Project Economy: Save Money On Clothes, Electricity, Water, Movie RentalsCheck Our List Of Best Times To Buy ItemsPOSTED: 5:22 pm EDT May 8,
2009 PITTSBURGH -- Call 4 Action reporter Aaron Saykin has some simple ways to save at least $100 on bills.Some of those tips will take some extra effort, while others can be done in a matter of seconds."I'm sure many people are not aware of how much money they can actually save," consumer advocate Mary Bach said.Bach hangs onto coupons until she finds a store with the same item on sale. Then, she stockpiles the item. It cuts her monthly grocery tab by as much as 50 percent.And at the mall, Bach always makes out like a bandit. The trick isn't so much where she shops, but when."This party dress that I bought for my granddaughter was originally price marked at $45 and I only paid $5.99," bach said. Bach said she loads up on winter clothing in the spring -- when it's on clearance -- and buys summer clothing in the fall. Even a novice can save at least $25 on clothing expenses that way.How about movie rentals? You can rent your favorites for free at the library. And if you don't like the selection, try a Redbox movie for $1 at your local supermarket. Potential monthly savings run about $15 if you rent like that.The electric bill is another way to save. Unplug so-called "vampire" appliances instead of just turning them off, because many of them steadily consume small amounts of power to stay on standby."In modern electronics, there are all sorts of vampires around inside your house," said Carnegie Mellon University economist Lester Lave, adding that a plasma TV is the biggest offender.By unplugging things that aren't in use, Lave thinks a family could save $10 a month.The water bill is another way to save big -- maybe as much as $10 -- just by shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth, doing only full loads of laundry and showering instead of taking a bath."None of these things are sort of deal-breakers, but they're all enough so that, if you're conscious about these things, you can lower your monthly bills by a fair amount," Lave said.When you add up all of those steps, it's a total of $110 in monthly savings.The coupon game is probably the most complicated. You have to shop at multiple stores where you can find the best sale price to combine with your coupon, and be willing to try different brands.As for the mall, you can save on more than clothing. Bach assembled the following list of items and when they tend to go on sale. JANUARY
Christmas Items Small Appliances Stoves Books China Stereos Wallets Furs Linens Lingerie Shoes Water Heaters Coats FEBRUARY Air Conditioners Curtains Furniture Women's Sportswear Toys Glassware Winter Clothing Carpeting Art Supplies Lotions Stationery Sleds Used Cars Post-Valentine's Day Merchandise MARCH Infant Wear Luggage Ski Equipment Outdoor Toys Winter Clearance Items APRIL Ladies' Coats Children's Shoes Post-Easter Merchandise MAY Tires TV Sets Luggage Cleaning Products Spring Clearance Merchandise JUNE Dresses Fabrics Window Screens TypewritersJULY Air Conditioners Children's Wear Handbags Lingerie Men's Shirts Summer Sporting Goods Electronic Equipment Men's Shoes Sportswear Refrigerators Freezers AUGUST Bathing Suits Garden/Patio Furniture Bedding Curtains Drapes Summer Clearance Items Hardware Linens Tires Coats Fans New Cars Floor Coverings SEPTEMBER Children's Clothing China Batteries Mufflers Cooking Utensils Canned/Frozen Foods Garden Items Housewares Hardware Glassware School Supplies OCTOBER Fishing Equipment Building Materials Lumber Boats Summer Camp Merchandise NOVEMBER Post-Halloween Merchandise Blankets Used Cars Turkeys Water Heaters Women's Coats and Suits Post-Thanksgiving Merchandise DECEMBER Children's Wear Hats Quilts Party Items Related Links: More County NewsGet RSS | E-Mail Alerts Copyright 2009 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
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