Living on a Tight Budget - Part 9

When I was in college, I was told that the Dollar General was the college student's best friend. That was no lie. When living on a tight budget, it is amazing the difference it makes when you know where to shop.

The first thing I want to mention is the importance of getting over your fear of what others will think if you do not wear the latest fashion or eat the choicest foods. Life is more than food or clothing and a shoestring budget is too small for the choicest of either. Get over it. Here are some ideas for good places to shop.

Dollar General is often a good place to shop, though they will sometimes slip some items in that are more than what you would pay at another store. Price comparison will keep you savvy - so never let down your guard, even at bargain basement stores.

Second hand stores can be great to go to. I have a friend who is always finding treasures at a local Goodwill. There are a few in my area, and one of them is right across the street from some very rich neighborhoods. They will sometimes have barely worn clothing that someone got tired of and donated. Some of my favorite dresses came from second hand stores.

I was once introduced to a 'clothing swap'. This is where people bring in their clothing that they have grown bored with or grown out of. It is all gathered together and then everyone is turned loose to see what clothing they would like to go home with instead of the clothing they donated. Whatever is not claimed is then taken to Goodwill.

Yard sales are also places to find great bargains. A friend of mine bought a T.V. and VCR for very cheap and they work just fine.

Another great store is the kind that gets overstocked items and out of date items. We have a store in an old warehouse that carries dented and outdated items for very cheap. I can save a lot of money by going there. The only problem with places like that is that you have to know what is ok and what is not ok to eat if it is past the expiration date. I have heard of people dying from eating pancakes from an old mix. Apparently the mix grows some kind of toxic mold after so long.

Aside from those options, cut and use coupons. Every little bit adds up to a lot when the day is done. Every dime helps when you are counting nickels to pay off the last of your bills.

Do research and know where to shop. If you only need a couple things, then maybe it is wiser to walk to a local store than drive to a more distant one. I may pay an extra thirty cents for milk at the local story, but if I were to drive to Walmart, then I just paid two dollars in gas to save thirty cents in the store. Know the options that will save the most money.