|
|
|
The holidays are over. Your gifts are unwrapped and the decorations are coming down. For a lot of people, the end of the holiday season can be a little depressing. For bargain shoppers, however, the fun is just beginning! I look forward to the post-holiday shopping season almost as much as I do Christmas day itself. Here are a few tips I've picked up over the years to make the most of those after-holiday sales.
When to Shop: Sales begin promptly when stores open on December 26th. Be there early if you want the best selection. You will typically save 50% the day after Christmas, progressing to 75% the week after, then up to 90% in January. However, the longer you wait, the more picked over things will be.
Where to Shop: You'll often find the best deals in the most out-of-the-way places. The key is to use your creativity when shopping. Where do you think most shoppers in your area will be? Try to go elsewhere.
Grocery stores. Shop for items such as colored plastic wrap, baggies or anything with festive prints. I stock up on the kids cereals, cookies, or snacks that have holiday packaging. Your children won t know the difference! Shop for candy and baking items as well. If you buy good quality chocolate, you'll save a bundle and be able to use it for cooking or recipes.
Your local thrift stores. Thrift stores see an influx of goods this time of year, due to people wanting to claim their tax deductions before the year is over. It s a time when these stores see a surplus of donations and a slow-down of shoppers. The perfect time to shop!
Fabric stores, book stores, and hardware stores. These stores may offer the same type of things you re looking for at giant retailers like Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart, but they aren't as picked over and reduce their prices more quickly. Shop for items like Christmas lights, greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorations, etc.
What to Buy: While holiday themed decorations and paraphernalia are the most obvious things to buy, keep your eyes open for other sales. The large stream of shoppers presents retailers with a great opportunity to move other clearance items as well. Toys are often greatly reduced post-holiday, so think ahead to upcoming birthdays and even next Christmas.
Other ideas:
Kim Danger is a 30-year-old work-at-home-mom living in Southern Minnesota. A self-proclaimed cheapskate, her website Mommysavers.com helps make moms make the most of their time and money. Visit today and sign up for the free weekly newsletter at mommysavers.com
Sign up for our free eNewsletter Dollar Stretcher for Parents.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
