Saving on Saturday

Saturday is my typical shopping today, but never to the mall.  I’m at the age where I don’t need to purchase the latest “must have” outfit.  As long as what I’m wearing is clean, a suitable colour and doesn’t make my butt look big, I’m happy.   My first stop was a “New to you, gently used” clothing sale at one of the Catholic churches in the area.  It brought back memories of going to rummage sales with my Nanny Daly many years ago.  We were taught at a very early age to reuse, hand down or as they say now re-purpose clothing.    Everything item at the sale was priced at $1.00.  For $28 I purchased 6 two piece suits, 2 three piece suits and 20 various dresses, tops and pants.   Whether I shop at a thrift store or a church sale I buy by brand name, the clothing were all Northern Reflection, Traditions, Sag Harbour, Lindor or Gap.  Just because the price is cheap does not mean the item has to be an inferior quality.   At least four of the outfit had the original sale tag still attached.    Once I got home I sorted through each item, any that did not fit quite right I packed in a bag which I will give to my friend.  What she doesn’t like she will pass on to someone else or send to the Salvation Army.  You can be Lady Bountiful to your friends when you shop so cheaply.

After my clothing fix, it was time to buy groceries.  Here’s how I save on buying groceries.  Bend down- the less expensive items are always on the bottom shelf, the middle eye level shelves are reserved for the pricey items.   Use coupons -  on an average I save $10.00 weekly for cutting coupons from flyers or  coupons on line.   Read the ingredients, if the first one is water, try to make the item from scratch.  Shop alone, I love my DH but I go shopping by myself, on a Saturday after I’ve had my lunch, this cuts down on any impulse shopping.  Learn to cook, the Globe and Mail featured a good article this weekend.  Down be afraid to buy mark down items, many stores discount their meat and procedure on a particular day. Find out what day your grocery store does mark downs, you could save up to 50%.   In my area it is the day before the new flyers as they need to reduce their inventory on any items brought in for the previous week’s sales.   I’m having guest for dinner today, they won’t be able to tell that the ham was purchased at 50% off.

After grocery shopping I dropped into John the book guy’s store.  He sells used books, DVDs, CDs, etc for prices varying between $3.00 and $5.00.   Bring your books or magazines in for a credit, bring his books back and he will reimburse you half of the original price.  This is what I purchased with the $44.00 credit note I received for bringing back books.   The total cost of these books brand new would be $157.00 plus tax.

Living a responsible life style is something to practice everyday, not just once a year on Earth Day or when it becomes trendy to do so.   It just takes a bit of planning.