Shopping Archives - The Happy Homeowner

Department Stores Offer You More than Doorbusters for Christmas

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Jen

Department stores are a very common way for people to shop during Christmas.There is something for everyone all in one place, making it quick and easy to purchase whatever is on your list. Of course, just because the shopping is … Continue reading →

Saving Money While Shopping…And a $500 Giveaway!

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Jen

As someone who has taken careful steps to change my bad financial habits of the past, I make sure to save as much money as possible when spending my hard-earned cash. As far as shopping is concerned, it’s still a bit of a sport to me; but for very different reasons…

I used to be the girl who would shop for sport in terms of making mindless purchases all in the name of having the latest gadgets or fashions. I used to shop when I was bored, with friends as a social outing, when I was stressed, etc, etc, etc.

Now, I’m the girl who makes a sport out of saving money while shopping. I still do shop, but I’m now purchasing necessities and/or items I’ve saved and budgeted for.

Ways I Save Money While Shopping:

Shop Sales & Clearance Racks

I’m not too proud to sift through clearance bins during the semi-annual sale, nor am I too concerned with labels to pass up a well-structured, no-name item that is marked down to pennies on the dollar. Where most may see trash, I’m usually able to find treasure–with a bit of creativity, I’ve been able to style some very cute, unique outfits that have cost me less than $5 for everything I’m wearing.

My biggest haul from a savings rack? Combined with some coupons as I’ll talk about below, I once purchased an entire wardrobe for $483. If I had paid original prices for everything I bought? My total would have been over $3,700!

Coupons

I love coupons, to an extent. You’ll never see me toting around a binder of neatly organized coupons through the grocery store, but you will see me using coupons in clever ways (speaking of grocery shopping, have you read my post about 19 easy changes you can make to cut your grocery bill?). For instance, I once piggy-backed expired coupons at Bed, Bath and Beyond to save an additional $17 off a $25 purchase. I still can’t figure out how that worked so well, but I’m not complaining about paying $8 for something that originally would have cost over $35 had it not been on sale as well!

To find my coupons, I usually look through the weekend circulars (when I have time; this happens maybe once every other month..haha!), read my junk mail (including emails!), and find mobile coupons to load onto my iPhone. I save all coupons I find because I’ve learned, more often than not if you’re polite in your request to a manager, they will usually honor expired coupons.

Staying Realistic

Shopping can still be a challenge for me because I can easily get caught up in the ‘buy, buy, buy’ mentality. Luckily, I’ve created some rules for myself that curb virtually all mindless spending and superfluous purchases.

First, I resolve to only buy what I need rather than what I want. To keep myself on the straight & narrow, I shop with a list and give myself a set amount of time during which I can shop. If the two hours is up, I’m headed home. This may sound extreme, but I’ve found that reducing the amount of time spent in a store is exactly what I need to do to help myself avoid impulse purchases (duh!).

Second, I remind myself of the lies we tell ourselves to rationalize spending. You’ve heard them before or perhaps have said them yourself: “I have no food”–when you’re standing in front of a packed refrigerator or “I have nothing to wear”–when you’re standing in front of your over-stuffed closet. Keeping these tendencies in mind is a great way to keep yourself focused on your goals while shopping or spending in general.

Top PF Blog

Before I get to the giveaway portion of this post, I want to take a minute to ask your help with voting for The Happy Homeowner. I’ve been nominated as one of the Top Personal Finance Blogs of 2012, and I’m thrilled! Please vote for me today–I’d be so happy if you did (just a few clicks; no entries, etc!).

$500 Giveaway

Last but not least, I’m excited to be part of another giveaway. Today’s giveaway is for a $500 PayPal cash prize! It is brought to you by Rather-Be-Shopping.com, helping consumers save money with online coupons since 2000.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Photo credit: andrewarchy

Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts on a Budget….and a Giveaway!

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Jen

Cheap Valentines Day Gifts and Dates With Valentine’s Day just over a week away, I have some work to do in the gift-giving department. Being the budget-loving, money-saving gal I am, I will definitely be utilizing a hefty dose of creativity to ensure I don’t break the bank for my “favorite” Hallmark Holiday.

The thing is, I love giving gifts. Whether it’s for strangers during any rendition of my Operation Giving Back missions or holiday gifts for just about anyone on the list, I’m usually trying to figure out a way to stretch my gift dollars as far as possible. But I draw the line at giving something that’s completely thoughtless or bought last-minute just to buy something. More often than not, I find a way to give something meaningful that also fits in the budget.

