GURU?!
WHO KNEW!
-the blog-
Savings Savvy
Savings give me such a rush and thrill. I always walk out adjusting my imaginary Savings Queen crown...!
Saving on Essentials: Groceries
...because it seems like everything is on the rise!
Every time I go to shop for essentials, it seems like the bill easily sky rockets to $300! Who can relate?! I realized that I had abandoned my systematic ways of shopping and had become a panic purchaser (someone who just buys what's available). How does the even happen? lol... It's easy to get into a habit of just buying what is available because that's how we've all been getting by the past few months but now that sales are reinstating, returning to working techniques and storing here and there is the best way to save on what you need and stock what may be needed later.
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a) Create weekly meal plan from items on the sale list at your favorite grocer.
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b) Buy 1-2 additional of the sale items that you use frequently. It will save a few bucks for later meal plans.
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c) Buy at least 2 "disaster items on each grocery trip. ex: a pack of canned goods or pack of paper towels.
Saving ahead of the holidays!
Everyone loves a good matching pajama! September is the perfect time to secure the cute and cohesive without breaking the bank!
Getting the lowest price!
Often times, we get into a plan, whether utilities, insurance or entertainment, comfortable with paying the price UNLESS it randomly gets higher. That will get your attention, right?!
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Even though the price may not increase doesn't mean you can't save more. It is a good practice to call your billers EVERY 6 months to ensure you are getting the best prices available. Promotions and savings roll out constantly and those you have services with are usually NOT going to call you to help you save!
Ex: Re-writing you car insurance policy can save hundreds!!
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Getting on a new plan with tv or cell phones providers can give you more for the same amount or reduce amount paid for the same services.
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Negotiating a better price by making your services aware you are open to do business with competitors will save you at least $10 on your bill!
THE ULTIMATE SAVE:
not spending. (imagine that, ha, ha!)
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Only subscribe for notifications to items you need to purchase within a time frame otherwise unsubscribe from ALL.
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Get in and get out. (Covid pretty much remedied us from physical impulse shopping, ha, ha!) Don't wander into other areas of a store.
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Don't Shop hungry or stressed.
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Set a weekly online shopping limit. Try to reduce that amount weekly.
Savings around the
home...
Keeping your utility bills predictable is one of the best ways to secure your budget! 3 ways to accomplish consistency and even lower some of your bills:
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a) learn peak times!
For most utilities, evenings after 7pm is when the charges drop off. Consider running your household electric items such as the dishwasher or washer in the evenings to avoid peak time costs.
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b) plan out lawn watering days and place a time limit on showers.
Know the water tiers and manage your consumption to stay within a comfortable bracket. Many water companies provide reports and online tools to accomplish this.
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c) update your outdated systems.
This can be costly initially but the savings will QUICKLY add up!
Save on Thanksgiving Entertaining
Create a Potluck Sign up
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Come together for dessert after dinner with your immediate family
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Make your list and begin shopping sales NOW(by the time Thanksgiving arrives, most, if not all, traditional Thanksgiving menu items will have gone on sale. Planning is key!
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RECYCLE & REUSE
One of the biggest ways to save money during the holidays is to recycle! Many spend just as much on decor as the do gifts (if not more)! Let's stop the over spending, folks! Wouldn't you be more jolly if you spent less and still mastered a beautifully festive home? Um, Yes!...
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Keep all previously purchased decor and organize according to color. This will make incorporating new items and coming up with designs for a new year seamless.
Shop after holiday sales. Get DEEP discounts on all that you love for pennies on the dollar. Forget black Friday! Mae it a point to set aside money and shop after holiday clearance to land amazing finds!
Choose decoration based in your current home design. It cost less to dress a space when you consider what's already existing. Selecting decor, ornaments and holiday elements that compliment what already existing in the space will always cut down the expense by 50% guaranteed!
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Purchase Quality items.
Look for textures and materials that will withstand wear and tear. Cheap ornaments become expensive when you're buying them year after year. Did the lightbulb come on? Yeah, I figured it would. You're welcome!
Set a budget. Decide on an amount and map out what retailers will yield you the ability to get the most!
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I'd love to see your holiday home! Send in pictures and be featured!
Get "Gift" carded: Holiday Eats
A creative way to save on your next festive feast!
I started doing this a few holidays ago and it is absolutely genius! This works for what you know you have intention to buy. Many local grocers do promotions where you buy a certain amount and get a gift card for a smaller amount to use the next time. Price out what your items will cost and divide them accordingly. That way you get instant savings!
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HUGE Tip Alert!!!!!!
Wholesale club members (mainly Costco shoppers): If you are purchasing holiday meat like fried turkeys or hams, buy the gift cards (usually at least 20% off the retail/gift card amount)! Pay with the Gift cards and pair it with the restaurants promotion. Example: Honey baked ham are a yearly occurrence with Costco. You get a $100 gift card for $79.99 (instant savings). Honey baked ham is abundant on coupons during the holidays as they want your business. $3, $5 and $10 off (depending on meat size) are frequent discounts. Pay with your gift card (that you already saved money on) and use your coupon in addition! Aye!!!!
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Beyond the plate, purchasing dining gift cards (in packs) at wholesale clubs for gifting is a smart way to save as they are also discounted. It's comparable to getting a gift card for free!
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You see, gift cards are just for others. They can greatly benefit you too! I do this year round! If were having date night at a restaurant that happens to be included in normal warehouse stock, I usually stop by there first and go all out!! Yep, she's smorrt!! (in my Kim Parker voice! ha, ha!)
