Smart Shopping

I was asked quite a while ago(I think it may have been shortly after I started this blog) by a dear friend that I make a blog post about my "deal findings".  Well, I have delayed this post because I haven't been too certain what I could possibly write about the deals that I have found and how I go about finding them.  Over the past year or two I have been fortunate enough to have obtained the following:

Kitchenaid stand mixer - $20
Gamecube system - $3
Leapster case with 4 games - $2
1-night stay at Red Roof Inn - FREE
laptop computer - $10
Jeep jogging stroller - $15
Working car - $375
Wheat grinder - $35

Those were just a few of the things that we have found.  I can't even remember all of the yard sale, thrift store, and free deals that I have found over the years.  I don't profess to be a master deal finder.  I know that there are always people out there that are better at deal finding.  I can also admit that we have erred in our purchase-making decisions in the past, but it was usually when we acted more on impulse rather than sticking with my "rules".  For the most part I feel that I can chalk most of my deal finding up to being "luck".

I will just share with you my fundamental philosophies.

"Rule of thumb" number 1:  "Try to NEVER pay full price for anything".
I believe that by having that mentality all of the time helps me to gain the ability to find resources that help me to save whenever possible.  Of course, I am well aware that focusing on saving money on things that aren't necessities means that I'm not really saving money, but rather wasting money in a less irresponsible manner.  That focus, though, has allowed us to enjoy many luxuries that I know we would never have been able to enjoy otherwise.  Seeking out deals can be quite fun and provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when a really good deal is found, but the process can be daunting and time consuming.

Rule number 2:  "Can I afford it?" and "How much am I willing to spend?"
Answering those two questions is a must.  Having a price in mind before you go any further is an important part of following the remainder of my "rules".  Knowing how much you are willing to spend can sometimes pre-determine whether or not the item can be purchased new or used.  Following this step can also narrow down your options which would allow you to do your research from there.

"Rule of thumb" number 3 is:  "Is it something that I have to buy new or could I be happy with a used one?"  That is a question that should always be asked.  There are items that should just never be purchased used if it can be at all avoided.  Electronics can be iffy when purchasing used.  Consider purchasing from a respectable retailer either online or in-store.  They almost always offer a warranty or repair program.  Refurbished electronics can be a prime option.  I actually can't think of a single refurbished product which we have purchased that I have regretted purchasing.  The refurbished items have typically had their issues already and then the manufacturer has "worked the bugs out" and tested the product to ensure functionality and re-sells it to consumers at a fraction of the cost.  They almost always come with a manufacturer's warranty included.  Housewares and most clothing are perfectly acceptable to purchase in used condition.  I could never bring myself to purchase secondhand underpants, but that's not to say that it's not acceptable for someone else.  After having been to countless yard/garage sales and thrift stores I must say that I have been shocked by the amount of new and unused merchandise that people have to offer, so it never hurts look around.

Fourth rule:  "Never buy the first one you see without doing your research."
Know what you are wanting to purchase.  Find out all of the details and specs of the item prior to purchasing. Seek out reviews of the item and compare prices.  Find websites(fatwallet.com, dealighted.com, woot.com, and 1saleaday.com are a few of my favorites) and as many resources as possible that can help you to obtain the best deal possible.  I feel that I am rarely disappointed if I have made an educated purchase.  In fact, often times I have found that if I see something at the store that I am interested in purchasing and I come home and do some research first that I will usually find one that I like even better just by looking around.  Also, following this step has greatly discouraged impulse buying in my life.  Sometimes, just by walking away and doing a bit of research may even help you to discover that you don't even want the item at all.

My fifth rule:  "Be patient!" .
There will sometimes be things that are needed or wanted right away.  I have learned that the things that aren't so urgent will almost always be more affordable if you are patient.  "Why do I want this item?" is a question that I always ask myself when contemplating a purchase.  "Am I wanting it so that I can be "up-to-the-moment and trendy" or "can I make due without?"  are two more essential questions dealing with patience.  I have found that simply by being patient for weeks or sometimes months that I have almost always found the best deals.   Don't be fooled by retailers telling you things like:  "Hurry NOW because this deal will be over soon and will be gone forever!".  Whenever they say things like that they are really just meaning that that particular deal is going to end soon but they don't tell you that the next deal might be even better.  Sure, hook phrases like:  "Lowest price of the season" and "Lowest price ever" sound great but that just means that the price is only likely to continue going down.

Sixth rule:  "Don't be too proud to ask."
Whether you're at a garage sale and are hoping to get a lower price on an item or are at a retail store and want to know if/when certain items might be going on sale or clearance; it doesn't hurt to ask.  Some retailers match competitor's prices and offer discounts in addition to those prices, and some will continue to match prices for up to thirty days after the date of your purchase to offer you a refund of the price difference.  Most people don't have this knowledge without asking.  In our "digital age" it seems that many people are too afraid or self-conscious to actually confront and ask people for help.  Humble yourself and ask!


These are the general rules that I try to abide by, but just understand that "great" deal finding can sometimes seem a lot like work and that, just as with anything else in our lives, we must try to balance ourselves and not allow it to consume all of our time or energy.  The things that you purchase can be investments but your family is the best investment of your time that you could ever make.

I intend to follow-up to this post with a grocery shopping entry, as requested by a friend.

I'm also very open to shopping and deal finding suggestions that anyone else may have, so feel free to share.