Little Money Savers for your Next Shopping Trip

When it comes to creating a budget it's easy to forget about those little expenses. They don't seem important, but it's that dollar or two spent on a daily basis that really adds up at the end of the month. and leave us short on cash before the next paycheck arrives.

In order to save we simply need to know how we buy. Whether we buy groceries, clothing or electronics, we usually pay a higher price than we have to. Add to that the cappuccino, newspaper and cigarettes, our expenses can skyrocket. Here's a sampling of how and where you can save both on those daily expenses and that major shopping trip:

• A shopping list: It's been said before a thousand tomes, but you will end up spending a lot more than you planned if you don't know what it is you absolutely need. It encourages impulse buying. Making that list will enforce some self-discipline. That's not to say you should cut out the ice cream and cookies-just included them in your list.

• Clearance and bargains: The discounts can be quite substantial. Do you really need an undamaged box of oatmeal when a slightly crumpled one with the contents intact will give your kids the same nutrition?

• Buy Bulk: If you have a large family, buying in bulk makes sense. No need to buy that box of Uncle Ben's when a large bag will provide several meals for your family.

• Use coupons: It's one good way to shave off extra dollars for those items you need. The same holds true for sale items.

• Buy at the right time: Don't go shopping on an empty stomach, or when you're tired or stressed. That translates into more buying than your budget calls for. You can get better deals shopping early during the week than later. Ever shop for gas? The best time to buy is in the late evenings instead of the morning when everyone has to go to work. If you live in a small town, gas is likely to be cheaper than in the big city.

• Comparison shop: This is great if you live in an area close to major shopping centers. Don't get in a rush to buy when you see that sticker price. The item may be lower elsewhere.

• Shop at dollar stores: They may not have the selection of the big megamalls, but the products are the same. Need to get a Halloween mask for the kids? You don't need to spend lots of money for an event that comes around once a year and likely the kids will outgrow anyway.

• Buy generic items: They are often as good as those brand-name items, have the same ingredients and cost far less.

• Shop Online: Why buy that expensive book at Chapters when you can get a lower price from eBay and Amazon.com. You can buy used items that will save you hundreds of dollars over that same brand-name and new item at your retailer. Some places offer free shipping.

• Repair It: Ours is a throwaway society. We throw away things that work perfectly well just because it has some dent or minor defect. Consider whether what you want to throw out is worth repairing. Furniture, appliances, cars are often tossed out when a little spent to repair it can make it last many more years. Buying new rather than getting the most out of what you already own can save thousands of dollars. Far better to maintain what you have than go out to satisfy your ego.

• Rent the Entertainment: By all means watch the latest blockbuster in the movie house. Having a library of videos and CDs may make a statement about what you like to watch, but you're not likely to watch the same video more than twice. Renting makes more sense and the savings can be put to buying the popcorn to watch it. If you must buy, consider previously viewed movies.

• Buy after the holidays: Markdowns can be anywhere from 50 to 75% off. Out of season items such as wrapping paper and decorations can be stored for the following year.

Once you see how much you save on wise shopping practices, you can reward yourself and get something that really appeals to you but was rather expensive. Likely you'll be able to afford it.

Saving can be a game. Enjoy it! Use your creativity. There's a lot more to saving than just shopping. You could, for example, make your own gifts for birthdays and Christmas. If Johnny doesn't yearn for the latest Play Station why waste that money to buy it

All you need to do is change your buying habits to start saving. Very likely you and your family will have the reward of taking a wonderful beach vacation in an exotic location from the money you saved.