Thrift Store Shopping

Whether you’re a student, a single parent, or a busy soccer mom, you know that your money is not going as far as it did a year ago. Everything is more expensive. Prices keep going up, and even “The Mega” discount store is starting to seem a bit pricey. It’s time to start looking at other shopping options. For many people, thrift stores are a great alternative to the overpriced merchandise found in the regular retail stores.

A lot of people don’t, or won’t, shop at thrift stores. Some people feel that they are “above” thrift store shopping, that thrift stores carry nothing but other people’s junk, or that thrift stores are dark, disgusting, and depressing. Just as there are dirty, disorganized retail stores, there are also dismal thrift stores out there, but most stores are moderately clean, quasi-organized stores that weed out the unsalable donated merchandise prior to stocking the shelves and racks. And the shoppers come from all walks of life.

People shop at thrift stores for any number of reasons. Some are, as you’d imagine, poor families trying to stretch their budget enough to cover all their needs; others are hobbyists seeking overlooked antiques and collectibles; still others make a business out of sorting through the clothes, books, and other stuff to find resalable goods; there are college kids looking for retro fashions; and so on. “Thrifting” is fun and inexpensive. It also provides funds for local charities and keeps perfectly usable goods out of landfills and incinerators.

If you’re new to thrifting, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your shopping excursion:

• Know Your Charity. Contrary to popular belief, most thrift stores do not exist to provide cheap goods for the poor — they exist to raise money to support their organization’s missions. Many thrift stores are run by churches or other charitable organizations; their goals are usually pretty self-evident. Major thrift store operations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, provide vocational training for the disabled, as well as raising funds for housing and food assistance for the needy. Habitat for Humanity raises funds to help defray home construction costs for deserving families. Knowing the store sponsor and their mission will sometimes give you a clue as to what kind of merchandise you’ll find there.

• Know the specials. Some thrift stores will give you a discount on your purchases when you make a donation. Some stores give military and public servant discounts. Your stores might have discounts on a specific day of the week. Always ask about sales or specials.

• Make Friendly with the Staff. If you start visiting a particular thrift store on a regular basis, you may find that being personable with the staff pays off in more than just good karma —employees may be willing to put aside things for you that meet your particular interest or needs, or hold purchases behind the counter until you can get back with the cash.

• Don’t Blow Your Budget. Be practical, and make sure you can actually use everything you are buying. Low prices and the “here today, gone tomorrow” nature of thrift stores often lead to hasty, spontaneous purchases. Don’t waste your money on things that you might need someday; only shop for things you will immediately use.

• Know Your Needs. Keep a running list of the things you need or want, current sizes, household measurements (e.g., window sizes), etc. Thrift stores are great for finding used, but serviceable, household goods, office supplies, sports equipment, books, and electronics (VCR’s, DVD players, CD players, scanners, computer monitors). Furniture is also easy to find, but it may take some looking to find items that are in good condition and attractive. A lot of people also find new or almost new clothing. Depending on what you are looking for, you may not find it the first time you walk in a thrift store, but with a little patience it is possible to find just about anything.

• Haggling. Don’t haggle just for the sake of it — chances are you’re already getting a bargain, and thrift stores generally aren’t under a lot of pressure to move any particular item. However, if something that you are interested in seems clearly overpriced, ask to speak with a manager and make a reasonable offer. Don’t be surprised if the store has a “no haggling” policy (many do), and don’t put floor staff in an awkward position by asking them to discount something.

• It’s Okay to NOT Buy Something. Thrifting isn’t like other shopping, where you go in with a list, buy what you came for, and leave. Thrifting is something of a scavenger hunt; part of the fun is in the looking. Have fun and don’t worry if nothing strikes your fancy enough to take home with you. You don’t have to buy something just because it’s cheap.

Thrifting is probably not the most efficient way to shop, so think of it as a leisure activity with occasional payoffs. Take a day your next free weekend to explore the thrift stores in your area and see what you come up with!

Spendster

A spendster is "someone who in a moment of weakness buys something they think they areally need and realize later they made a bad choice."

