Just Ask

I've said it before, but I feel I need to say it again...Don't be afraid to ASK if you're not sure about a price. It may not seem important to you and some people don't like to bother, but if there's an item you really want, it may become something worth trying.

I was looking in a clearance section of the store the other day, and I found a pair of yoga pants there. It was marked the original $36 with no discount tag. So I first thought they must be in the wrong section.

But I tried them on and they fit perfectly. So I wanted to at least ask about the price. It turned out they were in the right section and were 90% off. So they were a whopping $3.60!

Can't beat that! It's worth the effort to go to a price checker machine, the customer service desk or even the main checkout to find out what the current price of something is. If you don't ask, someone else will.

Travel Savings

One of the hotels I like to stay in when I travel is Extended Stay America, mainly because their rooms have full kitchens. Being a vegetarian, and to save money, I like to take my own food with me. 

Extended Stay has always had fairly similar rates to places which don't have kitchens, although maybe slightly higher. But they also just started a rewards type of program called Extended Perks, which offer weekly deals and rewards.

I was traveling last week, so when I went to make my reservation online, it was one price with a AAA discount of $4. Then I saw the new perks program and just thought I would check to see if there was a better price before I purchased. The program gave me an ADDITIONAL 30% off! So I was so happy that I had taken the time to check on it.

Even the desk clerk was surprised at the price I received, saying that the most off she has seen was 20%. Of course, even that would still be good. But my stay cost less than it would have been at a Motel 6, which basically offers nothing extra. So it pays to shop.

Senior Perks

Qualifying for senior perks can be a little depressing, although I'm so thankful for everyday of my life, I've gotten over the shock and awe that comes with actually being a senior. Different places have different rules about what their senior age is, so you may have to ask if you don't see it listed. It can start anywhere from 50 years old on usually, although some places make you wait until you're 62. 

Restaurants, theaters, even some stores have senior discounts available. You often have to know about them, although occasionally, the clerk may ask you if you qualify. I don't go that many places where I can claim my privilege. But you can bet I do if it means I can save money.

I love coffee, and I just happen to like McDonald's coffee. That's about the only thing I purchase there (besides the occasional small fries). But I simply ask for a "senior" coffee, and I get the same cup at a cheaper price...and refills are free.

Not bad. It's always nice to be appreciated, and there are many senior discounts available in the neighborhood. So don't be afraid to ask for it if you qualify.

Save that Change

I'm sure we've all heard that we should try to save the change in our pockets every day. I finally started dong just that, and am not ashamed to pick up change off the sidewalk either. Those pennies add up.

I am a bit of of a collector, and love banks. So I counted out one of my banks which I have filled this past year, and rolled up the coins. I had over $110.00! Not bad, eh? :))

After Sales

You probably got your fill of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and even leading up to Christmas, you may have become exhausted trying to find that right gift at the right price. But, if you still have some energy left to shop, you may want to see what all is available at after Christmas sales.

I've tried to stay away from the stores since I know it's hard to resist great prices. But most stores give such easy access online now, I have looked to see what I could find. So far, I've only bought one item at half price and with free shipping. Yay, me! But believe me, I've tried hard to behave and not spend needlessly.

I do suggest you look online at your favorite store(s) and see if there's something you've been wanting for yourself that might be on sale. Now is the time to get a great deal.

Shopping for Family

So I know you wouldn't be at all surprised if I mention all the terrific sales I've seen since Thanksgiving. I have a few fun stores where I shop, but of course, you can never beat Kohl's. 
While I've been shopping and trying to save as much money as possible, you might be happy to know that I've seen several things I would have loved myself, including a $50 stuffed giraffe. But I was a good girl and left it all at the stores. I was, however, sure to tell Santa about those items. 
While I was at Kohl's, I found a really cute and patriotic Urban Pipeline hat. It is light enough for the desert, it's good for traveling and it has snaps on both sides if I want it up away from my face. It was a $20 hat, on sale for 90% off. Yes, that made it $2, plus a 15% coupon, which made it only $1.60.
You may not think it's cute, but I like it a lot. I love to celebrate the USA, and I also found a similarly flagged fanny pack and headband, also at 90% off. So I got the hat, a fanny pack and a headband for about $5. And I'll wear them with pride!

Now is a good time to shop because the closer we get to Christmas, the better the sales. And yes, I did buy for the family too.

Like Bagels?

I like bagels a lot, but we don't buy them all that often simply due to the cost. We usually get a 6-pack for no less than $1.99 (on sale), but usually they are up to $3.98. But the other day, we were shopping and happened to be in the refrigerated section. Guess what we found there! Yes, bagels. In the cold section. Why, I'm not sure. I guess they possibly thought it was a good idea to put them near the butter and cream cheese. But there we found a  5-pack for $1.59. You might want to check your local store to see if they keep any in the cold section. They're a good deal, and they're delicious!!!

Use It or Lose It

One of the ways I save money is by using the coupons I receive. Many people don't like to bother with coupons, but it really is their loss.
I had received a Kohl's $10 coupon in the mail and had $10 free money from Kohl's that were both about to expire. At this point, many people would not want to drop what they were doing to go shopping, but you know me. I got in the car and went to see what I could find. That was $20, people! I couldn't simply waste it.
I looked around, tried on a few items, and finally decided on this cute new outfit. I tried to get my husband to buy something for himself, but he didn't find anything he liked. So I found a lovely gray blouse on sale for $6, and a cute jacket on sale for $15 to go with it.  I also found a chain necklace on sale for $1.08, if you can believe it. 
With my coupons and an extra 20% off the extra, I got ALL THREE ITEMS for $1.27. How fun it that!

Dog Ear Wash

Do you ever need to buy ear wash for your dog? I do, and although it's not too expensive, a bottle can run anywhere from $6-$10, depending on where you buy it. I found a recipe to make it at home for much less and it seems to be just as effective.
All you need is 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2/3 cup of water. Mix and then use a cotton ball to clean your dog's ears.

There are also recipes which add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and/or olive oil. But I prefer to keep it as simple as possible for my dog's comfort, and the mix will last for a long time.

Got Wine?

I have long been a fan of  "Two Buck Chuck's" wine from Trader Joe's. In fact,  I used to buy it when it was only $1.99. So although prices invariably go up at some point, I was quite disappointed when it suddenly sold for $2.49. Still it is decent for such a cheap price, although I honestly don't buy it nearly as often as I used to simply because of principle...also because I like a good moscato and TJ's doesn't have one in the inexpensive variety.

I do shop at Walmart sometimes, and I've seen that their cheap brand is Oak Leaf Vineyards although I hadn't tried it. I figured it must be pretty bad. But I finally tried it recently, and I was wrong. I bought the moscato, and it was actually good. I could taste distinct flavors, and it was only $2.39 a bottle.
I am pleasantly surprised, and looking at their website, Oak Leaf Vineyards is a medal winning winery in California. So you may want to try their wines, if you haven't already. You can't beat the prices and you might also find a new favorite.