by Josie Belle
Ginger’s tip when shopping for seasonal items, such as children’s sports equipment: Start by shopping used. Used items cost so much less than retail and are usually in fine condition.
Joanne suggests learning to live by the golden rule of the ten-second pause. When you pick up an item, before you can add it to your cart or take it to the cashier, pause for ten seconds and consider why you’re buying it and whether you really need it. If not, put it back.
Ginger suggests trying generic brands of items you buy regularly, like vitamins. Instead of sticking to your familiar label, try the store brand or generic version of the item.
Claire suggests going to your local library. It’s not just for books anymore. Libraries have free computer access, DVDs, CDs, video games, free passes to museums and loads more. Some even have their own cafés.
Maggie recommends buying your staples in bulk. If you buy your non-perishables, such as trash bags, detergents, diapers and so on, in bulk, it cuts down on their cost per usage by quite a bit and will save you a nice chunk of change.