Discount Shopping Tips

Jacqui Stafford, Style Director for Shape Magazine, shares insider info to keep in mind while shopping at your favorite warehouse store.

1. Make a List: avoid impulse purchases and save money by sticking to your list.
2. Timing is Key: beat the lines and the parking rush by arriving early in the day. Other benefits of arriving early include no competition when looking at clothes, items are still organized and shopping is less chaotic.
3. Food Stations: don’t forget the food stations! Food stations are a great way to sample food before you purchase.
4. Buddy-up and Leave the Kids at Home: split the cost of bulk items when you go with a friend and you’ll have more focus when bargain shopping if you don’t have to worry about the kids.
5. Coupons Count: Costco perks include a biannual “Costco Wallet” advertising hundreds of dollars in savings.

A few more bonus tips on ways to save money through the year:

1. Cut the Manicurist: you’ll save $50 a month for a total of $600 a year. If you can’t live without getting your nails done, just do it yourself at home.
2. Coffee at Home: skip the lattes. By doing this you save $840 a year.
3. ATM Fees: the average ATM fee is $2 and by avoiding this you could save $1544 a year. Over a period of 10 years at 6% interest, this equals an astounding $20,351.15!!

Final Tip: Next time you need a phone number, don’t dial 411! Instead, pick up the phone and call 1.800.FREE.411. Get any number in the nation for free by calling this directory.