“Do you have any coupons?” asked the cashier as she rang up my clothing. “No. Do you?” I asked her, mostly joking. “Hmm. Yeah, I actually have one right here you can use,” she said, much to my surprise.
That’s how simple it can be to save money on your purchase.
How To Get The Best Bargain No Matter What You’re Buying
Just Ask
It’s as easy as this… When you get to the cash register, try asking something like, “Are there any coupons or discounts for this?”
Gas stations sometimes have rewards programs.
Stores often have coupons.
You may qualify for a discount based on your age, military service, or because you’re a frequent shopper.
There are also tons of apps that can save you a small fortune on nearly anything.
Use Fetch Rewards to earn points just by taking pictures of your receipts. It’s so easy! (You can trade in points for Amazon gift cards or other rewards.) Get Fetch Rewards and use referral code PEWR4, so you’ll start with 2,000 points right away.
Ibotta is another app for groceries and other purchases. It’s not as simple to use as Fetch, but it’s another great way to get some cash back on in store or online purchases.
Upside is an app that gives you literal cash back on gas and restaurant purchases. Use this link to get an extra 15 cents per gallon on your first purchase.
All that said… Do not take the discount if you have to use or open a credit card to do it. Not unless you plan to step to the next register and pay off the card immediately to get the discount.
I always say something like “My husband wouldn’t be happy if I did that.”
Most people don’t have the discipline to pay off the balance before it earns interest. If you know that’s you, stay away from this game!
Pay Cash
Credit card companies charge stores a fee every time you swipe that card. That might not bother you, but guess who is really paying that fee?
Shops, especially small businesses, wouldn’t stay in business long if they absorbed that fee. So they pass it along to you.
Checks aren’t much better. Between the risk of them bouncing and the steep fines for trying to cash a rubber check, it’s risky for stores to accept this form of payment.
More and more companies are offering cash discounts these days. If you can get in the habit of carrying cash (use the envelope system!), you can save even more. Don’t see a sign announcing a cash discount? Ask!
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Comparison Shop
Life is busy and sometimes it seems like a waste of time to compare prices.
Sure, it might be a waste of time to price check things under $10, but for pricier items, it’s usually well worth it.
If shopping around saves you even 10% on a $50 item, it’s like being paid $5 for a few swipes on your phone. Sweet!
And if you’re hiring a contractor or services, it’s even more important.
For instance, maybe you’re shopping for windows. Don’t get a quote from one guy and think about whether you’ll take it or leave it. Ask 3 or 4 different contractors for their quotes.
That will give you an idea of the average price of that service. Then you can go back to the company you’d prefer to work with and tell them what you’re willing to pay, based on the best bargain you received.
Let them take it, leave it, or make their own counteroffer.
Here’s how we saved a ton of money on our home addition.
Price Match Afterwards
It can pay to hang on to your receipts and keep an eye out for sales, even after your purchase.
Many stores will honor a sale after you’ve already bought something.
Let’s say you buy a video game this week because Junior had to have it to make his birthday special.
Next week, you see an ad for that game at the same store for $10 cheaper. Take in your receipt, and many stores will give you back $10.
The sale has to happen within the returns window (which is usually a couple of weeks to a month long). It saves everyone the hassle of returns.
Buy Used
Getting your best bargain is easier than you think!
Don’t be too shy to ask the cashier for a discount. She’s heard much worse from other customers. Trust me.
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How do you make sure you get the best bargain?
I'm Jamie, and I want to help you afford a beautiful life with your family. 
We tried to price match at home depot with Menards prices but they couldn’t do it. It does pay to ask though.
We need to improve on keeping our receipts and checking for price reductions