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Everyone makes bad financial decisions from time to time, and a little help with saving money is always of good use. For example, a visit to the mall to buy one inexpensive item might turn into an unscheduled shopping spree. A plan to buy some small gadget can become a home technology makeover. Applying some frugal spending tips will help curb such money wasting impulses and help form new money saving habits.

Don’t shop on payday. This is when you have the most money. You haven’t paid the bills or put money away for savings. In error, we believe that we have more money at our discretion than we really have. At the end of the shopping trip, we are a few hundred dollars in the hole and a bill goes without being paid.

Dont shop for groceries when youre hungry. Buying food on an empty stomach is guaranteed to produce unnecessary spending; its an undeniable fact. Despite a well organized budget and a shopping list, hunger can take over and make you buy things you never normally would. Purchasing fast food on the way home from the store to squelch your hunger is another money trap.

Visit thrift stores and consignment shops. This works for kids when they are babies and toddlers. These stores have beautiful clothing that is in excellent condition. All it takes is a little searching to find a treasure or two at a fraction of the cost. Name brand clothing can be found here also. Thrift stores are a good alternative to hand-me-down clothing for younger kids.

Buy in bulk only if it is something that you need. While buying in bulk can be one way to save money, it is not true in every situation. Simply bringing a calculator with you to the store to check unit prices will help you decide which bulk purchases are really going to save you money. Becoming a member at a shopping warehouse is a good idea if you buy in bulk on a regular basis.

Ask for a rain check. Rain checks can aid your efforts to save money when stores run out of sale items. Even though some stores do not issue rain checks for all products on sale, dont let that deter you from asking for one. Dont buy something at full price without at least inquiring about a rain check first. Most sale prices have a limit, so buy as much as possible to save the most money.

Bargain shop when looking for services. There’s no rule that says you have to go with the first plumber that you call. All companies don’t charge the same amount. Checking two or three places will give you a good idea of how the prices stack up. Choose the one with the most services for the lowest price. If you are not sure, ask a friend who may have had the same need that you do now.

Purchase gifts throughout the year. Don’t wait until right before the holidays or someone’s birthday. Finding gifts throughout the year saves money. Sales after Christmas are the perfect time to find all sorts of merchandise that would make good gifts for the following Christmas. Store your gifts in a cabinet for that purpose so that you are never without something to choose from for gift giving.

A little bit of planning and effort can turn into big savings if you put these frugal spending tips into practice and make them regular spending habits.

Finances

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