Do You Save On Everything?

[SavingSweetOneL]

Hi All,

Do you save on each and every purchase?

SweetOneL

[Ramose]

I find that it's not about saving on purchases as much as cutting down purchases. For example, instead of buying a cheaper brand of cigarettes you should stop smoking altogether. However, if you need to buy something it is always good practice not to overpay.

[susie michelle]

Well said, Ramose. I, too, like to cut back on buying things in the first place. And when I do buy something, it might not be the absolute cheapest version of the thing. Quality clothing and shoes can be expensive, but can still offer great value, for example.

When I shop, I use a coupon or look for a discount whenever possible so I'm not overpaying, but I always consider the time it takes to get or find the deal. And I don't shop for recreation.

[SavingSweetOneL]

Fortunately, I don't smoke, and I don't shop for recreation. Only when really needing something. If not tired, I do enjoy it. I can find even grocery shopping enjoyable. I enjoy visiting the thrift stores, just to see what is there. I enjoy it most with a list, and I wonder if this is the way my human hunting instincts, expresses itself.

My biggest joy in life, is to learn new things, over shopping.

I do love to give to 50c13's though.

SweetOneL

[josetann]

Yes and no.

Sometimes, I spend more than I had to, because it's convenient to. An example, I probably spent $1,000-$2,000 more for the car we bought this year than I had to. Went to a dealer to get it, a very very good way to NOT save money. BUT...we'd just moved to a new country, didn't know all the ins and outs, and if we didn't get a car within the first few days of moving here, we'd have to rent one for a while, seriously negating any future savings on a used car.

Occasionally I'll throw money at a problem, because being cheap is actually costing us more. I.e., building something, buy cheap clamps that pop like firecrackers under pressure...so I go buy some halfway decent tools. Sometimes I'll actually start with the non-cheap item...and perhaps that's actually saving money (one can always tell when starting out too cheap costs too much money...but if you spend more and don't have to immediately replace the item, it can be more difficult to be assured that you couldn't have made do with the cheaper alternative).

When planning vacations, I try to find cheaper alternatives that may actually increase our enjoyment. Flying to Australia, it was cheaper to have a day layover in Beijing. Going to Disney, we camp at Fort Wilderness (cheaper, and kids enjoy it much more than being in a motel room). Next month, we'll be camping in the middle of Sydney Harbour, saving maybe $100 and much more interesting than staying in a normal motel room.

Whenever I decide on a purchase, I do try to find if there's a way to make it cost less. Camping at Fort Wilderness, I asked what the AAA rate would be. I'd save enough to more than pay for the AAA membership, so I signed up for AAA and called back to get the AAA rate. Cruise, I check different travel agencies to see who'll give the most onboard credit (many/most are required to have the same pricing, but they can throw in additional perks). Buying something online, see which store is cheapest (and see if there's a coupon to bring the price down). Scope out ads for coupons for dining out. Stuff like that.

[jpg7n16]

Hi All,

Do you save on each and every purchase?

SweetOneL

No. I spend on each and every purchase.

[Ramose]

No. I spend on each and every purchase.

Hahaha

[elessar78]

I try to save on most and I think we do a decent job, but my post is really about the contrast.

My in-laws. They have a high household income, but they overpay on nearly everything. It wouldn't be so bad but my SIL always try to publicly rationalize or justify why they overpay.

[dawnwes]

I am not sure how you define saving on every purchase. I buy 90% of our groceries at Costco because of the quality and some savings, but I could probably find some of the items cheaper elsewhere, but they would have fillers and be lower quality.

When I want something I DO shop around and try to find it for cheaper.

I am a big yard sale-er and thrift store shopper for items like clothing and gadgets.

Dawn

[LivingAlmostLarge]

No, but then again I just buy less stuff so buying on sale isn't always necessary.

[joshuaking]

I almost always do a quick google search before buying anything, first to find the lowest price anywhere, and second to see if their are any online coupons.

[phantom]

Like a lot of people here, I think I save more by spending less often that I do by finding the best deals. But, I do often shop around for the best price and watch for sales and coupons when making most purchases.

One thing I almost never save money on is milk. It almost never goes on sale, and even when it does, it doesn't keep long enough to allow stocking up. I can't even get a better value by buying it a gallon at a time because I can't use a gallon before it goes bad. Luckily, it's not unbearably expensive in the first place, so it doesn't matter that I haven't figured out how to save money on it.

[thesimplemoneyblog]

I think it's about learning a balance. We cut back and do not spend on items we do not need or care about, but we make sure to do our research on items that are meaningful. You can't possibly research deals on every decision, but there are a lot of categories where we look to save on each and every purchase (meal gift cards, groceries, clothes, cars, etc.). By making these conscious decisions to search for better deals, the savings can add up quickly and will compound over time.

[snafu]

I concentrate on not buying on impulse as experience has taught me it has considerable potential to disappoint by not fulfilling expectations. I research before buying planned purchases aiming for that sweet spot between quality and price. My extended family has a dozen synonyms for calling me cheapskate but I enjoy the challenge of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-ing income.

I make use of store flyers concentrating on the loss leaders and seasonal foods to make up a 2 week menu plan. I'd rather go to live theatre Sunday Matinee as it's half price, smaller audience and free parking. I see myself as CFO of this household since DH's eyes glaze over whenever finance is the topic. It's part of my 'job' to get the product that best meets our needs for the best price like any company 'buyer.'

[justinedwards]

Not on all things

I do not save on all things. Daily use commodities are the things on which I do not save, other than this, I save on all the things.