Comparison shopping is when you look at a product that you plan to purchase and compare the price of the same or similar product at different stores or locations. You then purchase the product where you can get the best bargain. You can price compare just about everything from your groceries to a new vehicle, children’s toys to finding a hotel for you next vacation. Avid bargain hunters know just where to look to find the best deals. Here are some tips to get started:

One quick and easy way to comparison shop is to look at the store’s specials. For example ,you can look at several different advertisements for grocery stores in your area before you head out to do your shopping. You can then choose the store that has the best bargains on the items you plan to buy. Many bargain hunters will even stop at multiple locations, picking up the items they need that are on special in each store.

Looking at advertisements is another great way to begin to price compare for bigger ticket items. If you are looking to buy a television set, a washer or lawn mower for example, you will want to seek out ads for the stores that typically carry these products. You can check out the items that are on sale that week, comparing cost to the product features. Many times, with these types of items, it is also a good idea to visit the stores to take a look. Some stores will even haggle with you on the price. As an added tip check to see if there are any other bargains to be had. Sometimes if you open up a store charge account you can get an additional discount.

Purchasing a new vehicle is another place that bargain hunters price compare. In this case it is usually best to visit different dealerships to look at the vehicles, decide on features and price compare. Once you have decided on a particular make and model to purchase you can then make the sale at the dealership that will offer you the best bargain.

Price comparing for vacations is also a great way to find a deal. If you are planning a trip, whether you are looking for a hotel room, a luxury resort or even a cabin on a cruise ship, bargain shopping can save you money. It is very easy to compare prices on the internet for these services and many travel websites compare prices for you.

Bottom line, you don’t need to pay full price. With a little bit of time and effort you can learn to bargain shop and save a bundle.

As the cost of everything on the planet increases, people are finding it difficult to stay afloat financially. Saving money has become increasingly important in most households. Here are some easy methods that you can use to reduce your grocery bill and your utility bill.

Saving Money at the Grocery Store

You can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year by using grocery store coupons. It’s possible that you’ve been stuck at the checkout line of the grocery store behind someone who is fumbling with a stack of coupons. However, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year by using grocery store coupons.

Purchase generic products instead of name brand products. Many times people can’t even tell the difference between a store brand and a name brand product. The only major difference is the price tag.

Make a grocery list and stick to it. Many people often go to the grocery store not knowing what they want to buy, and they end up purchasing items that they don’t really need. Making a definitive list will ensure that you don’t end up impulse-buying.

Saving Money on Utilities

If you have traditional incandescent light bulbs, you might want to replace them with fluorescent bulbs. The fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy, and lasts up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Water heating is the third largest household energy expense. Lowering the temperature on your hot water heater can shave dollars off your utility bill. If you have plans to go on vacation, reduce the water heater temperature to the lowest setting. Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot or warm water will contribute to a lower utility bill as well.

Chances are you have appliances around your house that remain plugged in at all times. Some of these items soak up electricity, and you might not even know it. Unplugging appliances that have clocks like microwaves and coffee makers will help save electricity as well as a few dollars every month.

A clothes dryer is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your household. A cheaper alternative to drying your clothes is to invest in a clothesline and start hanging your laundry out to dry. Sure, it’ll take more time, but your lower utility bill might be worth it. If weather does not permit, you can still hang your clothes to dry inside your home. Dry racks can be purchased at any department store.

Your paycheck can quickly dry up courtesy of inflating utility and grocery costs. Using some of these common sense ideas-coupled with a little sacrificing of certain luxuries-can help absorb the ever-growing price increases.

We have all found ourselves stuck with a few gifts that we just can’t find a home for after we celebrate our birthday or during a gift-giving holiday but many times we don’t know what to do with them. Guilt sometimes interfers with financial sense. We don’t want to give it up but what else can we do?  Generally the first thought is to return these gifts for cash, store credit or an exchange.  A consumer report poll reports that one in five Americans will return a gift following the Christmas holiday.

