Getting a good bargain!

Last night, the ladies from our church had a get together. We ate dinner out and then headed to Target, which was almost next door. At Target we were told to find the best bargain (percentage wise). I jokingly got some toilet paper from the bathroom (it's free right?)  We did find some free cell phones, but because of the contract/upgrade didn't think it would work, but that is actually what won.Our group came up with some funny different suggestions and were all a bit crazy but got some great laughs out if it.  All in all it was fun! At the end our Pastor's wife, read from Proverbs 31 and encouraged the ladies to bargain shop. So today I thought I would go through this passage a little bit. Let's think about this together...

Pro 31:10-23  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (1) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (2) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (3) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar....  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (4) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.(5) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 


Many of you know this passage but I want to point out a few things. 1. Her husband trusts her. Can you husband trust you when you go shopping or is he worried about how much you are going to spend? (2) Sometimes the best deal is making it yourself. Do you try to improve your skills whether is making something crafty, making food or just improving your home. There are SO many ideas on the internet and even video clips on how to make things. (3) Usually you have to shop around for a good deal. It's not normally going to be all in one store. Are you a 1 store shopping? If so it's going to be harder to find GREAT bargains. You can, but it's harder. Try to add more then 1 store to your shopping, it will help you to save! (4) How do you think she is able to help the poor? For me, I usually have extra's in my stock pile so when there is a need I can give from my stock and it doesn't hurt my family. In fact, having the extra encourages me to be able to use it to help others.(5) Bargain shopping is about being prepared! Clothes are normally on sale at the end of a season, so you shop for your children and self ahead of time. You already have bought your winter jacket last season. When you do this, you can save lots of money.

Ask your self a few questions: Do you consider yourself a good bargain shopper?  Do you take the time to go through adds and find the best deals? OR Do you wait until the last minute and then buy whatever you need? 

Here are few websites that might help you:

Best Time of Year to Buy... There are different times a year that different items are cheaper. For instance, you should buy cameras and bicycles in January and wedding dresses in December. For a list of items and months, click the above link. 

Southern Savers The best blog for couponing
Money Saving Mom - This is also great also for couponing and other tips for budgeting.