Cutting Shopping Expenses
	If you take the time to find the best buys for the items you need, you can stretch your income by cutting expenses. The money you save can be set aside for meeting long-range goals, or used for special occasions and purchases you no longer thought you could afford. The following tips will help you cut some of your shopping expenses: Read store ads; compare prices before buying, and use coupons. Buy store brands if the quality is up to your standards since they are generally cheaper than name brands. Avoid fads and impulse buying. Cut down your purchases of expensive items and substitute with similar but less expensive items. Watch for sales in department stores. Take advantage of storewide clearance sales held at special times of the year. The three major periods for these sales are after Easter, after July 4th, and after Christmas. Shop for furniture and appliances at the distribution centers of mail-order firms, thrift shops or specialty appliance stores and furniture outlets. Buy clothes at factory outlets, but check quality carefully. <Back