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By Elizabeth McGuirk, Frugally Blonde
If you've been out shopping at all since Christmas, you've probably noticed that "clearance" is now in season! Holiday items are deeply discounted, and stores are even starting to mark down other winter items to make room for spring merchandise. It is clear that there are some great deals to be had, but how can you make the most of the discounts without buying items you don't need? Here are a few tips:
Buy what you'll use - What sort of discounted items could really save you money in the long run? What could you really use? Think about your needs and stick to those items. Some of the things I've been looking for lately include stocking stuffers for next year, clothes in my daughters' upcoming sizes, and neutral presents (such as candles) that I can keep around for last-minute gifts.
Avoid "perishable" items - Food, of course, is rarely a good clearance item to buy unless you plan to eat it right away. Chocolate purchased this January will not be at its best next December! Also, if an item you buy is likely to get broken or be lost by next year, just skip it. It's better to accept paying full price next year than to buy it early, lose it, and still end up paying full price!
Wait for the best deal - If there is an item you've been planning to buy anyway, getting it at 50% off is a great deal. However, if you'd just like to accumulate a few more random Christmas decorations, consider waiting until they go to 75% off or even more. There is so much holiday merchandise that stores often still have items left to discount to even 90% off!
Think creatively - There are other uses for clearance items besides next year's Christmas shopping. Look for neutral wrapping supplies to use throughout the year, food you could eat right now, and decorations that can be used for more than one holiday.
With a little thought and planning, you can really use clearance "season" to save yourself time and money later in the year.
When it comes to frugal living, Elizabeth McGuirk has got it down…and now she’s sharing her tips and tricks with you! The wife and mom to two little girls under three enjoys discovering creative ways to save her family money—especially at the grocery store. She blogs about living the good life for less in her blog, www.FrugallyBlonde.blogspot.com ! (Check it out for the story on how the blog got its name.)
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