It seems like every major holiday is the source of a major sale. Flip through the ads and you’ll quickly realize it’s the best time of the year to buy – mattresses! back to school supplies! furniture! towels! cars! – well everything. Certainly, retailers will be baiting us with great prices, special coupons, and limited time offers. However, there’s always a strategize to maximize your dollars and get the best deal possible. Here are a few guiding principles to help you make the most of Labor Day sales.
Begin searching for coupons – Now.
Coupons are just not for cat food and Hamburger helper. Plus, there are now so many wonderful coupons that don’t even require a pair of scissors. Digital coupons are a perfect way to help you save this Labor Day. Some of my favorite programs include Meijer’s mPerks and Target’s Cartwheel. At a bare minimum, you want to search for a coupon on your smart phone before you enter a store.
Join store loyalty programs
If a store has a program that rewards you for shopping you’d be doing anyway, you’d be foolish not to take part. Loyalty programs often give you advance notice of great sales via e-mail or even exclusive coupons. Others allow you to collect “points” that give you a percentage or even dollar amount off your total your purchase. When you join, it’s great idea to use an e-mail address designated specifically for the purposes of freebies and deals. That way, your inbox used for work or personal matters won’t be clogged with extra e-mails. My personal favorite loyalty shopping programs include Kohl’s, JCPenney Rewards, My Place Rewards at the Children’s Place, and Steinmart Preferred Customer. Don’t forget to use Shopkicks to pick up loyalty points just for walking into the store!
Take your shopping online
You can save just as much from the comfort of your couch while wearing your jammies. I’ve seen deals galore on the internet. The majority of the same great coupons are available both in stores and online. However, you can even stretch your hard earned cash just a bit more by using online rebate programs like Shop at Home, Ebates, or Swagbucks. These sites gather together the best coupons and sales and with a click through, you’ll not only get percentages off but also cash back into your account. Just for signing up, you might also receive a gift card just for registering.
Hit the clearance aisle
Labor Day is the best time of the year to pick up summer furniture, fashion, and gear. From swimsuits to lawn chairs, from sunscreen to gardening tools, keep your eyes peeled for items you might need next summer. A good pair of goggles, deck lights, landscaping decor – all will be at some of the lowest prices of the year. Typically stores gather these items in one place and you can quickly zero in on the bargains. However, be sure to consider the percentage of discount – 30% or 50% reduced items will probably come down an additional price point. Also, be sure you’re purchasing something you really need and not just buying a bargain because it’s a good deal. If you do score a great deal, be sure you store your items somewhere where you’ll actually remember next May.
Here’s to hoping you stay within your means and get the best of bargains this Labor Day! Let me know what you score so I can do the happy savings dance with you.
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