If you are one of the many consumers returning gifts you’ve recieved, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.Retailers do not operate like they use to, namely because consumers have discovered and used many loopholes and the ease of returns to their unethical advantage.

In an attempt to fight return fraud, some stores have very strict return policies.  

•  What’s the policy? Before you spend a lot of time driving from store to store to return unwanted items spend a few minutes to research the stores return policy. 

• Don’t expect to get cash back if you don’t have the receipt.  Exchanges or store credit may be given for gifts that do not have the receipts.  If the item is on sale when you return it without the receipt you may get the sale price back rather than the full amount. 

• Restocking fees may apply if you don’t return the gift in its original packaging.  You may have opened a gift thrown out the box and decided that you no longer choose to keep it and attempt to return it.  Unless you have the original packaging the cost for restocking may eat up most of the reimbursement for the return if it’s not in its package.  Decide if it’s worth it to return the gift or find a use for it.

• Make sure your tags are intact.  If the tags from clothing are removed it’s likely that retail stores will not accept the return.  Attempting to return items without tags can be viewed as fraudulent.  Many retailers have policies that prohibit them from taking back or exchanging items without the tag.  Some stores are even adjusting the location of tags on clothing to make them more visible.  This tactic is thought to reduce the practice of people hiding the tag wearing the item and then returning it after having worn it.

• On-line returns can be costly.  Online returns often ask for a return authorization number and packing slip with on-line returns.  Shipping and handling charges can be expensive.  You may also have to pay for the charge to reship the item you are returning.

There are so many things to buy.  The stores are filled with bright shiny things that can easily lure you into spending thoughtlessly.  Online stores make it simple to point, click, and spend without a second thought.   It does not take long before you are in debt, but not sure where the money has gone.  Impulse spending can put a real dent in your budget.  Practicing disciplined spending is one of the best ways to gain control over your personal finances.

Make a Budget
Budget is not the most exciting word, but following one has amazing results.  Determine the amount of money you can spend for each category of your life; for example: food, clothing, entertainment, housing, ECT…  Budgets can be tracked using pen and paper or a computer software program such as Quicken or Money.  Give yourself some leeway by budgeting in miscellaneous items that come up during the week, but stick to the other elements of your budget religiously.  Your impulse spending will drop dramatically and you’ll see your bank account swell.

Stay Out of the Stores
Unless you need something specific, stay away from the stores.  Shopping should not be a form of entertainment.  Spend time with friends, family, exercising or reading and leave the shopping for when you really need something. 

Think Twice Before Spending
When you do need to buy something, maybe you can borrow it or repair what you already have.  Outside of food, clothing, or shelter, what do you really need?  If you can find a way to borrow or do without you’ll save yourself a ton of money.

Watch Advertisements with a Critical Eye
It’s the marketer’s job to part you from your money.  Who cares if you really need it or even want the item?  Notice how advertisements play on your emotions.  Will you really be more successful, beautiful, handsome ECT… if you use XYZ products?  Laugh at the absurdity and then keep your wallet close.

Research Your Item
If there is something you want to buy, take the time to research the product.  If you buy it, are there other add-ons you will need over time?  How much does it cost to upkeep the product?  Is there a new version coming out soon?  Before spending, do your diligence to make sure you are aware of the full cost of the product.
      
Spend Wisely for Healthier Finances
Impulse spending is a bad habit and a slow leak that can wreak havoc on your personal finances.   With a little thought you can gain control of thoughtless spending and rebuild your savings.

On all personal finance sites, you’re likely to find information about how you can use coupons to save money on your weekly groceries. The cost of feeding a family can be astronomical, but it doesn’t have to be as a woman proves in a news segment on ABC News and Good Morning America. Kathy Spencer from Massachusetts shows off her couponing skills for Good Morning America, where she got $267 worth of groceries for just 1 penny.

