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I have a knack for bargain shopping. I shop at some of the best stores, yet pay the lowest prices. I know where to find high quality items for less than $10. I can create a whole name-brand outfit, including shoes for $20-$30, that looks as if I paid full price. Only my closest friends know how frugally I shop (okay, and now you). 
It makes no sense to spend more when you don't have to. I know people who brag about how much they spend at the mall, but I think it's totally ridiculous to pay that much when in just a few weeks, the same item will be on the clearance rack for half the price.
There are simple ways to stretch your hard-earned dollars without skimping on quality. All it requires is a little patience, discipline and creativity.
Here's what I do to get more for less:
1. Pay cash whenever possible.
Paying with debit and credit cards tends to desensitize people, making them less aware of how much they are spending. When you've got cash in your hand and can quickly see exactly how much you have, you're less likely to splurge on impulse buys and more likely to pick a more affordable option.
2. Plan ahead.
Create a list and stick to it. It's usually those items that are NOT on your list that eat away at your balance. So start buy purchasing only the items that are on your list. If you have money left over after that, then go ahead and get those extra items.
3. Head to the back of the store.
The sales items are always nestled deep within a store - sometimes in an unlikely spot. But taking the extra effort to start with the clearance rack can save you up to 90% of the original cost. You'll be able to stock up and get several items for the same price you would've paid for one.
4. Head to the thrift store.
This one is hard for some people who are afraid to be spotted in a thrift store. (That's a self-esteem issue - a completely different blog post.) But there are so many treasures that can be found in stores like Savers and The Goodwill. Everything in these stores is not second-hand. Some of the items are close-out products that have been donated from stores like Target and even Walmart - priced at a portion of the original cost.
5. Refurbish old items.
Rather buying something new, fix up a used item. Old jeans can be given new life by adding cute and attractive patches - add the same patch to a shirt and you've got an instant matching outfit. An old picture frame can be revived with a coat of paint. The sky is the limit if you're just a little creative.
6. Do it yourself.
Put your skills and talents to the test. Instead of rushing out to hire a professional carpet cleaning service, dust off that old shampooer you've been storing in the closet for years and do it yourself. You'll save more than 80% of the cost by doing it yourself. Instead of visiting the hairdresser or barbershop every week, alternate between doing it yourself and visiting the shop.
7. Pay off your credit cards every month.
What good is it to find a deal on clearance if you're just going to let the finance charges add to the cost? Not only does this practice keep you from buying things you shouldn't, it also saves you money in the long run. Ask yourself, can I afford to pay this off in the next 30 days? If the answer is no, and it's not a real necessity, just leave it.
So there you have it. These are seven tricks I use to ensure that I'm getting more value for my money. Of course, this list isn't exhausted - what other tricks could we add here?
Kiesha is the author of WeBlogBetter, a blog that offers blogging tips. She’s a writer/editor, and blogging consultant. You can follow Kiesha at on Twitter @weblogbetter.
Simple but effective. They say that there are several ways to make money, and one of the is to spend our hard earn cash wisely. Applying small but proven tricks such as these that you provide are certainly very effective. For example, here in my part of the world, Brazil, paying cash is in cash is an excellent choice because, all merchants will normally give discounts. The reason for this is that they avoid having to pay “other fees” or expenses that are normally associated if you pay with other means
Thanks for sharing this.
Hi DiTesco!
There are similar incentives here, especially at the gas station – I’m noticing a log of stores charging up to .10 more per gallon for credit and debit card purchases. So yes, there are tons of reasons why you should use cash instead.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate all that you do!
Hi Kiesha,
These are very helpful tip.
I love paying cash for anything I buy. I helps you control what you spend. Paying cash is the way to go. I learned this when I went through Dave Ramesy’s class. I wish I had learned this years ago. Oh, well, we live and we learn.
I’m a frugal person too. I don’t spend too much on clothes. Never been to a thrift store, but I’m not opposed to it. Whatever way I can save a dollar, I am game.
Appreciate the tips!
Take care,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn!
I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes with credit cards, but now that I know better, I’m definitely trying to do better. As far as thrift store shopping goes, it’s like a treasure hunt that gets the heart racing when you stumble upon an awesome bargain. I love it!
Ditto that! I found a couple of really nice consignment/thrift shops in my area and I feel like a million bucks when I find the perfect pieces to complement my wardrobe (or stuff for the home) and I like unique items so it’s the best place to go as you never know what you’ll find
I love thrift shops!
Hi Kesha!
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, it’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. That’s what makes thrift store shopping so exhilerating!
