How To Save Money On The Things You Absolutely Have To Buy

The easiest way to save money on a purchase is not intended to make make it! When you absolutely have to make the purchase for food, clothes, shelter and transportation, you need to get on the best deal you can. Here’s how:

1.  Visit CouponMom.com today to learn how to cut your food bill using coupons in combination with in store specials, using the online resources there that will help you never to miss a good deal you need. The site features in depth training to maximize your savings!

2.  Find great thrift stores in your town where you can buy used goods, especially clothes for a fraction of the new price. Remember, it will be used as soon as you wear it once anyone—why not pay $4 for a shirt instead of $20.

3.  Shop garage sales on the weekends for the things you need. Don’t be drawn in by the opportunity to purchase someone else’s junk, just because you can buy it for 75 cents. On the other hand, if you need a student desk for your kids, you may be amazed at what you can get at garage sales for $5 or $10.

4.  When buying a car, look for a used car being sold by an individual. If you can afford a relatively new car that is either still in factory warranty that is especially trustworthy. Be sure to visit CarFax.com to check the status of the title. A “salvage” title means that the car was once totaled and someone salvaged and, you hope, restored the car. A salvage title does not mean the car’s warranty is voided, but it does mean the car will be worth less as a trade in or when want to sell products it.

5.  Learn about Craigslist (it.Ly/SEyQE) and eBay (it.Ly/FSAEQ). Racialist is like a giant, ongoing garage sale. When is there too, before you purchase a new one, check for a used one in good condition on Craigslist. Bay is particularly useful for things that can be shipped efficiently—relative to price. I’ve bought and sold several cars on eBay, some which had to be carried out shipped across the country. (Once you’re comfortable buying on the sites, you’ll learn how to sell there, too—but that’s another topic.)

6.  Racialist and other sites also feature homes for sale by owner, which sometimes sells for a bit less than homes sold by brokers—if only because everyone involved in the transaction knows there is no broker. If you try that, you may wish to hire an agent or an attorney to assist in the transaction—for less than the standard commission.

7.  Zillow.com will make an unbiased, scientific estimate for the value of virtually any home, which can help you avoid overpaying for your next home.

8.  Whenever you buy something on-line, you’ll often notice a little box for a discount code. Before you surrender your credit card, do a quick Google search for the thing you’re purchasing at the store you’re purchasing it with the words “discount code” added to the search. Dozens of sites to track and share codes—many of which quickly expire—but can save you big bucks when you take a look at.

Whenever you must buy something—or simply choose to buy something because you can afford it—take an extra few minutes—or a few hours for big purchases like homes and cars—to get educated, find the discounts and the opportunities so you never overpay. However, don’t ever forget. You’re not saving money if you’re spending it!