Frugal

         
             One of the things I pride myself upon is finding deals and saving money! Loving to shop and being frugal can be accomplished with some parameters. Let me be clear- I like nice things and I like getting people nice things. I wish I could buy everyone the most expensive gift they want but right now I have to live in my means. Until the Lord chooses to entrust me with a larger income,  I'm very content with off brands and taking extra time to find a good deal. To be honest, I do not think a whole lot about where my food or products are made. My value system does not include going green, buying certain foods in season, or sticking it to big name companies like Wal-mart because they are taking over the world. I value saving a dollar. 

Here are some ways I save money.

1. SHOPPING EARLY- Whether it be Christmas, baby shower, wedding, or birthday. I make sure to shop way in advance. For example, the earlier you shop a baby or bridal registry, the more likely you are to find something on it that you can afford, even if its only a spatula. Personally, the Christmas shopping scene overwhelms me. I love being in the malls during Christmas time but hate the pressure to find that one gift. I believe retail stores mark up their items during the Holidays then just put a SALE sign tops to trick people into buying. I'm not convinced you save a lot with "Holiday Sales".

2. OFF BRANDS- Some of the stores I buy off brands in are Hy-vee brand, Wal-mart brand, and Aldi's. While I do like Fareway, it hard to find off brands so I feel like I'm spending the same money at stores with an alternative brand. Things like paper products, bread, granola bars, milk, cheese and chips are a few items I think are all the same. I'm sure many will disagree which I can understand. For example, I don't buy anything but Hidden Valley Ranch.

3. COUPONS- This is a no brainer. I personally just look at the weekly sales ad. Sometimes I will use manufacturers coupons but I don't think they are really a great deal. I would just buy the off brand and save more than using a coupon on name brand. Although I've come to realize their deals are dwindling, every year I buy an Entertainment book. Really good buy one get one free deals for restaurants! Also remember that many places will accept competitors coupons. I interchange coupons between JoAnn's Fabric's and Hancock Fabric's all the time.

4. CONSIGNING- I love consignment stores! My new favorite is Stuff Etc in Ankeny. I bring the items in and then receive 40% of the selling price. The only downside is that it not immediate cash; you have to wait until your items sell. I also have bought a lot of toys and books at consignment stores. Even a few weeks ago I got brand new Crest floss for 99 cents. Many people do not feel like they get a good deal at consignment stores especially for children's clothes- this is why I start by posting my items on Facebook Swap pages. (I'll get there in a minute)

5. GARAGE SALE - Live up Saturday mornings! I went garage saling at least every other weekend this summer, even if it was only one garage sale. Try bartering for items but try to remember the Golden Rule. "Barter the way you want to be bartered with" - aka don't rip people off or low ball them.

6. FACEBOOK SWAPS- For those of you who have never heard of a Facebook Swap, these are groups on Facebook specific to cities that give you an opportunity to post pictures of items and sell them. You post the pictures into the group and list a price. The first person to comment on the photo may come pick it up from your house or you can meet somewhere. You control the price so people feel like they are getting a better return on their items. Beware though these groups have VERY specific rules, are a safety risk, and can be breeding ground for arguments.

Happy Savings!