Spendster.org is a new site that allows real people to post true video confessions about their impulse buying, over-spending, and wasting money on stuff they don’t need. Spendster is sponsored by the National Endowment for Financial Education, and is a fun way to educate consumers on the dangers of compulsive spending.


http://cs64.clearspring.com/u/48dd53f22d0a3419/4908fa9a38c733e0

These videos are fun to watch until you realize just how much junk you've probably purchased in your own life.

October 30th Savings

Like most everyone else, I have a to-do list that never seems to end. The past couple of weeks have been especially busy, so I haven't been able to really get out there and bargain shop. I did, however, make sure I stopped at my favorite stores to pick up some really great deals on items with full store rebates. I love being able to pick up toiletries, personal care items, and more for FREE without spending time matching sales to coupons.

Everyone should be taking advantage of this budget stretcher. It's easy; it doesn't take any more time than you already spend shopping for nonfood necessities; and, the chain drugstores issue the rebates in a reasonable amount of time. I save thousands of dollars a year on hair care products, make up and skin care, toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene items, air freshener and household cleaners, laundry detergent, and other miscellaneous merchandise. That's money that I can use to buy something that I want...like a really tricked out name tag. LOL!

Product	Reg Price	Sale Price	Man Cpn	Store Rbt	Final Price
Rite Aid
GE 9 Ft. Extension Cord	5.79	2.00	-	2.00	0
GE 6 Outlet Power Strip	8.99	5.00	-	5.00	0
L’Oreal Age Perfect Tinted Moisturizer	19.99	15.99	-	15.99	0
Adidas Body Spray	4.99	3.99	1.00	3.00	-.01
Citre Shine Miracle Serum	7.99	5.99	-	5.99	0
Citre Shine Gloss Gelee	4.99	3.99	-	3.99	0
Charles Worthington Dream Uncurl Balm	8.99	6.99	-	6.99	0
Oral B Artica Toothbrush	3.49	2.49	-	2.49	0
Sally Hansen Lip Inflation	7.89	6.29	-	6.29	0
Axe Detailer Shower Tool	5.99	3.99	-	3.99	0
Denta Burst Teeth Cleaners	2.99	1.99	-	1.99	0
Kotex Security Tampons	3.99	3.00	-	3.00	0
Subtotals	86.08	61.71	1.00	60.72	-.01
Walgreens
Almay One Coat Mascara	6.99	6.99	-	6.99	0
L’Oreal Age Perfect Tinted Moisturizer	19.99	19.99	-	19.99	0
Subtotals	26.98	26.98	-	26.98	0
CVS
4 Soy Joy	8.00	4.00	-	4.00	0
Bic Comfort 3 Advance Shavers	5.99	5.89	2.00	4.00	-.11
Bic Comfort 3 Advance Shavers	5.99	5.89	2.00	4.00	-.11
Subtotals	11.98	11.78	4.00	12.00	-.22
	Reg Price	Sale Price	Man Cpn	Store Rbt	Final Price
Grand Totals	133.04	104.47	5.00	99.70	-.23

Cut Hundreds of Dollars Off Your Grocery Bill Every Month

Imagine reducing your grocery bill by half. Now imagine what you could spend that extra money on: an exotic vacation, a new wardrobe, a much-needed set of tires… or all of the above!

By using the following tips, savvy shoppers can save $300 a month, or more, off their grocery bills. Are you ready to get practical?

