Interested in saving money? Thought I would share a few tricks I've learned over the years.
The biggest opportunity has to lie in clothes....both for adults and children. I buy most of our kids' clothes the year prior and it saves us a ton of money. Right now, I'm waiting for summer to go higher than 50% off. I typically wait until it's 75% off to purchase....and then I stock up on basics. By the time the intended season rolls around, I have most of what I need.....no panic to shop before school starts and such.....then I add in a few fun pieces I love. If you shop like this, just remember to not buy distinct styles. Buy simple pieces you can add trendy touches to.
I've shared this method with a few people and they suggested they couldn't accurately predict sizes....especially in babies. True. However, once they're past the age of 1, I believe you can make a fairly close estimation based on their growth patterns. And, if you're still unsure, buy basics that you know you'll need. Coats and shoes are easy. You know your kids will need sneakers year round, so any size will do. Coats are flexible and can be off a size if you make a mistake....no risk in buying. Winter gear....gloves, hats, etc.....is easy. Lainey has a ski jacket for the next 5 years already lined up and I didn't pay more than $8 for any piece.
This does take some discipline and planning, but I promise you'll love it if you try. While everyone else was frantically buying school clothes and fighting the tax-free weekend shoppers, we were still enjoying summer. I bought the kids new shoes when they went on sale at Nordstrom in July (half-yearly sale...can't beat it!) and then a new backpack for Carter and he was set. Lovely!
Another option is shopping for school supplies. Right now, Target has theirs at 30% off. Too high! I wait until they go to 75% off and stock up for the years ahead. Crayons for $.04. Packs of pencils for $.15. You know they'll need them eventually.....buy them when they're super cheap and you'll save! I keep a bin in our basement full of these items and then as the kids need them, I have them. Then, with each approaching school year, I subtract what I already have from the list and add in what I don't.
OK, now focus on this one.....it's even hard for me sometimes. Buy seasonal items out of season. Pottery Barn has their large
Easter baskets on sale now for $12.99, regular $34.00. That's huge!
And, one of my favorite things in our house.....our
holiday basket. I have a liner for each season....most of which were purchased 6 months prior. Think spring time right now.....this Valentine liner is $7.99, regular $15.00.
And, when is the best time to buy Christmas decor? The week after Christmas.....or even a bit later. Don't fight the crazies the morning after.....wait a few days and go in at your leisure (child free works best) and choose items you'll know you'll use the years ahead. This is hard for me because I'm typically tired of Christmas when Christmas is over....but I still try to think ahead. Found light up wreaths on sale at Home Depot last year for $6 a piece, regular $30. They'll look so cute on the house this year!
My newest find....Circle E Candles (the hands down, best candle on the market) on sale, out of season. Paid 1/2 price for their holiday collection in March.....bought $26 candles for $13 each......purchased enough for me and to give as gifts....and got free shipping because I spent over $100.
And, finally......Christmas gift shopping. I do it year round! As I see things I like for our loved ones, I buy them. Some are on sale....some are not. Spreading out the spending over 12 months helps us stay on budget during Christmas and also allows for more holiday fun.....events around town and such. Plus, this gives me a chance to buy more meaningful and thoughtful gifts, rather than rushing out to get something just to get it.
These methods aren't for everyone....but they help our one-income family immensely.
I'm a planner by nature, so it comes easy to me....but, once you start, you'll see the difference fairly quickly.