Oh, I am with you on this one
I remember one time I maxed out a card and was checking something on it just to find out that I had even more money to spend. I was like “But I know I maxed it out”. I call the bank and they say that since I pay my bills on time, they raised my limit.
Well thanks a lot….all I will is just spend more now
But I learned and I am on the same page with you here!!! Great post, Kiesha!
Hi Brankica!
When I got my first credit card, I did the same exact thing. I was so excited…until the bill came
Now, I replay that memory whenever I’m tempted to buy something I know I don’t need.
Thanks for all of your help – you’re awesome!
I’m so bad when it comes to money. My credit cards are always full and I live from pay check to pay check. the minuim payments are so expensive I really don’t know how our government ever allowed such a product or service to be invented. You can clearly see they don’t care about us and it’s all about making profits from the tax money.
Thanks for the tips I an always use them.
Hi Brian,
I can honestly say that I feel you on this. I’ve had some of the same experiences and that’s why now, I will avoid purchasing on credit at all costs. It has to be really important or a dire emergency, or it’s not going to happen. I won’t even buy a car on credit any more – for some reason that just make driving that new car far less enjoyable. And yes, it is all about profits, that’s why I try to make wiser choices.
I rarely ever carry cash, too much of an inconvenience to go to ATM to get it out. I do however leverage shopping at dollar stores to pick up items there where I can, and no matter what people think Walmart has cheaper prices on items than almost anywhere. Everytime I shop somewhere else I regret not going to Walmart instead sometimes.
Hi Justin,
I’m a Walmart shopper, too. I hate going in there sometimes because they’ve got everything I want and need at prices that I can’t find anywhere else – or at least it’s very rare. I know people who refuse to shop there because they want mall quality, but that’s just foolish – why pay more if you don’t have to?
Hey Kiesha,
I’m still a student and i don’t have any Credit or debit cards. So i have to pay cash for anything i buy and it is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing this great post kiesha. Have a great day.
~Dev
Hi Dev,
I admire your discipline! Keep that up and you’ll thank yourself when you get a few years older.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share this – I really appreciate it!
Kiesha,
This was an excellent article on steps to save money. Especially with the economic times that we are dealing with today, these articles serve a great purpose. Personally, I am pretty thrifty but I never thought to head to the back of the store first!
Bryan
Thanks, Bryan!
Yes, they keep all of the great deals in the back – sometimes, it’s quite hard to find. Stores like Dillards and JCPenny are good for hiding the best deals in hard to reach areas. But if you’re willing to put in the extra effort to find them, you’ll leave out with a lot more goods for less.
Hey Kiesha,
What great advice for us you got there. I think it’s the best feeling in the world when you get something at a bargain. Unfortunately – where I live – thrift stores, outlets and Goodwill, don’t exist that much or are certainly not like they are in the US
.
I love the point you made about using cash. Watching it disappear makes you realize how much you’re spending – whereas credit cards – you simply get to gasp at the end of the month and do it all over again lol. It seems like you’re spending someone else’s money so you keep doing it forgetting the consequences.
Thanks for sharing these – I should start thinking about # 2 and #7 much more – and maybe even applying your good advice there! Oddly enough those are my two favorite numbers
.
Have a great weekend.
Cheers
Hi Ingrid!
It always seems to add up so fast when you make credit card purchases. I always think someone’s made an error, but when I go to complain, I do the math and it always comes out that they’re right (boo!)
I’ve definitely been there and gasped about that!
But anyway, I got into the habit of paying off some of my credit cards, and when I put the thought into my head that I had to pay it off at the end of the month, that got me to thinking a lot more carefully about what I was buying.
Kiesha,
Great tips. Especially paying off your credit card every month.
First of all I absolutely hate to shop, so I have it down to going exactly where I need to go for he best deal and that is it. Some places I shop only once every two months like Costco for bread and paper goods. Big Lots for great coffee at $3.50 for 2lbs.
I am a thrift store buff. In fact my dad gave me a discount coupon for the local thrift store as a Christmas gift. I think it was a joke.
The thrift store shopping started when I was raising 2 kids all by my self. Now I can afford to shop else where but choose not to. I like the idea of re-cycle re-use. I can dress in very nice clothing for just a few dollars.
Hi Sheila,
Sounds like you’re my kind of gal! We’ve got a lot in common. I don’t like to shop a lot (because I don’t like to go broke) and when I do it’s where I can find the best deal. And yes, thrift store shopping also makes me feel better because of the recycle factor. I also like to donate things when I can no longer use them – keeps me from hoarding stuff I don’t need and gives someone else a chance to get some use out of it. The thought of waste scares me!
Very nice tips, Kiesha.
We switched to the envelope method a few years ago where we fund each envelope for a particular budget item with cash at the beginning of each month. It’s impacted our lives in two ways.
