Category: shopping sales

Today’s thrifty tip is to invest in an extra freezer. My freezer on top of the refrigerator is pretty small so I can’t really put much in it. I love to buy in bulk when I see a great sale on meats, frozen veggies, butter, cheese, and such. I also like to cook in double and triple batches to freeze the extras in smaller containers. I know some people are worried about the costs of running an extra freezer. The one I own only runs me an extra $5/mo in electricity. The savings in stocking up on great sales and not eating out will pay for itself easily in the course of a year. I got mine on a great clearance sale (less than $300) six years ago. It still runs perfectly. We are a small family of three, but I still like to have meals ready to go on those nights we don’t feel like cooking or don’t have time to cook. I also freeze some of the excess of my garden or if I receive fresh vegetables from a relative or friend.

If you still think it’s too expensive to own one, then ask yourself these questions.

How much could I save in a week if I had a nice frozen meal to cook instead of eating out?

How much savings did I lose because I couldn’t take full advantage of a great sale?

How much could I save on fresh fruits and vegetables I could grow myself to freeze?

How can you not afford an extra freezer?

Today’s thrifty tip is think before you spend. I’m extremely guilty of this one as well. I see something on sale, and my eyes light up. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I see items that are deeply discounted. I have to stop myself and ask these questions before I grab it. Do I really need this item? Will I really use it? Would I buy it if it wasn’t marked down?

I do find myself buying stuff I don’t need so I didn’t save anything. The temptation to buy it can be great because it is marked so low. Really stop and think about some of the purchases you wouldn’t have normally made. You think it’s just a dollar or two, but these little purchases add up quickly. Don’t let clearance fever take control of your better judgement. Take a deep breath, put it down, and walk away. You will be much happier in the long run.

Today’s thrifty tip is make a grocery list before you go to the store. I know that sounds like common sense, but many people think I only need 1 or 2 items and I won’t forget. Then you end up buying something you don’t need and not the actual item you really did. I’ve done it and more than once. I also like to look at the sales papers to decide if I could use extra of an item that is marked cheaply. If I have coupons, then I can usually get the item almost free or free. Don’t overlook the drug stores like Walgreens and CVS. Sometimes they have a better sale on groceries than the regular stores. Make a list and don’t forget to take it with you. Yes, I have also done that more than once.

Disney Outlet is having a huge end of summer clearance sale! Save up to 75% off beach towels, swimsuits, sandals, and much more. This is one of those great sales that I mentioned in my earlier post. Pay a flat $5 shipping with code SHIPFOR5 if you spend $50 or more. I plan to buy some of the shirts for us to wear when we go on our Walt Disney World trip next year.

Disney Outlet

I decided to stop at CVS yesterday since I got some good cash register receipt coupons. I also found a rain check from two years ago. That’s the great thing about their rain checks is that they never expire. You gotta love it. The rain checks were for Schick Quattro Razors for men and I had a quantity of four. I didn’t have any coupons, but I did have a $5 ECB when you buy one. The rain check was for $1.99 each! I was able to get all four, and I got the $5 ECB. I got four razors for $3.12 with tax!

I also had coupons for a Tylenol 10ct vial and a Fusion Shaving cream. I did have $1 coupons for both. I also got a couple more boxes of Puffs tissues.

Fusion: $3.49- $3.00 coupons= $0.49
2 Puffs: $1.76- $.50 cents coupons= $1.26
4 Quattro Razors- $7.96- $7 ECB I used= $0.96
Tylenol: $2.49- $2.50 coupons= penny overage
Grand Total with tax: $3.12!!!

I got back a $5 ECB from the razors. I saved a total of $45 with sales and coupons for 92% in savings. I just can’t say it enough. I LOVE CVS!