26 The QUEE NS Courier • kids & education • july 31, 2014 or breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com s kids & education Money-saving tips to help you this season As summer winds down, many are heading into a busy buying season with Labor Day soirees and preparing for backto school. With the average family expected to spend an average of $634.78 on backto school shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation, consumers are seeking cost saving strategies to ensure they are getting the most bang for the buck. With more access to information thanks to online resources and smartphones, the power is in purchasers’ hands. Other ways people are cashing in on the savings is going back to the tried and true - bulk shopping. Expert couponer Kelly Snyder of Kansas City Mamas, says volume buying and storing goods correctly has made a positive impact on her family’s finances. However, one important thing to keep in mind is what to do with all those purchases you bring home. “The right storage is essential when purchasing in bulk,” said Snyder. “Make sure you have enough storage space and invest in products and appliances that keep you organized and help preserve the integrity of your purchases.” Snyder along with fellow top savings bloggers Briana Carter, of Bargain Briana, and Lauren Ortiz of Saving Addiction, offer their top tips to help shoppers best navigate through the sea of savings. • Don’t bypass a budget. Know how much you’ve spent in order to see your savings. By keeping a monthly budget, you’ll never pay too much. • Don’t create a storage war. Being organized will help keep track of what you have and prevent wasting food or needless purchases. For perishables, dedicate one shelf each in your refrigerator for beverages, produce and leftovers. A large refrigerator, like the Kenmore Elite with large freezer capacity, allows you to stock up on items on sale. • Get rewarded for loyalty. Join loyalty programs of establishments you frequent the most. Eventually your purchasing power will return major perks. • Tracking gets you a treat. Create a price book to record costs for items over a six-week period. Make a purchase only when prices hit their low. You’ll optimize savings and often won’t need a coupon. • Increase your buying IQ with a smartphone. Download money-saving and grocery coupon Coupons.com, as well as apps for rewards programs like Shop Your Way. • Remember coupons are king. While many still enjoy clipping paper coupons, downloadable popular than ever. Now, eCoupons by pushing savings based on style and shopping habits like those from ShopYourWay. com. Sears is the first retailer redeemable in-store, online and from a mobile device. In addition, they are redeemable both in-store and online. This will not only save money, but save time too. • Go generic or store brands. It’s always better to go with a store brand if you don’t have a coupon for a name-brand item. While these versions are cheaper, they often offer similar quality. • Serve what’s on sale. Buying sale items in bulk allow you to pre-cook meals in one day to be served over the week. Why Wait To See A Doctor? apps like SavingStar and eCoupons are more are more sophisticated to offer eCoupons that are Courtesy BPT When You Can Walk Into First Med Immediate Medical Care 2013 MEMBER URGENT CARE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA FIRST+MED URGENT CARE, 7 DAYS A WEEK SINCE 1983 191-20 Northern Blvd., Flushing, New York 11358 718-224-8855 Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm, Sat & Sun: 8am-7pm of the THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com BUMPS SCRAPES BRUISES CUTS BEST URGENT CARE URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS 82-17 Woodhaven Blvd., Glendale, NY 11385 718-805-9581 Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-3pm OPEN 8AM-9PM MON-FRI 8AM-7PM SAT & SUN • MANY INSURANCES ACCEPTED
SC07312014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above