Hey, budget babes! We want to know your secret tricks for getting the most bang for your buck!

While shopping, paying bills, investing savings, and splurging on treats, what are your most original and fun bargain-hunting strategies?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Brenda Schmerl, Q&S Web Director,

STRETCHING A DOLLAR... well, first of all is that coupon actually saving you money- do you need that item....when you find deals stock up smartly ...the dollar stores can have great deals on makeup and supplies for baking...

We do several things.
First, always check the clearance rack first at all clothing stores...even the high prices ones have one!
Use the local dollar stores. THis is where we get all of our wrapping paper, cards, candy, etc.
Yard sales...many NEW things here...we go often when the season begins...and get plenty.

When you will be in the market for a new large appliance, get to know the people in the appliance department at your local Home Depot or Lowes. The "scratch and dent" items are usually put on the showroom floor on a specific day every week or month without advertisement. They are snatched up quickly because of the deeply discounted prices and usually minimal or easily fixed defects.

I found a great way to stretch a dollar for those who have a cat(s). When you find the large plastic bins (Rubbermaid - storage containers) with lids on sale, pick one up, bring it home and cut a hole large enough for your cat to fit inside. It's a covered litter box at a very good price! Works great for travel too!!

My bargain hunting strategies are on trash days to always look out to see what other people might have put on the curb. I found a beautiful frame that I took to a glass company and had a mirror put in for ten dollars. I also found an old tall wooden radio stand, that I brought home and painted and keep all of my cookbooks in.

The way that I strech a dollar is by clipping coupons and checking all my favorite stores ads.Then I plan my shopping around what is on sale for the week.

DOUBLE COUPONS. . . .STORE FLYERS. . . AND A LOT OF PATIENCE. I SAVE AT LEASE 45.00- 50.00 EVERY GROCERY STORE VISIT.
TAKE THE TIME TO CLIP THAT COUPON. . .IT DOES PAY OFF AT THE END.

Two words: Thrift Stores

Find a thrift store close to a wealthy area, and visit often.

They often have brand-new with tags designer clothing, small kitchen appliances, gifts, books, etc. for so little money you'll be able to shop until you drop for pennies on the dollar.

Only buy something you need when it's on sale, always use coupons with the sale item(s) (double coupons are the best), and keep an eye out for rebates on products. Online printable coupons, online coupon codes, and sites where you can purchase gift certificates or coupon books for restaurants and retailers are also available to take advantage of.

i always shop off season. i do the most shopping the day after halloween and christmas etc. i stock up on gifts thru out the year, clearance is the best. but you do have to be sure it will be used and not a waste, even at a great price you have to decide if you need it.

To stretch my fresh produce dollar, I always purchase what is on sale. For example, onions. When I chop the onion, I chop it all, and put the chopped portion of what I am not immediately using into a ziplock bag. If peppers are on sale, I chop them all and freeze them. If its strawberries, I chop them, and freeze them as well. I also prepare my own soup vegetables, by chopping the celery, carrots, and onions, etc. and freezing them in a freezer bag according to how much I will put into the pot. I save a lot of $ this way and I always have my veggies chopped and ready to go.

i save by using coupon and buying while things are on sale

quote:

Originally posted by Brenda Schmerl, Q&S Web Director:
Hey, budget babes! We want to know your secret tricks for getting the most bang for your buck!

While shopping, paying bills, investing savings, and splurging on treats, what are your most original and fun bargain-hunting strategies?

Post your dollar-stretching tips here -- we'll choose some to appear in our upcoming special Real Reader issue. If we pick yours, you'll win Sunsilk's Anti-Poof hairapy collection (shampoo, conditioner and 24/7 creme). Total Average Retail Value: $11

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I stretch a dollar by buying genetic brand products instead of popular brand name products. Also, I use coupon(s) whenever possible (available). Most of the clothes I buy are under $20 on the clearance rack. A few pieces I buy on clearance (at Walmart) for $5 or less.

I found that shopping our area Goodwill Stores is a great way to save money on purchases of clothes, dishes, glassware, shoes, etc. And if you are a book lover as I am, this is a great place to buy good books at very good prices.