by London Belle

Created on: August 10, 2010

In some areas of our detailed lives such as, aiming toward what we want, persuading, negotiating, or working toward getting our way, we step into the perfect fit as professional bargainers. In other areas we simply do not bargain enough, or at all. With everything seeming up in the air with our current lack of jobs, growing monetary issues, and the creeping truth that the rug-of-employment could be pulled out at any moment from under our feet, it is time to make money work for us in every corner possible while spending our money wisely.

The last time you went to the grocery store or department store did you leave feeling like your money was spent wisely, that you received the better end of the deal, or did you look at your purchases, your meagerly filled bags and think, “Did I miss something because, the amount going out does not come close to reflecting what just came in?”

There is something empowering about saving money, bargain shopping, couponing, clearance prices, donating from the abundance, while being able to feed your piggy bank. It is easier to fall asleep at night knowing that your cupboards are stocked, you have what you need, and there is money patiently available, to fall back on. If you invest $10 a day, $70 a week, $280 a month, next year at this time you will have saved $3,360. That money could grow into an even bigger savings if invested properly. Let’s say on average your groceries cost $100 a week (which is an extremely low figure and excluding any luxuries, dining out, or household essentials), that is $400 a month, concluding next year at this time you will have spent nearly $5000, just to feed you and your family. Saving and bargain shopping does not just begin and end at the grocery store. It is a lifestyle choice. You can find great deals allowing you to make your money work for you, while storing away the extra funds for a moment when the sun might not be shining in your corner of the world. 

It’s time to take a look at Sunday ads found in the Sunday paper, “Pick Another Checkout Lane Honey”, “Coupon Mom”, sign up to receive updates, while watching for coupon doubling with manufacturer coupons, sales and clearance that provide valuable savings, and the word on the street is, Walmart will honor any ad as long as they have the exact product (you will need to call to get the inside scoop for your area). While looking into ways of smart spending, even smarter saving, create the mindset of stockpiling your pantry, saving on the food you need, while having a little extra to buy a few of your most favorite items. Take the financial stress out of feeding and clothing your family, as well as the anxiety that comes with grocery and clothes shopping expenses. You might say it takes time to coupon or find deals; it seems that is a small investment to make when storing more for your future. You might think they do not have coupons, deals, or bargains on things you like; save where you can allowing a little more to be spent on what you do like, just before feeding your savings accounts.

There are so many ways one can bargain in a day: from getting the kids to listen, when making beneficial agreements, exchanging with your spouse those quiet moments difficult to find in a full house, in getting something done, and there are many bargains you can find along the way to help your money stretch into bigger savings. Whether you are a millionaire or a "thousandaire", more savings leads to a more peaceful life, mind, and a more prosperous future. Spend time feeding your piggy bank, investing in your tomorrow, while focusing on saving today as a lifestyle, for those who matter most, including you.

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