|
||
Whenmoney is tight, consumers look for ways to save money at every opportunity. Youhave probably heard lots of advice designed to help you deal with the economiccrunch, like clipping coupons, saving on gas expenses, and cutting backexpenses. There are other highly effective ways to make every dollar last thatinvolve learning new skills that will help you cope with an . Once you havemastered some basic tools, you will find that saving money is easier and lessstressful than you think. All it takes is a little willingness to step out ofyour comfort zone, do some leg work and practice your new techniques. Here aresome of the tricks you can use to keep yourself out of hot water when troubledeconomic times head your way.
-Negotiate. When it comes to getting the most for your money, negotiation is agreat strategy. Even in retail stores, where the perception may be that everypriced is fixed and final, negotiation can be a beneficial way to get more forless. Ask a manager if any discounts, coupons, or specials are available. Letthem know that you are a frequent, loyal customer. Have cash ready to pay forany purchases that you have negotiated. Remember, !
-Compare. Taking half an hour to research the price of a product or service inseveral different markets from several different providers can save you abundle. Check out the internet to find any other offers at a lower cost andprint them to take with you when you are looking to purchase a product orservice. If you find something priced much lower from a competing store and canprove it to a manager, they may be willing to match the price or at least givea discount in order to keep you from shopping at the store across the street.
- Barter.Instead of paying full price for the things you need, look for ways to get themthat don't involve spending money. If you have a toothache, but can provideplumbing services, look for a dentist with a clogged drain. Before you paycash, ask if there is anything else you can offer in payment. Classified siteslike Craigslist.org have categories where you can post items you would like totrade.
Don't beafraid to branch out a little from your comfort zone in order to stretch yourdollars further. You may be shocked to find that others are not surprised whenyou offer less for an item than is listed on the price tag, or ask if you canuse other payment methods. In fact, in other cultures, this is very much thenormal way that business is conducted. Perfecting these skills and becomingcomfortable using them will make you a more confident, empowered consumer, andhelp you make it through the lean financial times. Keep an informal log of the you have saved by putting these tools into place and you will see your savingsstart to add up before you know it.