Practical Ways to Save this Spring

In the months following the holidays, families are often looking for extra ways to save. Bills can begin to add up, the kids have spring activities starting which means money spent on sports equipment, gas and weekend trips, plus the family dog needs a check up which is never inexpensive. Things can seem overwhelming, but these practical tips can help you save on everyday expenses so you've got more money for your family vacation this summer!

1. Buy in Bulk

Little trips to CVS or the grocery store for toothpaste, paper products, makeup, soap and shampoo can add up.  Instead of purchasing one or two items at a time, make a list and plan a trip to your local wholesaler or try finding your favorite products online! At Good Buys All the Time, we carry a variety of soap, body wash, toothpaste and more at wholesale prices - and chances are you'll qualify for free shipping! 

Great Products to Buy in Bulk

Shampoo

Soap

Razors

Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins

Paper Towels and Toilet Paper

Household Cleaners

Baby Wipes and Diapers

2. Don't Just Donate - Try Consignment for Name Brand Clothing

If you've got kids, you understand the struggle of going through clothes and pairs of shoes too quickly to count! If you don't have younger children to wear hand-me-downs, clothing often gets sent straight to Goodwill or Salvation Army without a second thought. As you begin your annual purge this spring, set aside gently used, name brand clothes and shoes and try your local consignment shop instead. If you've spent good money on things, there's no shame in trying to make some money back. 

Another idea is to have a good old fashioned yard sale. Get some friends together to make it worthwhile and tell them products and clothing must be high quality - no one wants to come sort through your junk! Find out when other neighborhoods are having their yard sales and plan for the same weekend when more people will be passing by. 

3. Save on Sports Equipment

As an elementary schooler I remember trying countless sports until I found the ones I wanted to excel at. Luckily, I had a big sister to pass me her hand-me-down baseball gloves, hockey sticks and shin guards. If you've got an ambitious athlete and hand-me-downs aren't an option, try a re-use-it shop for basic equipment until you know the sport is going to last longer than one season. Hockey and lacrosse sticks can cost upwards of $200 so there's no point in spending an arm and a leg if your little athlete isn't sure they want to keep playing.  

Another way to save during spring sports is to car-pool. It's a great way for your kids to make friends with their teammates and a fun way to meet other team moms!

Money Saving Tips for a New Year

Lot’s of New Year’s resolutions have to do with saving money. Maybe yours is one of them! One of the ways I've decided to save this year is by cutting out fast food and sugary drinks but I found out saving money here and there can be a lot easier than you think – it just takes some planning ahead.

8 Tips for Saving Money in 2015

1. Start meal planning – You’ll be surprised to see your grocery bill shrink when you go to the store with a specific list because you've planned your meals for the week. This is also a simple way to cut back on fast food and eating out.  Casseroles make great leftovers, especially if you’re only cooking for two.  Plan ahead so that on your busy nights you can simply reheat something from the night before instead of ordering take out.

2. Stock up when you find a deal – You don’t have to shop at Costco or Sam’s Club to find great savings on everyday items. When you see a special deal on paper products, condiments or pasta sauce, take advantage! You can even find great deals online.

3. Buy produce from the local farm stand – This may not be possible if you live in the city, but try shopping the local market or produce stand instead of the big box stores for produce during spring/summer. You’ll find great savings on sweet corn, tomatoes and seasonal fruit like strawberries.

4. Grow a garden – If you've got the space and a green thumb, try growing your own herbs and veggies. Tomato plants are super cheap and easy to maintain. It’s also fun to grow your own pumpkins and gourds in the fall!

5. Cancel your home phone – Save on your TV / Internet / Telephone bill by cancelling what you don’t use. Maybe for you that’s going from a million channels to basic cable. With apps like Netflix and Hulu you can still watch your favorite shows. Not sure how you can cut back, call your cable or internet provider and ask about any recent promotions or deals - they want to keep your business and may be able to offer you a better price. 

6. Stop wasting plastic bags and switch to reusable food containers – How cute are these Disney Princess sandwich containers for lunch at school?

7. Save manicures and pedicures for special occasions – There’s tons of affordable options that look just as good as a professional manicure! Check out Impress Press-On Manicure and Jamberry Nails - both offer stick on nails that adhere to your natural nail and cost just a fraction of the price you'd pay for a regular gel manicure. Plus, they last just as long!

8. Shop online for great deals on everyday items – Good Buys All the Time has bargains on the brands you love like Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees and Tom’s of Maine. When you shop online you're not distracted by in-store gimmicks and end of aisle sales so it's a lot easier to stick to a list. Give it a try!