Wouldn't it be nice if all of us savvy shoppers just had unlimited time to hunt for deals? Sadly, that is not the case, and bargain hunting can eat up a LOT of time if you let it. Whether we are dealing with a full time job, kids home for the summer, crazy school schedules, or just everyday life...sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day to take the extra time that you need to get a deal. But don't let that stop you from trying to save a buck here and there! Here are some ideas I have for anyone out there who feels like they don't have time to be a bargain shopper!
You don't have to get EVERY good deal. This one was hard for me to learn when I was first starting to use coupons. Just because there is a hot deal out there doesn't mean that you have to drop everything to go snag it. Not only will you be spending a LOT of time shopping, but you will also likely be spending too much money. Pick and choose the deals that you want to take advantage of based on how much you need the product, how great the deal is, and how much time it's going to take you to get it done. Driving across town to get a pair of shoes you don't need for 25% off? Maybe not the best idea. Stopping by CVS on the way home from work for FREE shampoo? Do it!
Use those spare minutes. Use that 10 minutes you have between school and dance class to stop in to Walgreens. Use your lunch hour to run to Target to check out the toy clearance or just sit at your desk and clip coupons! Print out coupons in the evening while you watch your favorite TV show. Run to the grocery store in the evening after the kids are in bed. Shop online to avoid the drive to the store. Just because you don't have a whole afternoon to shop, doesn't mean you can't get it all in!
Give yourself permission to save a little (not a lot). Don't feel bad if you don't have the time to track down 5 coupon inserts, clip the coupons, go through 5 grocery store ads, make lists, and drive around town shopping. Just do what you can, even if you will only save a little. Take your coupons with you to the grocery store even if you didn't have time to research the deals beforehand. You will probably find some deals as you are flying through the store. You may not be saving 75% on your groceries, but even if you save a dollar or two on something you needed, that's something! A little bit each week adds up!
By Sara Keenan, www.sarathesavvyshopper.com