Bargin Hunting to the Extreme

So one thing I've learned since I haven't been working is how to really budget.  I've always been pretty good with money, thanks in part to great role models in my parents, but I've never had THIS tight of a budget.  With that comes the need to learn the ability to look for bargains... to the extreme.  So I will share some of my advice, things I've learned that help me enjoy life and stay within (or close to) my new budget.

1. Sign up for loyalty cards: while there is no loyalty to employees many companies have lots of loyalty to their customers, now more than ever.  And yes, it's annoying to have to have 20 cards, but a trick I learned, get the keychain ones, put it on the same keychain and just leave it in your car or purse.  Anyhow, these loyalty programs often come with good perks.  Restaurants send me coupons for free appetizers or deserts, yesterday Shaun and I got free smoothies just for stopping in between 2 and 4.  Just make sure you use a "junk email" email account (you know a free email service you only use for this and online shopping so all your junk email goes to one inbox and doesn't clutter up email from friends and family).  Needless to say I love love love the perks cards. (Best ones: AMC Theatres, CVS, Eddie Bauer, and Kroger/Giant Eagle)

2. Coupons: I know this seems like a "duh!" but it's not just the ones you find in the Sunday paper.  New businesses put coupons in the free papers you find at coffee shops.  And the best investment for those who live in a big city... the Entertainment Book.  For $20 you can get an entire book of coupons.  Some, I admit, are dumb ($1 off zoo admission... REALLY????), but others are great and have you getting your money back in no time.  Buy one get one dinners are always good, as are ice cream treats and games of bowling.  Plus it gets you to try some new places in the city.  And don't forget... you can always print more online!!!

3. Weekly Specials: Now I don't have kids, but there are more and more restaurants offering "kids eat free" nights... just keep an eye out for what your restaurant does.  Also, some restaurants have big deals during happy hour or nights during the week.  Bar Louie for example has dollar burger night, and if you go during happy hour you get 1/2 price appetizers.  Shaun and I filled up for $15... for full price we would have spent $38!  Also, the dollar theatre has cheaper movie tickets on Monday & Tuesday!

4. Mailing Lists: Yes, I know, we all hate junk mail.  But in this economy many places will mail out coupons in hopes of getting you in the door!  Half Price Books for example will send you a post card with coupons to use on a specific date... up to 50% off one item!  Not only are you getting a deal, but buying a used book means you are saving a tree too!

5. Staying In: I think this is often over looked because... well it can be boring.  But it doesn't have to be.  I mean you are already paying for cable (let's face it in this day and age who doesn't have cable!)... and if not you surely have some DVD's or can rent one (FREE) from the public library.  Get a movie, make some popcorn and hang it... it's a lot cheaper than a night at the movies!  You can also have friends over for a game night... make some cookies (homemade is cheaper than buying at the store!) and play some games.  It may sound a bit dorky... but if they are really your friends they will just have fun with you... and if not, a cheap bottle of wine will loosen anyone up!

The thing is, even if you aren't unemployed and are making money you can always save some more!  It's hard not to stick to your usual traditions of going out to dinner when you don't feel like cooking, and having to way for the morning matinee for a movie you really want to see instead of going Friday night (yes if you go to the movies before noon it's pretty much half price)... but even just a few changes really start adding up.