First, we don’t spend nearly as much as we used to with many months having cash left over in the envelopes. Second, we spend money on the things we actually budgeted.
Thanks for the money saving ideas.
Hi Brad!
I use the envelope method a lot – especially for major bills and when I want to save for a big purchase. I like it because when I put it in that envelop, I’m less likely to pinch at it until nothing’s left. Definitely a great way to save.
Thanks for pointing that out!
Kiesha, I know about point #2 all TOO well! I usually have enough discipline to scan over the items I picked up before heading to the register. I find that if I do this I can save a lot. Then when I return, I sometimes even see the same items I left before, in the clearance area. Good tips!
Hi Chantelle!
I love it when that happens! When you display a little patience, it’s like a reward when you come back and find the item on sale for less. My heart jumps when I find an item I’ve been wanting finally at a price I’m more comfortable paying.
Thanks for stopping by – I really appreciate it!
Buying from thrift stores is definitely a big money saver and it doesn’t mean you buy items that are used or will break fast. The items, like you said, are giving by stores when the items have a small flaw or have gone out of fashion.
Speaking about fashion, if you can get the best end-of-season sales and buy more clothes or any other item during that time, you will noticed that you saved a lot.
Thanks, Keisha for sharing us some of your money saving tips
. This are really practical.
Hi Alex,
I’m definitely an end of season shopper. With kids it takes some planning ahead and buying the next size up whenever possible, but it’s so wonderful when the season comes around again and you’ve got brand new clothes that were a fraction of the original cost.
Thanks for dropping by!
Great tips. I would add to tips I use to save me some cash.
1) Buy during off season. Everything fro. Clothes to electronics fluctuate in prices depending on holidays or seasons. For examples TV deals near a Superbowl. ( on a side note: why mattresses are always on sale?)
2) check online prices. Patience pays off. At times I see the items cheaper online. If I can wait for it, then I buy online.
Hi Roberto,
I love those tips – especially online tips, I forgot about those. Last Christmas when I was looking for a KitchenAid mixer at Walmart, the price they had on the shelves was like $50 more than the online price. So, you’re right about that!
Keisha,
Great article!
I agree with using cash. It’s much easier to manage your money and control when you take out actual cash to use for your shopping needs. I was getting caught up in the tricks of using my debit card to gain points for purchases that I can save for myself and faster!
Its wonderful to have access to your account after bank hours, but it is even better to have a handle on your finances!
Hi Tracy,
You are so right about that. It is easy to get duped by those “earn points” or “cash back” gimmicks that we don’t even realize we could save even more on our own without those so-called rewards.
Thanks for pointing that out!
Here in the UK we have loads of Thift Stores (Charity Shops). As a
‘handbagaholic’ I love them! I sometimes find designer label ones. I buy
books tin there oo as they cost so little and then re-cycle when I’ve read them.
My other ‘trick’ is to go to what we call the £ Shop. If you buy branded goods
there, you can’t go wrong for £1! Shampoo, batteries, greetings cards,
chocolate (!) all for £1 an item. Don’t know if you have those stores in the US.
Another trick of mine is to leave my wallet at home….
Hi Linda!
Thanks for dropping by! Yes, we have $1 stores here – and they’ve got some surprisingly good quality items in there. It’s the best place to go when you want to throw a party and buy decorations and favors for less. And I love the exciting treasure hunt for books in the thrift stores – I find some of the best stuff there – I guess because no one else feels like searching through the title because they’re in no particular order. I get a kick out of it, though!
Great tips. I would add to tips I use to save me some cash.
1) Buy during off season. Everything fro. Clothes to electronics fluctuate in prices depending on holidays or seasons. For examples TV deals near a Superbowl. ( on a side note: why mattresses are always on sale?)
2) check online prices. Patience pays off. At times I see the items cheaper online. If I can wait for it, then I buy online.
Kiesha, I donate some great stuff to the thrift store in my area. Most of the time the items are new or only used once. I get into this mood, where I just go through my closets and anything that I haven’t worn or used goes into a pile.
But when I’m there dropping off, I always stop and shop on the way out.
Lately I’m finding some prices cheaper at Target than at Walmart. I don’t know what it is about Viva paper towels that I have no problem spending a dollar per roll, but that’s my limit and Walmart is charging two dollars!! Next time you’re there, check it out and see if the prices are the same in your town.
Talk to you soon Kiesha. Good luck in the contest.
Thanks Ileane!
