What? Time to shop? You may be thinking, “No…please…NO MORE SHOPPING!” Think again. ‘Tis the season to save, save, save on everything from festive holiday wrap to great birthday gifts. Retailers are clearing out holiday and winter merchandise and that means huge savings for the savvy smart spender.
January is the time to stock up on items that you can use year-round. Take advantage of great deals in January and save shopping carts full of money (or at least a gift bag’s worth) during the next 12 months.
Make Your List and Check it Twice: Start by making a list of those you buy birthday, holiday and anniversary gifts for throughout the year. Keep the list in your wallet so you always know for whom you need to shop.
Think Outside the Gift Box: Holiday clearance has much more than just once-a-year wrap and bows. When searching markdown sections, remember the following tips for finding year-round gifts in the clearance section:
*Shop now for deep discounts on toys at online and brick and mortar retailers. For example, Target stores mark down aisles of toys from 50% - 75% in early to mid January. Buy birthday gifts for your kids and their friends, tooth fairy presents, stocking stuffers, and holiday gifts for next year at super savings! When shopping online, search a coupon website first for discount codes to your favorite online stores. Good sites to search for codes include www.gonicofish.com and www.flamingoworld.com.
*Purchase gift sets that include items such as a cheese plate, cheese knife and a block of cheese. Eat the cheese and save the other items to use as a gift anytime of year by simply adding another block of cheese.
*Buy solid color red paper plates, cups and napkins to use at your child’s Valentines party at school. Use the green paper products for your St. Patty’s day party.
*Stock up on solid color wrapping paper – you can use it for almost any occasion.
*Buy up the markdown bags of chocolate kisses and freeze them to use later for baking. Remember this tip during the post-Valentine’s Day clearance as well.
*Purchase winter clothing in January. Holiday/winter sweaters, dresses, children’s outfits, socks, hair clips and other clothing and beauty items can be found at 30% - 75% off. Many of these items can be worn all winter long or given as gifts for the next holiday.
Ideally, you have a single place to store your fantastic deals until you need them. A gift closet or cabinet allows you to find items easily when you need them.
Don’t delay, the New Year is here and so are the deals. As I always say, it’s your money – spend it wisely!
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Faye Prosser is the author of The Smart Spending Guide, December 2005. Her mission is to help others become effective advocates for themselves and their hard-earned money. She teaches people how to budget, reduce debt, and save money on groceries and everyday purchases
For more information on the Smart Spending techniques, see www.smartspendingresources.com.
By Faye on 01/1/07 in Life, Columns, Smart Spending, Editor Picks, An Organized Life
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January 1st, 2007 at 9:23 pm
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