Get Circulars and Coupons

Kathy spends a couple hours each week going through the weekly circulars, newspapers, and the internet to find the sales and coupons. When she makes her shopping list, she buys products based on if she can get them for free (or close to it).

Check Stores Policies

Many stores will let you use multiple coupons on the same type of order. For example, Kathy had 7 coupons for $1 off seafood orders. She went to the fresh seafood counter and ordered scallops and perch – in 7 different orders so that each order would be about $1 in price. She got a quarter pound of scallops in 4 different orders to get the equivalent of a pound of scallops. A quarter pound of scallops cost about $1.08. This way, she can use one coupon with each of her quarter pound orders and it will cost her 8 cents per order. If she got a full pound order of scallops in one bag, she would only save $1 off the order because she could only use a single coupon for the one pound bag, and she would pay about $3.25.

Save Store Bonus Credits

If the store you do your grocery shopping in offers bonus credits – coupons towards the price of your next order – you can use them to reduce the amount you pay at the checkout line. CVS offers “extra care bucks” when you shop and swipe your CVS card. These print with your receipt and work like cash the next time you come into the store. CVS is also a store that accepts both manufacturer coupons and their own print coupons – giving you many opportunities to get free products.

Double Coupons

Stores that allow you to double coupons give you the opportunity for big savings. Most have a limit of 99 cents or so – but any coupon you can double saves you twice as much money!

Combine Store Coupons with Manufacturer Coupons

The majority of stores will allow shoppers to use manufacturer coupons (typically found in the newspaper or online) with a store coupon (typically found in the store circular with weekly sales).

Youtube: Feed a Family of 6 for $4 a week

By now, we have all seen a celebrity endorsement of some kind on television or in print. Some make sense (Sally Field for osteoporosis medications – I believe her) and others that just don’t compute (all endorsements by Gary Coleman). Celebrity endorsements, no matter how far-fetched they may seem are around and will continue to be around because they work. On some level, there is something inside most humans that do believe if the rich and famous are doing it, we have to get on board too.

However, marketing power people know just what they are doing and how to sell product. Even the most ridiculous products can find an audience of believers. With that audience often comes deep pockets. Those willing to hand over cash for any number of miraculous pills or instant cures are plentiful but falling for a fad realistically is just a big waste of money.

So how can you tell what products are trustworthy and which are better left on the shelf? Here are a few things to consider when contemplating your next purchase of a miracle anything:

Backed By Tangible Evidence?
Marketing teams often use “real stories” from “real people” because it is human nature to feel compassion. But often times those “real stories” are dramatized heavily. Claims that just don’t make a lot of logical sense probably are not worth your time or money. Are you getting the real story? Is the miracle vitamin they want to sell you really going to work?

Research Product Reliability
Do some legwork to look at any research provided. Any new medication or treatment should be tested on a large number of people and include both the actual treatment as well as a placebo in an environment where testers and participants do not know who took which product. Those studies that involve animal testing or with a controlled group provide no real answers of effectiveness.

Spokesperson Benefit
Those touting the product, especially the famous people, make have a stake in the profits. Be wary of why people are vouching for a specific product. There may be some cases where the person really is backing the product wholeheartedly and not for financial gain but be aware of those who have something else to sell, like accessory products, or a book.

Remain Skeptical in Words
The marketing team know how to use the buzz words like ‘miracle’, ‘wonder drug’, and ‘cure-all’. Many also work hard to explain away why their particular product is not endorsed by the medical community or why the popularity of the product is low. It can be easy to get caught up in buzz words and buy something you don’t want, don’t need, and can’t afford.

Marketing is a big industry and people are getting craftier every day, finding ways to really hit their target market. Sticking with a budget is a sure-fire way to understand what you can and can’t afford. Forget the famous faces and the big propaganda. If there is a product you are really interested in, take the time to see what it really is all about instead of just following the lead of someone else.