I think it’s wonderful that you take the time to donate – it’s no surprise of course
I have been noticing that Target has some better deals than Walmart. I love Target because of the quality you find there. Plus, it has a better atmosphere – I think it’s so cool that they still serve popcorn! Maybe I’m just corny
Kiesha, we don’t get popcorn at our Target, but we have Starbucks and Pizza Hut inside the store – yum.
6 and 7 are a must. Credit cards only make money if you let them, and I think they should be avoided all together. Also, paying for something you can do yourself should only be done when you value that time more. Great post.
Hi Carlos,
Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you agree. And yes, I think it’s okay to pay for something you can do yourself only when the benefits outweigh the cost – after all, time can be better than money sometimes.
Hey Keisha!
I use cash all of the time, for everything (or in the form of debit card). I even run my businesses on cash.
Like you, I am someone who searches to see if I can get what I want at the lowest possible cost. Case in point – my mom and I went sofa shopping at a clearance/outlet place in town. My friend had recommended it and said she got her couch for a certain amount. I didn’t find any for that amount that I liked, so I decided to do what she recommended and go back on a sale day. I am never in a rush to make a big purchase. I will sit on the floor if I have to (LOL not kidding). Luckily I don’t have to, but hopefully you see what I’m saying.
It is amazing what we can live without. If we have to whip out a credit card because we don’t have the money “right now,” then in my opinion, we don’t have the money. Credit is great – for homes, cars, necessary purchases like washing machines, etc. but for things like clothing, gadgets, and “stuff,” I say never, never, never!
Great tips!
Cheers,
Tia
Hi Tia,
I’ve definitely sat on my share of carpet – this summer when I moved, I refused to purchase anything until I had found exactly what I wanted at the price that I had budgeted for. It paid off in the end – the day I went to purchase my furniture was the day I discovered it had gone on sale over the weekend. I was able to treat myself to some cool accessories – I love it when that happens
Often one of the best ways to avoid spending what you don’t have is to simply wait. Sit on it for 24 hours. Very often I find it’s not worth the energy it would take to get on a bus and go across town to make the purchase.t
Awesome post, Kiesha! Paying cash is THE BOMB! It’s absolutely essential to smart shopping. Watching those greenbacks leave your wallet causes physical pain for some…it makes you pause, and think: “Do I REALLY need this?” I am only a recent convert to cash clothes shopping and it makes a world of difference.
Hi Jennifer!
You are so right about the physical pain part! LOL! And it most definitely makes me rethink what’s in my cart – by the time I reach the checkout, might have only one or two things left that actually make the cut.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here!
Many years ago I was out “window shopping” with a friend. It was January and there were bargains everywhere. Every once in a while she would look at something, look at the price tag then close her eyes and think for a moment. Almost invariably the item would go back. I asked her about her little moments of “Price Tag Meditation” and she said every time she was tempted to buy something she wanted she would calculate how many hours of work, based on her net paycheque, it would take her to pay for the item. Was that Perfect Little Black Dress really worth 10 hours of her life? I still use this when I get tempted to buy something that is a total “want” and not a need–especially during those times when needs are pressing. Puts things in perspective.
Hi Mela,
That’s almost a surefire way to make sure I never buy an unnecessary item again! That’s definitely a hard test to pass because every moment of my time is valuable to me. So yeah, when you put it into that perspective, I can definitely see how your friends little trick works everytime
Thanks for sharing it!
Nice article and I can’t agree more with good plan and it can get us on right path with a target
Hi Tinh!
Thanks for dropping in and sharing your thoughts! Glad you agree.
Wish I could say I save my blogging dollars but I don’t, 1/2 the time my Blogging Dollars are used to pay bills when I run into the red on my regular income budget, the other 1/2 I use my blogging dollars to pay for fun stuff like taking the family to the theater or a new PC game.
Hi Justin,
You might not be saving per se, but it sounds like your priorities are on your home and spending time with family. I’d say that that’s pretty wise spending.Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Saving money is the same as earning more money. Cutting expenses and finding bargains will make your paycheque go a lot further.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Absolutely! That’s why I’m so adamant about these strategies, because if I can stretch the money I have, that’s less work I have to do try to earn more.
Sensible and practical ideas. Paying off the credit card each month saves a lot. It’s a good idea to combine this with a cash-back card. Some pay 1% cash-back for everything you buy on the card. Using it for essentials such as fuel means you don’t overspend, and you get money back at the end of the year.
Hi Money Saver!
Absolutely – when you only use your card for necessities and then pay it off + get cash back – not only do you improve your credit rating – you get a little extra on the side. Awesome tip!
Hey Kiesha this sounds like my wifes philosophy! LOL She snatches the credit cards from me LOL great post will retweet
LOL!
I can totally relate, but that’s only because my hubby likes to shop more than I do! (shhh… don’t tell him I said that)