Spend Less, Enjoy the Best 2 !

In this ever worrisome economy, no longer are we able to afford the luxury of living frugally IF we want to. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to get serious about living within our means.

That, however does not mean that you have to eat nothing but mac and cheese and wear threadbare clothing.

It really is important to feed our families food that fills them with vitamins to build healthy bodies and minds. It is also important, maybe even more than ever, to buy items that are built to last!

Think of it this way... if you buy shoes several times a year that are similar in size or style, then buy them at the end of the season and for the same price or less, get two or three pairs to use now and the future.
My husband has been wearing a new set of brand new boots each year for three years, (with old ones to spare!) because I bought them all after the season ended, for less than one pair would have cost me at the beginning of the season!

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It really is a mind set. I know, it seems difficult to get into... and I do agree that it may take some time. But, if I could hand you, in hard cold cash, all the money you could have saved by shopping my way this past year, I believe you would be celebrating BIG Time!

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I advise starting small... say, take 10% of your allotted budget this next week and put it towards purchasing something that you can use either later in the year, or even next year!

Each Christmas I purchase a small amount of items that inevitably go to 90% off.. I never run out of lights, small decorations or holiday wrap/jewelry/socks/slipper/etc! But I don't have to pay much of anything for them. And they really don't take up much room for next year!
So, do you want to purchase them for full price this year, or for 10 cents on the dollar for next year! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......

Even red tissue paper to wrap gifts in can be used for other holidays or decor such as Valentines Day, birthdays, anniversaries and the fourth of July! Right?

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So again, I say it's a mind set... ask yourself, "Can this item be used in any other way that I may normally use it?" "Will it save me money to purchase it now rather than at the time of use?"

I am not asking you to shop all the time...
No...
But, I am asking you to be aware of sales and discounts and clearance. You may have friends of yours who may want to help..

So work together and agree to each of you doing a quick check on certain stores in your area to see what is coming up for clearance and sales. If they see something marked down and there are lots of them, then watch them closely and grab those deals when they are marked to 75% or 90% off! It happens way more than you think!

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When you do see something on a great deal, buy as much as you can!

Earlier this year, I was at Wal-Mart, which is rare for me, and they had holiday bread stuffing for $ .50 a box! So, we bought several cases of it.

You may ask yourself, how would you ever use that much stuffing?" First of all, the experation date is way off into the future, check it out!
Then, I simply look online for different recipes for chicken, or pork,
like pork chops with a layer of stuffing and a layer of apple pie filling, all baked together that people will rave over!

I can use them in salads as croutons, make as much stuffing as my family can eat, give away with wooden spoons and poultry seasonings for Christmas!

Lot's of different ways to use something that normally would cost about $2.50 a box, but only cost me $ .50.

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Did you know that Fred Meyer usually sells their open bags of expensive dog food for half off?
Yes and if you have a coupon for say, $5.00 off that brand, you just fed your pet for what you might normally pay for cheap filler food. He deserves better. Keep doing this and he'll be much healthier.

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At the end of a season did you know that all the scented candles go on clearance? So, save those coupons and get them for FREE. Then save them for next year, the scents won't loose much quality at all!

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Begin to pay closer attention to the "buy before this date" and the "use before this date" stamps on your purchases.
You CAN buy items and freeze them or share with your neighbor. If it says, buy BEFORE this date, then use right away.
If it says SELL before this date, then you have some extra time.

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Always use coupons when in most stores. Not just grocery stores.

Penneys and Khols, Macy's and Fashion Bug all have coupons online, the newspaper or in the mail where you can save $10.00 a purchase of $50.00,

So, double your discount by purchasing something on sale or clearance with these coupons.

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Did you know that most stores like Wal-Mart/Shopko/Target will match each others sales? And when you use a coupon on these items with the price match, you are really getting your money's worth.

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If you shop online... Never, ever buy without first googling that "stores name, coupon, code" to find a coupon for free shipping, a discount, a free item with purchase or a rebate.

You'll be happy to find out how much you will save just doing this simple thing.

OK, now go shopping and have fun! More importantly, save your hard earned money!
I'll be back next time!
A Frugal Nana