If you are like me or anybody else your budget gets tight at least occasionally. Of course, if you’re really struggling with bills you may run low on money every month instead.
Regardless of which position you’re in, cutting back on expenses can ease the strain on your budget. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on everyday purchases that can help.
Watch Expiration Dates
The first way you can save money on everyday purchases is to pay attention to expiration dates. This applies not only to food but to medications and other items as well.
It only takes a moment to look for the date on what you are buying. But that extra second or two you spend could add up to significant savings in your budget. The alternative is to waste money and throw away the item you just purchased.
Substitute Store Brand Items
Another way to save money on everyday purchases is to substitute store brand items. Rather than paying premium prices for name brand purchases try switching to lower priced options.
When I use store brand or generic foods in recipes, as an example, my family usually can’t even tell. But I can tell when paying my grocery bill each month because it’s lower.
Get Money Back
To save even more money on everyday purchases you could get cash back through Ebates. It’s easy to create an account and get started for free.
It doesn’t take much effort on your part to use Ebates. So, when you’re planning to buy something anyway, you might as well get a little money back.
Wait Before You Buy
With some purchases you can wait before buying them. Let’s say you’re considering buying a new shirt online. Start out by putting it in your cart and waiting.
There are a couple of ways this tactic can help you. By giving yourself a day or two to think it over you may talk yourself out of the purchase completely and save money.
Or, you may receive a coupon from the company when they see you didn’t complete your purchase. When that happens it helps you save money on items you really need to buy.
Track Frequently Used Items
A less well known way to save money on everyday purchases is to track those you frequently use. Although this takes some time, it can pay off in savings.
Just set up a spreadsheet on your computer to record when you buy things. Include the cost, date, and if it was on sale.
Documenting this type of information can help you plan purchases strategically around store sales. Then you can buy enough at sale prices to last until the next sale. Using this method you may never again have to pay full price for some things.
Request a Rain Check
Requesting a rain check can help save money on everyday purchases as well. When stores run out of sale items, some will provide a rain check if you ask for it.
A rain check allows you to buy the item at sale price once it’s back in stock. If the item is no longer on sale the store has to honor the sale price listed on the rain check anyway. Usually there is an expiration date on the rain check so watch out for this.
Shop Sales
An obvious way to save money on everyday purchases is to shop sales. Lots of stores have weekly advertisements listing sale items. Most allow you to sign up for notification by email but some only use snail mail.
You can use sales flyers, as well as meal menus, to plan what you buy and ease the strain on your budget.
Buy in Bulk
Another idea to save money is to buy what you can in bulk. While it doesn’t make sense to do that for all purchases, with planning you can do it for some of them.
For instance, you could buy some of your fruits and vegetables in bulk. Then prepare and freeze them for use later in soups and other recipes. Although this won’t work for everything you buy, it can add to your savings.
Compare Store Prices
If you want to save the most on everyday purchases, compare store prices. Having access to multiple stores carrying the same items lets you comparison shop. Then all you have to do is buy from the lowest priced store.
There’s no shame in having a tight budget. But you can do something about it. If you want to save money on your everyday purchases try some of these ideas to help.
What other ways would you use to save money on everyday purchases?
Jeanne is a married mother of 2 children who works as a full-time freelancer and virtual assistant. She also helps out occasionally on the farm she and her husband own together. Her background is mostly finance and medical office management. She’s currently working to improve her financial well-being and hopes to help others improve theirs as well.