Creative Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas that Can be Adapted to Fit Any Budget…

Edible Valentine’s Day Gifts

One of my favorite gift-giving categories is something edible. Whether it’s cooked or baked, I’ve always had a lot of fun creating something yummy for a neighbor or loved one. This year, I’ll be making homemade fortune cookies for my BF (I certainly hope he’s not reading this!!!), complete with personalized fortunes. If I have time, I’ll also make some homemade cupcakes and candy for a few of my friends and co-workers to enjoy. Check out for loads of fun, easy recipes–including the one I’ll be using for the fortune cookies!

Sentimental Valentine’s Day Gifts

Another favorite gift category of mine, no matter the occasion, is something sentimental. I won’t be divulging the details of this gift for BF just in case he’s reading this post, but I like to create gifts based on shared experiences, interests and/or dreams and goals. Some inexpensive ideas are scrapbooks, framed photos in DIYed frames and personalized magnets or other office/desk accessories. Also, never, ever underestimate the power of a hand-written card or note!

Inexpensive Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

The last category, dates, is a must-have for me because I’m all about giving the means for fun and memorable life experiences instead of material objects. After all, the memory of the experience you had while taking the photo lasts far beyond the dust accumulating on that frame. Some of my favorite, inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas include:

Star gazing. Depending on where you live and the weather that day, you might only need a blanket and a clear sky to create a memorable Valentine’s Day
Indoor picnics. This can also be done outdoors obviously, but if you’re like me and live somewhere that actually has winter weather in February, you can set up a cozy picnic area in your house. Combine this with your cooked or baked goodies, some bubbly and spend your V-day talking long into the wee hours of the night
Scavenger hunts. I haven’t personally done this before, but I’ve always wanted to set up a date that revolved entirely around a scavenger hunt. Seriously, how fun would that be?!

Giveaway Time–Enter to Win $100!

If you’re still shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts, don’t forget to check out coupon offers from sites such as CouponFollow.com. If you are going to buy something, you might as well try to save some money on your purchase!

Speaking of money, enter now for your chance to win $100….

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will you be giving any Valentine’s Day gifts this year? If so, what are you planning to give and how will you save money doing so?

Photo credit: epSos.de

Do No Spend Days Really Work? (and a CASH GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Jen

I’ve always been a fan of no spend days. In fact, this blog has its roots in a No Spend Challenge back in 2011. For me, there’s something quite satisfying about knowing I haven’t spent a single dime extra in a given day.

Notice in that sentence how I typed the word ‘extra?’ That’s because I am a firm believer that no spend days and no spend challenges need to be about the extra, miscellaneous purchases that can wreak havoc on our budget–they’re not about the fixed expenses we must pay such as mortgage and rent payments, utilities, debt payments, etc.

How Does a No Spend Day Work?

For me, a no spend day means that I haven’t mindlessly thrown my money away. That means no meals out, no frivolous purchases of tea (not a coffee drinker–have actually never had it!), gum, magazines or any other small impulse purchase that’s easy to rationalize when it’s just a few dollars. It also means that I’m not shopping for clothes, spending money on entertainment or even filling my gas tank.

Isn’t That Cheating?

The argument with no spend days is that if you don’t spend the money one day on something you need (case in point, filling the gas tank), won’t you just spend it the next?

It’s true that in the case of the gas tank, I’d absolutely be filling it eventually. But the point of a no spend day is to get your miscellaneous spending under control AND to become more aware of your spending habits. By forcing yourself to not spend a single dime on a given day, you’re inherently learning more about yourself and your financial habits.

Benefits of a No Spend Day or No Spend Challenge

In addition to learning more about your spending habits, a no spend day can help you identify the leaks in your budget–those pesky nuances that, left undetected or changed, can send the best of intentions and budgets spiraling out of control.

By becoming more aware of your habits, you can seek alternatives that cost less. You can also develop strategies to help overcome impulse shopping and mindless spending. Remember, free costs you nothing but time and energy–something that is free usually has a positive impact on your budget!

Giveaway Time–Free Money!

I’m excited to be taking part in another giveaway–for even MORE cash! Enter now for your chance to win $100. And if you haven’t already entered, don’t forget about my other giveaway for $25.