Getting More from the Dollar Store (1)by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 07 Nov 2007 04:50 AM Do you know the best strategies for getting the biggest bang for that buck? Dollar and discount stores are everywhere these days, so it is easy to save money, right? Well, yes and no. If you really want to save at the dollar store, you need to be armed with some information so you can shop the smart way. The buck stops here. 1) Double check your basket. it is easy to grab things that seem as if they are a bargain because they are cheap. But if you don't need the item, then it is a waste of money. Another thing we tend to do in dollar stores is throw things in the cart as a reward. After all, it is only a dollar for that feather boa, and we want to feel like divas. Splurging a bit on yourself every now and then is fine, but if you make a weekly trip to the dollar store for treats, you'll soon find that the clutter and the amount spent really starts to add up. 2) Get the best selection. Find out when the store gets deliveries of new items and time your trip accordingly. You'll be sure to get the best selection of items, and you may find some real bargains. Talk to the manager or an employee. And if you are a frequent customer, the store may even be able to hold items for you when they come in to the store. 3) Plan for the future. Many dollar stores stock seasonal items at odd times of the year. A good example of this is Christmas ornaments and holiday lights. Don't be put off if you see Easter bunnies at Halloween. Instead stock up on the low prices and store the items until you need them. Being creative with seasonal items can be a big plus, too. I once found some pretty ornaments off season that I was able to repurpose as year-round decorations for my bathroom. Next up: more strategies for dollar store shopping. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: 4 Ways to Avoid Impulse Buying Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments jonesx6 (1606) 07 Nov 2007 11:31 AMI have noticed that it isn't always "cheaper" to buy something at the dollar store. A few years ago I noticed that they had air freshners for a dollar. When I went to Target later on in the week that same air freshner was on sale 2 for a dollar. I agree w/ you watch yourself in the dollar store. lol Laura Community Tags bargain, dollar store, frugal, thrifty Discuss this article
|
Frugal categories |