The price of groceries has been steadily going up on just about everything. There are some easy ways though to help save you money on you and your family’s food expenses without giving up nutrition or flavor. These tips can save you anywhere from $50 – $100 or more each month.

Before going to the grocery store, make a list! It sounds simple, but many people forget to do so and either buy too much or forget key ingredients to their meals or sometimes even both. Make your list to include what you want to cook and eat for the week or even two weeks. Then start making a new list from the time you get back on staples that you are running out of and new meals you’d like to cook. Sticking to the list saves lots of money in the long run because you won’t be buying more than you need and your food won’t go bad.

Coupons are a very smart way to save money on groceries. Coupons come weekly in the newspaper and you can also find them online for free (you just have to print them out) from places like CouponSurfer.com, CouponMom.com, CoolSavings.com and many others. Coupons can save you anywhere from 25cents to over $10 on some products. There are also some stores that double or triple coupon savings if the coupon is fewer than 50 cents or $1.

Start buying the value priced or store brand foods. It is almost always cheaper to buy the store brand foods rather than the name brand food. Unless you have really good coupons, try out the value priced option and start saving anywhere from 50 cents to over $5 per item.

Don’t buy the prepackaged meals – cook the meal yourself! A 4 serving of frozen lasagna can cost $8+ but if you cook it yourself you can make 8+ servings of lasagna for that much money. Same goes for canned soup, pizzas, sandwiches, and many more. Start cooking your own meals and you’ll see the savings add up quickly!

Discount food stores offer the best values for grocery shopping around. ALDI for instance, sells a gallon of milk for under $1.50 in most places and loaves of bread for under $1. Their vegetables and fruit are also great quality and very reasonably priced. If you don’t want to shop here for everything, those staples alone will save you big money on your grocery bill.

For most in college, this is your first time ever having to manage your own money. It can be a little tricky at first, but with these simple steps for staying on a budget and lowering expenses while in college you’ll do just fine.

The first thing you need to do is setup a budget worksheet for your income and expenses. About.com has a great example of a budget worksheet for college students. This will help you visually see where your income comes from and how much you are bringing in versus how much you are spending in order to recognize where that money is actually being spent.

The most important thing to do is be realistic about your income and expenses. If your income is less than your expenses, then you will need to do some adjusting and lower some of your expenses. Living above your means is not a good way to start off your spending habits for your future.

Instead of using credit or debit cards, use cash for your purchases. Paying for things with cash makes you more aware of how much money you are spending versus simply swiping your plastic and signing on the dotted line. If you set aside money in cash form for what you budget for food, clothes, entertainment and other things it will allow you to visually see what you have left to spend on for the remainder of the week or month. It also won’t be as easy to waste $80 on a pair of shoes or jeans.

Only buy something if it is on sale, you have a coupon or you really love it. Clearance sales and buy one get two free are a college student’s favorite words to see when shopping – so take advantage of those sales on food and clothing and make your money stretch further on each purchase.

Don’t buy your textbooks at full price. Buy the used version either from your student bookstore, amazon.com or half.com. This can save you up to 80% (sometimes even more) on textbooks each semester!

Actively look for more scholarships that you can apply for and hopefully win each semester. This will add to more funding for your budget and help you with your education.

If you can, apply for a part time job either at the school you’re attending or nearby. This will help you manage your time, give you extra spending money and look good on your resume after you graduate from college.

Gillette and other razor companies have been hailed as marketing geniuses when they decreased the price of the razor to be very inexpensive and then make the blades almost as expensive as a new razor it self. Printer companies quickly learned a lesson from them and followed suits. An inexpensive home printer would cost around $50, some as low as $30 during special deals, and the ink cartridges themselves would retail for $30 as well! It’s hard to imagine that the ink would cost the same price as the entire printer! If you do a lot of printing for work or at home for whatever reason, you know that it can get quite costly very quickly. Here are some money saving tips that you can use to cut down on your printing bill.

