What To Buy In January

I hope everyone had happy holidays.  Unfortunately my family succumbed to the flu right before Christmas and this nasty stuff is still hanging on.  Fortunately it happened when we had two weeks to lay around, feeling miserable and watching television (which is sad, just sad).

So, the new year is here and my mind immediately goes to the post Christmas sales.  According to Consumer Report's What To Buy When January is a great month to buy big ticket items: appliances, houses, cars.  Oh, and don't forget the traditional white sales and winter clothing.  It is also a good time to buy cosmetics since the industry is clearing their stock out in order to release their Spring lines.

If you can predict your childrens' sizes for next year I would consider picking up winter clothing.  And don't forget networking with your friends that have older and younger children.  It's fun to have a clothing swap party, let the kids play while you spend some time with your friends and get your kids clothes for next year.

Don't forget ebay.  One year I sold our outgrown clothes and shoes on ebay, then used the Paypal credit to buy our winter clothes for next year.  Buyers are looking for name brands in good condition.  I wouldn't bother listing clothing from big box stores, just donate them and take the tax credit.

I am feeling that this is going to be a slim year for us.  It is important to think ahead in order to save money.  Buy at the sales or eschew money and barter or trade for goods.  Frugal people are creative people.  Happy New Year!

God bless,
Pam

Negotiating Better Prices

Negotiating and haggling over price is an accepted practice across the world.  People wouldn't dream of spending their hard earned money without first trying to get the price lowered.  In American society this skill has fallen out of practice since mid-twentieth century.  It has actually become looked down on by some people that believe it to be low class.

The last few years of economic recession has opened our eyes to our vulnerability.  Out of necessity we are saving every penny we can.  Now open your mind to negotiating prices.  Not just during small, local transactions, but with large "big box" vendors.

Is there a flaw on the product, but it is still usable for you?  Ask the store manager to reduce the price for you.  Many stores are now matching prices.  Just bring in an ad or print out from the other store and most stores will match the price.

Ask your pharmacy if they match prices.  Recently CVS matched Costco's price on a prescription for me.  It saved me 2/3 off of their original price.  CVS is much closer to my home and has a drive through, so I was thrilled to be able to get the lower price locally.

Negotiate Rx Prices

It is easy to compare prices without driving from store to store.  Just comparison shop online.  Most pharmacies list their drug prices in simple to navigate data bases.

So, let's start shopping like the Europeans, Latinos, Asians, Africans...well, like the rest of the world.

God bless,
Pam