'Tis always the season to search for great bargains

By PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor - 10/20/2009


Dear Action Line: Here comes the "shopping season" — that time of year when everyone leaves caution under the bed and runs amok through the stores with checkbooks and credit cards. What are the techniques for getting bargains? — R.P., Tulsa.

Today's "in thing" is not battery-powered notepads or communication devices that encourage one to goof off the entire day; it's frugality — the art of being cheap, a tightwad, a penny pincher. Everybody wants to be the best at it.

The financial psychology experts Denis Cauvier and Alan Lysaght, the authors of the international best-seller "The ABCs of Making Money" ( tulsaworld.com/ABCsmoney , $17.95, Wealth Solutions Press), say it's no longer in vogue to keep up with the Joneses. Keeping up with the bills is where it's at today.

Financial pundits say the recession may be headed out, but it remains "in," especially for luxury items such as fashion and beauty products. Cauvier and Lysaght predict that most people will continue to be coupon clippers through 2010. They offer tips for shoppers who want to be fashionable and frugal.

Timing: Shop at the middle and end of the season. During this time, the trends are still in style but are usually discounted.

Negotiate: Independent clothiers can negotiate up to a 5 percent discount on cash sales.

Cash: Use cash rather than credit cards. Not only will you spend less, but often you will pay less, as well.

Mix and match: Although styles change from year to year, often you can recycle old clothes into new outfits with accessories. See the Action Line published Jan. 27 for info on shopping at thrift stores: tulsaworld.com/Action012709 .

Cut coupons: Department stores and chains reward frequent buyers, e-newsletter recipients and store credit card members with coupons and discounts. See the Tulsa World Consumer Page published Nov. 19, 2008, for coupon tips at tulsaworld.com/Action111908 .

Sales: Watch for sales. Although they are often messy and disorganized, sale racks are a great place for valuable finds. You can also find bargains in newer, quality clothing and household items in Tulsa World classified ads, yard and garage sales, and resale or consignment shops — see July 3, 2009, Action Line at tulsaworld.com/Action070309 .





Submit Action Line questions by calling 699-8888 or by e-mailing phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing it to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.




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