Tips for Saving Money on Nearly Everything

I am a firm believer in the price tag not being the be-all end-all of how much I will pay. I bargain hunt, thrift shop, and haggle my way through most things in my budget because I know that I simply don’t always have to pay the price in front of me and I don’t have to pay more than necessary. Now, this may make me look like a cheapskate, but I promise you that you can live this way with tact. When I say I save on nearly everything, I do. The reason I don’t try to get a lower price on some things is because I either know that there isn’t much wiggle room, or I intend to splurge there because I saved money in other ways. Here are my Tips for Saving Money on Nearly Everything.

Tips for Saving Money on Nearly Everything

Learn how to haggle. Haggling can be done in many situations and it’s often just a matter of asking. One way to prepare to haggle is to know what the competition is offering. You can say, “Company A is offering the same thing for XYZ.” Many times, especially for services like cable or cell phone companies, they have ‘loyalty departments.’ These are specific departments that the companies establish to keep customers. If you have been a loyal customer for a while, you can call and ask to be transferred to that department. For other things, just remember that firm kindness goes a long way. Don’t be too demanding, but let whomever you are buying from know that you are considering purchasing from someone else.

Call around or check the internet. Before any purchase, especially big ones, make sure to know what your options are. It is so simple to just buy something or sign up for services because you don’t want to go through the trouble, but I can’t tell you how many times I did this only to find out I got taken.

Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts. You would be surprised how much control service providers and retail stores have over pricing. Sometimes all it takes is asking, “Are you sure there is not a better deal you can offer me?”

Make sure you are not being overcharged. Pay attention to every bill you get. Ask for an itemized listing or an explanation if you need to. So many times, I catch an error that I would have just paid otherwise.

Buy used things as often as possible. I love thrift shopping for a reason; I can get most things I want and not pay retail price if I am willing to just wait a bit.

Make a list every time you go to the store. I avoid impulse buys by making sure I come with a list. This doesn’t just go for groceries. I make lists when I go to pet stores, the mall, and almost everywhere else. That way, I can budget better and I know I am saving money.

Don’t get caught up on brand names. I love generics. They are usually of same quality and to be quite honest, I have some generic items I buy because they are better than their name brand counterparts. On the flip side, watch for sales and don’t always assume generic is cheaper. Be flexible.

Sign up for free newsletters with a separate email account. This is something most people do to get discounts, but if you are like me and are on hundreds of lists for companies and websites, they can easily get lost in your regular email. That’s why I suggest a “junk email” just for these things. Not only will it keep your regular email more organized, but it will also give you a place to specifically sign up for these things so you can go there to look for your bargains easier.

More Money Saving Tips:

How to Save Money with Pre-Ahead Meals

15 Unexpected Ways to Save Money in your Day to Day Life

How to Save Money on Produce

25 Ways for College Students to Save Money

7 Little Ways to Save Money in your Budget