by Tyra LaRocca

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: April 06, 2011

Everyone loves a bargain. It doesn't matter if you are stretching your dollars to squeeze as much use out of them as possible or you just feel better knowing you didn't pay full price. There's a special feeling that comes over you when you get a great deal on something.

In Austin, finding a great deal on your favorite needs or splurges is as simple as doing a little digging. If you want to decorate your new home or apartment, head down to the Austin Country Flea Market for wares offered by 500 vendors amid sounds of great Tejano music and the tantalizing smells of tex-mex cuisine. This is the perfect place to work on your haggling skills. Located just outside Austin at 9500 E. Hwy 290, the flea market is open every weekend from 10-6.

For an indoor and more upscale venue be sure to visit the City Wide Garage Sale, where gently used and antique items are offered up by vendors at the Palmer Events Center, one weekend each month. There is a $5 entry fee, or you may get an early bird rate for admittance before 10:00 for $10. The Center is air conditioned and celebrity sightings are not out of the question- Goldie Hawn is a big fan of the CWGS. If you are looking to make some money, this is a great place to sell some of your own 'no-longer-enjoyed' items. As the saying goes, "One person's trash is another person's treasure". Earn some cash to spend on your newest prize!

Half Off Austin is a website with limited time half price merchant gift cards to purchase on-line and use later at the merchant location. Deals include personal services such as spa treatments and tanning, or restaurant cards, golf greens fees, home services, delivery gifts like flowers, cookie arrangements and the like. The deals are updated weekly and have limited quantities, so check back often to get the ones you want.

You can buy an Austin Entertainment Book for $20 and save up to 50% on restaurants and services all around town- up to $10,000. Lots of buy one-get one free entrees, games of laser tag, bowling, golf and much more. Save some serious money on entertainment with the ultimate coupon book. Check the coupon guides on-line for additional Austin merchant coupons available before you head out to the stores.

For inexpensive fun in Austin, try one of the many parks which offer hike/bike trails, playgrounds, lots of space for tossing a frisbee, impromptu soccer or football games or just a great place to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful hill country. Zilker park hosts

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