Going sale-ing

Want to know how to take full advantage of the sales? Follow these rules:

Rule #1: Only buy products you need.
Watch for sales, but only buy items that you would ordinarily buy. Otherwise, you’re just spending extra money on products you don’t really need.

Rule #2: Use sales to plan your meals.
In the case of groceries, you may want to watch for sales on fruit, vegetables and meat, and plan your meals according to what’s on sale. But watch that you don’t load up on junk foods or items that you don’t really need.

Rule #3: Take stock and plan your purchases around sales.
Just as you plan your meals, plan your shopping for personal items, clothing and major purchases. Keep stock of what you need and watch for great sales at www.flyerland.ca, or just go to the websites of your favourite stores. Make your move when you know the time is right. For example, my partner and I waited for several months before deciding to buy new furniture. We did so at the end of a great sale at The Bay and saved 75% off high quality leather furniture. I wanted to buy the Cuisinart 4-in-1 Griller, and saved $45 from its original price by waiting for a sale and watching the flyers.

Rule #4: Stock up!
When you find a sale on products you know you’re going to need, stock up to make sure you have enough to last you at least until the next great sale. Make sure the product isn’t going to expire soon, and that you can guarantee you’ll need it in the future. For example, products like contact lens solution, toilet paper, toothpaste, feminine products, and canned goods, will definitely be used and don’t go bad. So if you find a lucrative sale, go ahead and stock up!

The benefits of waiting for sales are many. You save off the normal retail cost, of course. In addition, you walk away from impulse purchases. You have more time to save up for things and are less likely to depend on credit. The other benefit is that when you stock up during sales, you go shopping less often. This saves you time and also saves you money, because the less time you spend in the store, the better!

If you want to keep an eye out for great sales, go to www.redflagdeals.com.