Don't Fall for the Clearance Scam

I found this gem on Pinterest. Sad, but true.

Trust me when I say this; no one that I know (other than maybe my mom) gets more excited when they see the words “clearance” or “on sale.” But, I soon learned that seeing those words doesn’t always mean that I will find a great bargain. Stores know that those are trigger words for penny pinchers like me and that I will come rushing over to any section that has a clearance rack. 

Here are some tips to remember when you find yourself at a supposed “sale” or “clearance.”

      1.       Check the original price and the now, sale price.

      2.       Inspect item(s) for damages.

      3.       Make sure at the register that the items ring up for the correct price.

      4.       If they don’t, say something!

      5.       Don’t be afraid to change your mind if the price isn’t what you expected.

Now, if you know exactly what item(s) you are looking for there is a website that you can use to find the stores that offer the lowest prices. Similar to price comparison sites such as Travelocity.com and Kayak.com, there is a price comparison site for shopping- http://www.pricegrabber.com/  . 

Until I did some research, I had no idea that this site existed. When shopping online I would do comparisons the old fashioned way…go to site by site individually and write down the prices that I find and choose the cheapest one. This site does all of the hard work for you and provides the store with the lowest prices available. 

I hope that this is helpful and remember that “clearance” doesn’t always mean that you are getting a great deal.

Don't Forget to Donate

Two bags of clothes, ready to be donated!

 Not everyone has to face struggles such as running out of hangers or closet space. Some people face a little more serious issues- such as having clean clothes that fit appropriately. I know that I have always been incredibly blessed and that I have never gone without anything in my life. I also know that there are many people that aren’t as lucky or as blessed as I have been. 

I had always grown up giving my hand-me-downs (or clothes that I had grown out of) to my younger sister. Starting in my early high school years though, I started buying a lot of my own clothes with money that I earned working. Whether or not it was the right thing to do, I felt like if I was paying for my own clothes then I should decide what happens to them after I grew out of them. From then on, I gave my sister some of my “hand-me-downs” and the rest I donated to Goodwill. 

I always feel a lot less guilty about purchasing new clothes after I donate some clothes that I no longer wear.  Other places that accept clothing donations are homeless shelters, churches, schools, and soup kitchens. 

 It doesn't take too long to go through your closet and drawers and pick out clothes that don't fit or items that you no longer wear. Collect them in a bag and next time you are running some errands, take them anywhere that accepts donations.

So, next time you feel like you need a little retail therapy, consider those who can barely afford to put a shirt on their back.  There is no better feeling in the World than the satisfaction received from helping others.

Time For a Guest Post! Reece Shares Her Love For rue21

When I was asked to do a guest post for Brandi’s blog, Pointers from a Penny Pincher I was very excited, not only because she is a wonderful person but because her blog is about saving money when shopping and finding great deals, and that’s something I personally love to do when I go shopping as well. 

What’s so great about rue21?

 

I personally love to shop at rue21 because they have great deals on everything. Every time I go to rue21 I never leave empty handed because I always find something cute, but at a very reasonable price. One time I walked out of the store with a dress that only cost me $3. Clearance, yes, they have a great clearance section, don’t be afraid to check it out because usually that’s where all the good findings are- trust me. Another great thing about rue21 is that they not only sell great clothes for women but for men as well.  They also sell jewelry, shoes, hats, perfume etc. all at good prices.

Here are a few dresses and tops that I purchased from rue21 and none of them cost over $7.

 

 

 

       Here are some earrings, necklaces and rings that I have purchased at rue21 all for great deals.

Online shopping at rue21

Yes, they even have online shopping at rue21 you can check out all their great deals, so if you like to do all you’re shopping online go check them out and find some great deals without even going to the store. 

http://www.rue21.com/

                        

Thank you so much for your post, Reece. I love your style and you always have the best tips for saving money- especially on beauty products. Your blog, Beauty Tips on a College Budget is one of my absolute favorites.