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Organized Shopping
Plan Ahead to Get the Best Deals
If you want to save money on almost anything you buy, you will save the most by planning ahead and strategizing. Here are some ways to use time to your advantage when it comes to looking for a great deal.
Know the Sales Patterns
It is not what you buy, but when you buy it. For example, traditionally, department stores have a ‘white sale’ in January for sheets and towels. Clothing stores have a predictable pattern too. Usually, at the end of each season you can find clearance savings for clothes. January is a good time to get other things for less too. The stores want to clear out their unsold holiday inventory.
If you are booking a trip, try to keep track of sale patterns as far in advance as possible. There are days and times that airline prices are lower. Same with rental vehicles. Do a little research and see if you can spot a trend on your preferred airline or with your favorite rental car company. Carve out a few minutes each week to update your results.
Book as soon as the price drops. Sometimes that will be the lowest rate you will ever see, but if not, often times you will be able to get a credit if the price drops even lower. One time I had booked a rental vehicle, and I kept checking back to see if the price dropped. It never did, but when I…
