Money Saving Tips
Whether you are planning simple nibbles for a few friends or a formally catered event on a larger scale, there are plenty of ways to make savings on the party food without skimping on style.
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Whether you want good quality sound from a budget music centre, or want to buy the latest MP3 player for your tunes, spend a little time on research. You can make your hi-fi as easy on your wallet as it is on your ears.
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1 DEVELOP THE ‘PAY LESS’ ATTITUDE
Approach every purchase with the belief that you can do better than the asking price, and you’re half way to doing just that. Train yourself to look for the money-saving angles in every situation, no matter how large or small the potential savings may be. Assume that other people are getting are bargain, so why shouldn’t you? And remember that most goods and services have a healthy profit margin so there is usually plenty of room for manoeuvre.
2 FIND THE CHEAPEST PRICE
Do your research. There are now so many businesses vying for your custom with discounts and special offers that you can almost always find something cheaper if you know where to look. Check out the resource boxes for recommended suppliers and information sources and, if you can, get onto the Internet to track down those good deals. It’s a user-friendly virtual marketplace that really has brought bargain-hunting into the 21st century.
If you want to enjoy the best things in life without paying for more than you need to, then it makes sense to learn how to spot – and secure a bargain on everything you buy. Money saving tips is a modern shopper’s site, full of insider information and thousands of ideas, tips and resources to help you make wise decisions and get a better price, whether you are buying from a large store or a market stall, or paying for professional advice or a tradesman’s services.
3 TAKE YOUR TIME
Don’t be forced into a situation where you have to make a rushed purchase. You’ll get the best deals if you book tickets in advance, or wait until that bathroom suite goes on sale, or keep a constant eye on camera prices so you can pounce when they drop. Give yourself time to shop around, weigh up your options and buy when the moment is right.
4 ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Learn the magic phrase that may get you a bargain: ‘Is that the best you can do?’ In other words, ask the seller to be resourceful on your behalf. You may find that you qualify for a discount, simply by paying cash. Or a cruise will cost less if you go in May. That your insurance premiums will be lower if you meet a certain criteria. Or that the coat you covet is going on sale next week. Most people really do want to help you – especially if you are friendly and smile.
5 USE YOUR BARGAIN POWER
For other money saving tips, be prepared to haggle. Ask yourself how much the seller wants your business. Is he overstocked? Is he desperate to make his quota or his commission? Are you his only customer? Assume he wants to deal – you’re probably right! Offer to buy more if he’ll give you a discount. See if you can take a reduced service and pay less. Spot a flaw in the item and suggest a lower price. Find a rival offer and ask him to match it. On the other hand, bargain also means being willing to walk away.
6 THINK CAREFULLY
If the price is still not right, don’t give up. Be flexible. See if you can get a workman to lower his charges by offering to do part of the job yourself. Go in with friends to get a discount on bulk buys for everything from theatre tickets to vintage wine. Do a neighbour’s gardening in exchange for free baby-sitting. That way, everybody wins – and everyone gets something for less.
The Internet
Today, the Internet is a vital tool in the battle to cut costs and get the best available deal. Used effectively, it can save you a fortune on everything from clothes and food to insurance or utility bills. It is now faster and safer and easier to use, giving you access to an enormous range of products and making it quick and simple to compare prices. This has been aided by the growth in comparison sites that, effectively, do our research for us. If you don’t own a PC, visit an Internet café or local library and use their computers to get information on goods and services – plus contact details. However, bear in mind that not all sites are as legitimate as they may appear. If you’re not sure about a particular site that’s asking for your personal bank details in exchange for goods, then do some research on the site before handing this information over. If the site uses PayPal then they wont receive any details about your banking, just where to delivery the goods to, and if there is a dispute later on, PayPal can refund your money. The vast majority of sites though are all user friendly.
