale items are usually placed near the back end of the store. This way, you’re forced to make your way through aisles filled with tempting items. Store owners and retail chains are counting on your weaknesses and hoping you won’t be able to resist the urge to place some of these items into your basket. By the time you’ve reached the sale items at the end of the store, your grocery cart is full.
  • Resist the urge to buy even more items at the checkout line. Have you ever thought about why there are so many “conveniently” placed items at the checkout line? Checkout lines are usually lined with countless titles of magazine subscriptions, packs of gum or candy, and even batteries or hand sanitizer. These items are there for a reason and they’re usually more expensive. Craving gum? Make your way into the candy aisle and buy your favorite pack in bulk. A 3-pack of gum from the out-of-the-way candy aisle will most likely be cheaper than the conveniently placed, individual item at the register.
  • Stick to the store perimeter. Staples such as milk and eggs are usually located along the perimeter of the store. Stores are counting on you to wander through the aisles in between the milk and eggs and pick up a few items that weren’t on your list. If you want to stick to your budget, stick to the perimeter of the grocery store.
  • Reach high and low for your purchases. Do your kids absolutely need Fruit Loops? No problem! Satisfying everyone’s cravings doesn’t have to break the bank. Instead of reaching for the brand name cereal however, take a look at the lower shelves, or make a stretch for the cereal on the top shelves. Stores usually place the most expensive items at eye level. Off- brand cereal will most likely be found a few shelves up or down, making it just a little less convenient to reach for.

 

It doesn’t take an expert to save some extra cash, but it does require a little extra leg work. Follow these steps and you might just find a little extra cash at the bottom of your wallet after your next shopping trip.

 

Were these suggestions helpful to you? How do you save money when you're out shopping?

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