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Black Belt Shopper
(featured column)
Shopping
Habits
by
Larry Wiener
It’s
a new year. Many of us have made resolutions to form new habits in many
areas of our lives. As I was considering my own resolutions, I realize
that shopping is something that many of us do by habit. We regularly buy
the same products at the same stores. Sometimes it’s good to look at
those habits and see if forming some new ones would be useful. A good look
at how you shop in light of the various resources available can save you
mightily. More...
Here are some
habits to consider to get the most out of your shopping dollar.
 | Consider
using coupons Experts estimate that
only about 2% of the coupons put out by manufacturers are used. Using
coupons can save you mightily if you use them regularly. Good sources
of coupons are newspapers, store displays, and websites such as GrocerySavingTips.com.
Be careful, however, that you don’t use coupons for items that you
wouldn’t regularly use. |
| Check
out the dollar stores Many people I
know won’t go to a dollar store because they think that all they have
there are low-quality trinkets. The emphasis in many dollar stores now
is on consumable items such as groceries and health and beauty items.
Many dollar store items are comparable in quality with national brands.
I find dollar stores great places to save on items such as pasta, rice,
dishwasher detergents, salad dressing, shampoo, and bleach. |
| Consider
refurbished electronics If you’re
like most people, you probably will buy at least one electronic item in the
next year. On many of these items, refurbished items are readily
available. These customer returns which have been gone over and
brought up to snuff by technicians often cost 20% less than new
items—sometimes even more. Some experts say that they may even be
more reliable than new items because they have been gone over twice.
In my home, I am currently using a refurbished laser printer, phone system,
and DVD player. Refurbished electronics are readily available on eBay
and at large electronics chains such as Fry’s. |
| Use
your newspaper as a tool Your local
newspaper can be the black belt shopper’s best tool. There you will
find coupons, notices of sales, and notices of new stores and products.
Think shopping when you look at your newspaper. |
| Don’t
be afraid to consider used merchandise on major purchases
For most drivers, a used car makes sense. My habit has always been to
buy a highly rated car that is two or three years old. Experts say
that strategy will save a driver 40% in car costs over a new car. Used
furniture and other used items are regularly available on Craig’s
List and in your local classifieds. Don’t rule out yard sales. |
| Consider
alternatives to the mall Regular
prices at the mall tend to be among the highest there are. Sure the
mall is convenient and a pleasant place to buy, but when you buy in those
stores, you are paying for their extensive advertising and high rent.
A fine china place setting that goes for $129 at two mainstream mall stores
goes for $69 at Amazon.
Besides online sources, consider closeout stores such as Marshall’s and TJ
Maxx and outside the mall big box stores such as Target and Bed Bath and
Beyond. |
| Time
your purchases Buy birthday presents
when you see them on sale. If you see staples such as ketchup at a
good price, buy up a few month’s supply. Buy seasonal clothing well
into the season. |
| Make
good use of the money you save If you
adapt some good savings habit, you can save significant amounts of money
each month. Making good use of that money will contribute to your
financial freedom. If you are in debt, especially credit card debt,
consider using that money you save to bring down those balances. If
you haven’t been able to become an investor, now you may be able to afford
to start. You may also be able to save for a special purchase such as
a newer car or home furnishings. Intentional use of the money you save
can improve the quality of your life. |
New shopping strategies can do much to
improve your financial life. For more detail on these strategies, see my
ebook The
Black Belt Shopper’s Guide.
* * *
Copyright
© 2007 by Larry Wiener, author of The
Black Belt Shopper's Guide. All rights reserved. Want more
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