5 Ways To Save Money When You're Shopping For Clothes

Clothes aren't cheap, especially when you're a perpetual dieter who changes sizes every few months. I have at least three sizes of clothes in my closet (and yes, I know I need to find a way to “change lifestyles” or workout or whatever). Anyway, I've become something of an expert in shopping for clothes, especially since we're basically a 1-income family. 

Save money on clothes when you shop!

Here are 5 ways I save money when shopping for clothes:

1. Shop At Thrift Stores – Thrift Stores have some really nice clothing for very little money. Not only have I saved a lot of money at these places, I've found the merchandise to be in good condition. Yes, you do need to check meticulously for frayed seams, etc., but I've found some clothes at stores like TJ Max and Marshall's that had imperfections as well. It's ALWAYS buyer beware! Be prepared to spend a lot of time browsing at these stores and try on pieces whenever possible. Don't know where the nearest Thrift Store is? Click here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Wait Two Weeks – Spot something you HAVE to have but hate the price? That just happened to me when I went to Sears and spotted boots I SOOOO wanted! Painful as it was, I walked out of the store. Two weeks later, they were on sale for 60% off! You can also ask a store employee when the item you want will be on sale.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Pay With Cash – Much like my kids, when I have to fork over cash, I think twice about my purchase. Seeing those greenbacks leave my hands is painful. Try paining, I mean paying with cash and see how much you save.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Don't Buy Trends Or Fads, Especially If You're Of A Certain Age (like me) – What looks cute on your 9-year old daughter won't make you the Cool Mom. It'll just embarrass the both of you. I stick with classic styles, basic colors, and pieces that look good on me. By basing my wardrobe on bottoms and sweaters that are black and blue (you know, for pain and suffering), I can buy more colorful tops and know they'll go with my basics. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Hate It? Return It! -  Used to be you'd have to go through a song and dance to return stuff. Not anymore. I've come home with “Oh my God! What was I thinking?!” stuff. I just keep the receipt in the bag and return it ASAP. 
   
   
   
   

Pay with cash and you won't spend as much!

By using the above, I can make sure I get clothes at good prices, save money, and look good in what I have. Periodically I put away the clothes that don't fit but find that I do need to keep them because just in case I do put on or take off weight, I don't have to buy new pieces. 

Try these methods and tell me what you think!

My Child - The Subcontractor

 
We are always harping on the kids to clean their rooms, but a few months ago, my son came up with a win-win-win solution:  he paid his sister to do it.  She, who will clean any room BUT her own, was thrilled.  She is the best organizer in the house and takes great pride in her skills.  She's meticulous and will spend hours getting a room just-so.  She's also motivated by money.

Junior, in a stroke of genius, channeled her skills and desire for compensation and offered her the grand sum of $1 to take over the much-dreaded chore.  Diva spent three hours one weekend, organizing his closet, putting his laundry away, making his bed, and taking care of the display of his many sports trophies.  She then took great satisfaction in showing off the finished product not only to Junior, but to Mom and Dad.  After realizing how much work she'd put into the room, we convinced him to up the ante to $2.

Again, the result was multitude:

- The Boy got a clean room and his parents off his back.
- Diva was kept busy for several hours doing something constructive.
- She earned money, on her own.
- Her self-esteem was boosted when she displayed the wonderful result.

He used this technique during the Winter to get his little sister to shovel snow, vacuum, and help tame the mess in the garage.  I want to be upset by his laziness, but am too proud of his ingenuity to make an issue of it.  The other element that keeps me quiet is the fact that Diva benefits from this arrangement so much.  The only problem is that he underpays her, so I wind up acting as the "union" and arguing on her behalf, for a decent wage.

The ability to think outside the box is an important one.  A few years ago, my son started his own dog walking business and did quite well.  He also earns a salary umpiring for Little League in my town.  I see the makings of a real businessman.  And to think, his first employee was his little sister!

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Thanks for reading!  Please tune back in tomorrow when I'll post again.