1. Do A Little Homework
Plan you list before you go shopping to help shop more economically. Take the time to read the sale fliers and plan your meals based on store specials. Do a quick inventory of your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to determine what food you need. Make a shopping list and go through your coupons.
2. Choose the Right Store
Grocery stores offer excellent frequent shoppers programs and double coupon days. If you’re buying in bulk you may want to try a warehouse club or superstore; non-perishable items are often cheaper at such stores. For the best prices on health and beauty products check the national drugstore chains and superstores for unbeatable sales and incentives.
3. Eat Before Shopping
Eating prior to shopping will dramatically cut down on impulse shopping. When grocery shopping, you are more inclined to buy more (junk) on an empty stomach. Not only do people typically spend around 10%-15% more when grocery shopping hungry, they tend to load up on unhealthy items. Eating before you go shopping can not only save you a few dollars, but it can also be the healthier alternative.
4. Coupons, Rebates, and Frequent Shopper Programs
You can save hundreds of dollars a year by taking advantage of product incentives. Even the occasional coupon clipper can save an average of 10% off their bill by using in a few coupons per trip. Sign up for your store’s frequent shopper program. You get advanced notice of sales as well as other special loss leaders, double-coupon days, freebies, and money saving opportunities. Redeem product rebates, especially if the promotion is sponsored by the store selling the item - they generally rebate quickly and promptly.
5. Store Brands
Generic no longer means bland and tasteless. Companies have worked hard to improve their store-brand foods and the taste is often equal to national brands. Take advantage of sales on store brands to try the product. If you find that it meets your standards, and your family can’t tell the difference, you can save an average of 40% off your annual grocery bill simply by switching brands.
6. Limit Impulse Buying
Avoiding spontaneous shopping trips is the easiest way to deter impulse buying. Making and sticking to a shopping list will also help cut down adding things to your basket that you don’t need. Don’t shop when you’re in a hurry – you’re less likely to comparison shop or use coupons. Set a dollar limit for impulse buying to help soothe cravings without busting your budget.
7. Comparison Shop
To determine the real cost of a product read the unit price, not just the package price. The unit price information is usually located on the shelf sticker. The package price only tells you the cost of the entire item while the unit price tells you the cost per pound, per ounce, etc. Take a moment to compare this information in similar products to get the best value for your dollar. Also, be certain to check "expiration" and "use by" dates to insure you are buying the freshest products.
8. Beware of Marketing Strategies
Be alert to marketing tricks designed to attract your attention to a particular product. A few of the more frequently used marketing ploys are middle-shelf placement, recipe related item placement, end-of-the-aisle bins, and island displays. These places are where stores typically place the higher priced and impulse merchandise.
9. Watch the Scanner
Keep your eyes on the scanner as your purchases are being rung up. Sometimes an item doesn’t ring up correctly, and you’ll want to stop the checkout process if the register shows a price other than the one advertised. Have a copy of the store circular with you so that you can show proof of an advertised price. You can also ask the cashier to stop ringing while a price check is being done.

It's possible to cut your grocery bill by hundreds of dollars a month. My savings ideas are a good way to start. And don't think that you have to do all of them in order to save. Start with one suggestion that best suits your lifestyle, and incorporate more as you go along.

Christmas Shopping at Hamricks

I've already started my Christmas shopping. I usually shop early, but this year I'm extra motivated because my college finals are the second week of December. This seems to be a great time to do my shopping, too. Retail stores are having fabulous sales right now. One of my current favorite stores is Hamricks.

Hamricks, a Gaffney-based family clothing store, has 15 locations throughout North and South Carolina, as well as one store each in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia; Kingsport, Tennessee; and Roanoke, Virginia. If you've never shopped at Hamricks, you need to check them out!

I've been shopping Hamricks sales for the past month, and I'm pleased to report that Ive almost completed my Christmas shopping at a fraction of what I've spent in past years.

I purchased Urban Frontier brand men's pullover fleece at $7.49 each. I generally think that suggested retail prices are overstated, so I don't really know how accurate this MSRP is. However, I do know that $7.49 is an excellent price for a fleece pullovers. I bought three!

I've also purchased several men's Basic Editions long-sleeved Henley's. I believe KMart sells this brand, so the suggested retail price of $12.99 should be pretty accurate. Hamricks had them on sale for $4.99 each. All of the men on my Christmas list are getting one. I also got up good quality men's embroidered sweatshirt with a suggested retail value of $38 for $9.99.

Just this week I took advantage of a sale on a women's winter jackets, and picked up another gift for only $9.99. Granted it's not on the cutting edge of winter wear fashion, but then my mother's not a diva either. (I just hope she's not reading this!)

Make sure you sign up for Hamricks "Preferred Customer" list. You will get a coupon for 25% Off your entire next shopping trip, whether or not the items are already on sale. Hamricks will also send you advance notices of upcoming sales.