Pinch A Penny So Tight Lincoln Whistles
Every family needs to watch their spending. Here are a few tips on how to pinch a penny so tight-Lincoln whistles.
* Clearance shop! Watch the stores for next year's season and buy what you need ahead of time. It will require a little bit of storage but the savings are worth it. This applies to everything-valentines for the kids to send, easter egg coloring kits, Christmas card and especially to clothing (if you're not sure on size-lean toward the larger end)
* Keep some project materials on hand. (Use the tip above and I always kept the supplies in a 3 drawer roller cart). This will save on that last minute forgotten project shopping trip.
* Know your grocery prices. Buying in bulk is great-essential for a large family-but don't feel that if you are shopping at a wholesale store that you are getting the best price. It takes time and I have even told people to keep a diary of sorts for the first month or two but it definitely pays off.
* Coupons can be cumbersome however a good coupon matched with the right sale is a gold mind. Start a swap with you friends-once you've taken out what you want trade with someone. There are also printable coupons for different web sites.
* It's never too early to Christmas shop. If you can take the crowds some of the Black Friday sales (Friday after Thanksgiving) are remarkable. Some of the sale flyers become available a head of time via the computer so you can really compare prices. Do a search for "Black Friday"
* Check you budget and see if you can pay for insurances at one shot. When you break up the payments it does cost more. Another similar avenue is with heating fuel. For contractors who boom in the summer and do OK during the winter months I recommend a prebuy. Call a few of your local fuel companies and see what programs are available. Some areas have fuel co-ops too.
These are some ways to make your pennies go farther. Try them and see for yourself.
The preceding article, "Pinch A Penny So Tight Lincoln Whistles" written by Christine Lamy, was added on May 19, 2009 and has been viewed 87 times.