First and foremost, never walk down to the local electronics store or big box store and just buy a new print cartridge. This is perhaps the most expensive way to pay for your printer ink. If you are going to buy a cartridge, it will almost always be cheaper online. The ink selling business on the internet has become very competitive in the last few years, so the prices have gotten very cheap. Do a simple Google search for printer ink and compare a few different sites to see which has the cheapest printer cartridges for your printer. Before you make the buy, head on over to reseller ratings.com quick to make sure they’re an okay place to do business with. Some of the online ink retailers are very professional and high-class, whereas some you probably wouldn’t want to send your least favorite relative to.

You can decrease the amount of ink you use for your printer during each print by using what’s called “draft mode.” It won’t use as much ink for each print, but the text won’t be quite as vibrant and dark. The quality is still very acceptable for every day use, but you probably would not want to use it for your resume or a college paper. In order to access draft mode on your Windows machine, you’ll want to open the control panel, double click on printers, right click on your printer and go to properties. From here on out it’s different on every printer, but look for the words “Draft mode” or “Ink saving mode”.

You can also get kits which will allow you to refill your existing cartridge which has run out of ink. You can usually pick these up for about one third the price of an actual cartridge. You can pick them up at WalMart for around $10.00 or at any of the major online ink retailers. A good printer cartridge will usually through about 4 or 5 refills, but after that it’s probably time to get a new one.

There’s another way you can save on printing besides the ink, get the best deal on the paper you print it at. Buy paper in bulk to get the best deal per page. WalMart and CostCo usually have pretty good prices on paper, a lot of local office supply stores will charge a premium for the same product, make sure you are getting the best deal!

If you’re a business owner and have to do a lot of printing, you’re looking at a whole different ballgame. Some small businesses are able to get away with doing their printing in-house, but for businesses with a lot of marketing needs, they often have to farm out their printing. Some might only compare local print shops, but there are also print shops that will do custom printing as well as some more exotic printing services such as sticker printing, and mail you the printed materials.

Hopefully by following some of these money saving tips on printing, you’ll be able to cut back on the number of dollars that you line HP’s pockets with every month

National School Lunch week during October 12 – 16, 2009 has placed the focus on two areas that are in need of attention by families.  First is on healthy food choices for lunches.  Second is the need for reusable containers in which to carry lunches, instead of the throw away products that are not reusable and have a long life in dump sites around the nation.

Fortunately, more and more businesses are manufacturing items that are eco-friendly and have money-saving properties in their use and implementation.  These companies stand to benefit from a world-wide emphasis on ‘green’ living by offering these products.  Many that have gotten on board are increasing their green product lineups, too.  As demand increases, they stand to profit as well.

Here are some suggestions for saving money by obtaining reusable, sustainable, and eco-friendly items:

Drink Containers
A good choice is those that are reusable over and over and come in stainless steel varieties, but there are other materials, too.  Aluminum is good because it helps maintain temperature consistency of the beverage that is placed into it.  Consider that plastic bottles which are priced at 50 cents each are costing around $100 per year for each child, so not only do you save the planet, but money as well.

Food Containers
Cloth is ‘in’ and you can find a variety of wraps that are made just for sandwiches and other snacks.  Also, there are cloth sacks that are large enough for a complete lunch.  These wraps offer convenient Velcro that helps keep them closed until you are ready to open them at lunch time.  They are also good at keeping your food fresh until it is time to eat.

Eating Utensils
Bamboo is becoming a popular choice for utensils which makes a good replacement for plastic.  It is strong and resilient even in liquid and temperature extremes.  You will even find bamboo stirring sticks for coffee and other drinks that require mixing.

All of these options are wallet-friendly choices because of the reusability and prevention of additional pollution by the purchase and disposal of plastic which has a high resistance to bio-break down over long periods of time. Going green includes the components of saving money as well as saving the environment.  Even if you do not feel inclined to be ecologically responsible (and who wouldn’t be?) you should feel good about saving money in the long run.