There are plenty of ways to maximize the savings Black Friday offers, says money-saving site Clark.com. Sign up for e-mail promotions at your favorite retailers before you head out to the stores, for example, and price-check items against the web while in stores. Make a list of the retailers you most want to visit and bring a friend who’s similarly motivated to find deals. But leave the kids at home if you want to do some serious shopping — you don’t need the distractions. Shop early or late to avoid the worst crowds, and above all, remember that not every low price is truly a deal.
Tag: saving money
Turn to the Thrift for Halloween Decorations
The local thrift store is the first place to look for Halloween decorations, says Social Moms. Sure, you can buy new — but why? Thrifts stocked by donations to ClothingDonations.org often have plenty of fake cobwebs, plastic pumpkin buckets and articulated cardboard skeletons you can use to decorate the home. In addition, you can find spooky plastic tombstones, string lights and other outdoor ornaments. And if you’re planning to have an indoor costume party, you’ll likely find Halloween-themed platters, plates and napkins to use while entertaining.
Cut Costs by Growing Your Own Vegetables
Growing vegetables is a great way to save money on groceries, says Better Homes & Gardens. A single tomato plant can yield 10 pounds of fruit in a season, for example, saving $40 on store-bought varieties that just can’t deliver the same flavor. You don’t even need a lot of space to start; by tucking raised beds, pots and other containers into the corners of a deck or balcony, even apartment-dwellers can enjoy nature’s bounty. Check the thrift store for spare pots, window boxes and other containers you can upcyle to create a garden; many are supplied by generous donations to ClothingDonations.org.