Frugal Shopping - The Best Way to Save Money

Have I got your attention? Fantastic! Now, I'll reveal the secret to spending less on each and every shopping trip.

Ahem...drum roll please...

__ Don't go shopping in the first place! __

The reality is, if you're just heading out to the malls or local shops to DO SOMETHING, then you're obviously going to be spending money just for the sake of shopping. If you're feeling bored, then do something else that you love: read a book you've been meaning to, call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, or do something wonderfully creative like painting. Or, just go for a walk somewhere without any temptations to spend.

Obviously, we all need to shop sometimes. We need to get groceries, and we need essentials like clothing. But, when you're shopping for all the wrong reasons - because you're bored/angry/upset/bummed out - then you're spending money for no real reason at all. It won't make you feel any better when you get the bills sent in the mail. So, if you're feeling the need for some retail therapy, try something else instead. You'll feel better and so will your wallet.

Frugal Shopping - Find Great Bargains in Bargain Bins

An even BETTER way to save money shopping than using coupons? Keep an eye open in your local supermarkets for bargain bins! They might be items stacked in a grocery cart, or maybe there's a clearance section. Some of these items can have their prices slashed by up to 80% or even more! Definitely worth the effort to find these goodies...

And as always, remember: It's only a bargain if you really NEEDED the item in the first place!

Frugal Tips - Track Every Penny You Spend

Frugal tip of the day:

Tracking what you spend gives you a starting point to work with when developing a new budget. If you don't know how you spend your money, how will you possibly know where to improve?

At the local dollar store you can get a packet of mini notebooks for a buck - I just got a package of five of them. I keep one in my purse at all times and write down whenever I spend (literally) a penny! Then, at the end of the week, see where your money went, and how you can improve.

Also, knowing that you have to write down your purchases in a book makes you more aware AND more accountable. That $5.00 latte looked delish when you saw it at the coffee shop, but you might feel sort of silly about it later on when you spent a fiver and have nothing to show for it.