Moving: Getting the Lay of the Frugal Land

It's official! We've now moved six times in just over 11 years. And each time we've moved, we've either had to learn or become reacquainted with the consumer landscape of the area to which we've arrived.

Over time however, we've started to become accustomed to doing and looking for certain things that help us get acclimated quickly to the economic environment of a location. Here are some of the ways we learn to save in a new spot that can have us saving sooner and saving more in our new locale.

Coupons and Offers

One great way to start getting acquainted with a new location's local economy and ways to save is to keep an eye open for coupons and offers. This might start at the post office when you make your change of address. There may be valuable offers inside the change of address packet they send you that could help save money on your move or assist you in getting settled into your new area.

Spots like the area farmers' market, community center or publications such as local newspapers and ad guides can also be great ways to find and learn about specials, discounts and coupons at surrounding area businesses.

Chamber of Commerce

Many people forget about or ignore an area's chamber of commerce when they move, but it could be a valuable source of information and savings. We found that our new location's chamber of commerce offers free area maps, a multitude of informational packets regarding area businesses and events, and even some discount books that include valuable local savings. You may also be able to ask questions here about events and locations and get a more local perspective on things.

Hit the Town

Sometimes you just have to get out and about, 'pounding the pavement' so to speak to find out more about a location's savings hotspots. We took time the first week we arrived to our most recent area to visit each of the town's grocery stores (all four of them) and the local dollar store. This allowed us to compare prices and see which locations offered the best buys on a variety of products we tend to purchase. We also made sure we pulled the weekly ad specials from the local paper for these stores to see where the hot buys were and just how "hot" they actually were in comparison to regular prices and competitors' prices.

Ask Around

Sometimes it takes a bit of asking around to find the really good deals, but this can take some time as you network and develop contacts and friends within the community. When we stop in at the bank, hit the farmers market, or run other errands, we sometimes strike up conversations with those waiting in line or those helping us, which can help to glean valuable information from longer time residents. Sometimes just by listening to others' conversations you pick up some good money saving dirt.

Everything from tips on drink specials, happy hours, and meal deals at area restaurants and bars, to where to shop, for what, and at what time of year could be provided by these acquaintances. Just as with your work, networking in your community might save you money and offer unique buying -- and saving -- opportunities.

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Disclaimer:

The author is not a licensed financial professional. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Any action taken by the reader due to the information provided in this article is solely at the reader's discretion.