5 Shopping Tips To Save You Money

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Shopping and saving money are both things that we enjoy doing. Preferably at the same time! Whether you're shopping in-store or online, there are ample opportunities to both save money and buy the things you want. 1. Clearance Events / Major Holidays - A few times a year stores have major clearance events and blow-out sales. Often times, these sales can take place on or around major holidays. Keep an eye out for super low deals, and be sure to snag them as soon as they are available.

2. Cash Back Rewards - Some stores have cash back rewards programs. Once a customer purchases a certain amount of items, the store will give a percentage or dollar amount off of their next purchase. For example, when you reach 2,000 points using your Ann Taylor card, you are given a $20 off rewards card to use on any purchase at Ann Taylor, Loft, or either of their factory outlets. The $20 reward is able to be used on any purchase within the allotted period, and can be combined with any other coupons or sales. Ann Taylor also offers customers the chance to earn double points during certain events throughout the year. It's fantastic!

3. Coupon Apps - Apps like RetailMeNot, Spendless and Shopkick are just a few coupon apps that are amazing for saving time and money. Don't check-out at the register until you have searched for coupons using one of these apps, you never know what deals they will find for you.

4. New Subscriber Deals - We are constantly discovering new online boutiques, and almost all of them offer money-saving coupons when you subscribe to their website. So make sure to always check and see what the perks are for joining a store's mailing list. A 10-20% off coupon may be sent to your inbox just for signing up.

5. Check Tag & Receipt - Always check the price tag and compare it to the receipt. This may sound like a no-brainer, but in the long run this tip may save you hundreds of dollars. Retail is always subject to human error, and a shirt that was tagged at $10, could end up costing you the original value simply because it was not logged into the computer system properly. Now, why should you have to pay for that error? The answer is - you shouldn't.

We hope these tips come in handy when making future purchases. Whether you're in the market for new clothing, textbooks or electronics, keep these money-saving tips in mind and keep more money in your pocket!

Written by: Anastasia Jones 

 

Image: Pinterest

Five Money-Saving Shopping Tips

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  Fall Fashion 2014

1. Know what you're looking for.

  • Have a general idea of the styles/trends that you want by making a list or bringing pictures of outfits with you.
  • By doing this, you'll only purchase the things that you really want or really need.
  • Pictured above is a Winter Trend Inspiration board we put together featuring some of our favorite looks, such as an army green utility vest, a maroon beanie, cut-out shoes, plaid shirts, and more! Carry something like this with you as you shop, or keep Pinterest and TopButtons handy.

2. Compare prices & shop the sales rack.

  • Before going to the mall, look up your favorite mall stores online and compare prices of similar trends so that you have a general idea of which stores offer what you're looking for. Keep in mind that online stores often vary in merchandise than their actual store, but it will give you a starting point.
  • Go STRAIGHT to the sales rack when you get to a store. Put your "horse blinders" on and don't even look at all the cute stuff you can't afford, or else nothing in the sales rack will satisfy you.

3. Don't buy on impulse.

  • Ask yourself: do I REALLY want this, and have I wanted this for a while?
  • Chances are, if you put the item down and come back to the store a few weeks later, it will still be there, and probably at a more affordable price.

4. Use coupons.

  • Never underestimate the power of a good coupon, rewards program, or a promo code!
  • Stores like American Eagle, Styles for Less, and Khols all have rewards programs that benefit you the more frequently you shop at their stores.
  • Type in the name of a store at RetailMeNot and they will usually have some promo codes you can use.

5. Give yourself a budget.

  • Tell yourself you're only going to spend X amount of dollars and STICK TO IT!
  • Shopping on a budget can be a fun challenge if you approach it with the right attitude.
  • You'll feel really good about yourself for NOT spending too much money.
  • Make it a REALISTIC budget that works well with other bills or purchases you may have to make aside from fashion.

Sale!

Our Fashion Cents Contributor and friends love a good sale.