8 Financial Resolutions for Bargain Hunters
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Every year, it's the same list of resolutions, including weight loss, debt reduction, etc. But for the bargain hunter, there should be a new list of resolutions.
Financial New Year's Resolution #1: I resolve to not buy stuff I don't need
I've been there. You are in Target and there is 50% off Valentine's Day items and you see the most adorable heart frame. You have to have it, even though you have a stack of photo frames in your pantry. What do you do? Ask yourself if you are going to use it or give it to someone by the end of the year. If the answer is no, pass on it.
Resolution #2: I resolve to pay cash for my purchases
It's tempting to use credit cards on bargains, but what kind of bargain is it if you wind up paying 15% interest on the "bargain" purchase? To avoid using credit cards, plan your purchases ahead of time or control your spending by buying gift cards or only carrying cash to the store.
Financial New Year's Resolution #3: I resolve to think twice before ordering something online
Online shopping is a huge convenience and a money saver, but it can also be a huge temptation. No need to go out in the snow and ice, boot up your computer and there are tons of deals! One trick I've used is if I'm not 100% sure of a purchase, I leave it in my cart and come back to it later. More often than not, I forget about it and I've saved money.
Financial New Year's Resolution #4: I resolve to limit my stockpiling
If you stockpile and love it (like I do), this can be a hard Financial New Year's Resolution to keep. There are several reasons to limit it though. For example, it can take up a lot of space. I work on making sure the food can fit in my pantry. When it gets overstuffed, I start going through it.
Financial New Year's Resolution #5: I resolve to not go crazy with coupons
When I first started using coupons, I clipped every coupon. If it was a good coupon week, I bought more than one paper. After a few months of this, it became too much work. I started focusing on only clipping those coupons I was going to use. I also paid attention to the items that were regularly on sale (such as Ragu) and stocked up on coupons for those products.
Financial New Year's Resolution #6: I resolve to keep better track of my rebates
Companies love when customers don't cash in rebates or forget to follow up on them. I've been tracking my rebates and other freebies I receive in Excel. In the spreadsheet I list the date sent, company name, dollar amount, company contact information and when I received the offer. Also, if you are sending away a big rebate (for example over $20), be sure to make photocopies and send it certified mail, return receipt. That way, you have proof they received it if you have to follow up on it.
Financial New Year's Resolution #7: I resolve to not buy every Groupon in sight
I love daily deals, but they can be such a tempation. I have scored some good deals like on movie tickets, but other deals on magazines, I forget to redeem before the expiration date. So, I lose out on money and a good deal! So I am a lot more choosy when it comes to daily deals.
Financial New Year's Resolution #8: I resolve to try and avoid Target
This is a resolution I will probably break. Actually, I already have for January. Sorry, Target is my weakness.
