How I Save Some Dough...

I'm a penny pincher. Self proclaimed 'Queen-o-Saving Dough'...I refuse to pay retail price for much of anything.

The thought of paying full retail price for anything makes me break out in hives and itchy. Ok maybe that was a little extreme, but you get the point. Why pay full price when you don't have to?

This post isn't about clipping coupons, because I'm not a huge coupon clipper, but it's about tiny things I do that help me save some cash.

So if you're into putting some extra cash in your wallet, these tips might intrigue you...

• Do some research and find out which grocery stores in town have the lowest prices. I've found that Kroger is cheaper than Publix...so when I have a list of groceries we need...I opt for Kroger. Though Publix does have some good BOGO deals from time to time.
• If there's a Super H Mart or Asian supermarket in your area...buy your produce there! I talked about the amazing produce I got for even more amazing prices in this post.
• Follow money-saving blogs. Some of these blogs post 5 or more money-saving post a day! A few of my favorites are Coupon Cravings, Stretching a Buck, and Coupon Mom. I promise they're about more than just coupons.
• Use Restaurant.com Why would you pay full price for a meal when you could visit this website, buy a $25 gift certificate for oh....$4 bucks!! PLUS Restaurant.com usually has a coupon code you can use for 70%-90% off that already super cheap price! There's over 15,000 restaurants on Restaurant.com! Oh...and if there is a coupon code, Coupon Mom's blog usually lets you know about it!
• Subscribe to sites like Groupon and Living Social! Frugal Coupon Living describes it best...these sites "feature a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in cities around the world. These cities are usually larger cities. There is a new deal each day. You can sign up for daily alerts or visit the site each day. These deals can be tricky – first it has to meet a quota. Meaning the deal is not good until a certain number of people sign up for it and buy it – the collective buying power. If that number is not reached, you are not charged. If it is met, then the deal is live and rolling! Anyone can buy."
• Sign up for FREE samples. I've received some of the coolest free samples! It's like Christmas year round. I never know what little package I'll receive in the mail each week to try. I've received any thing from lotion, to fabric softener, a beautiful display of 6 salad dressings, snacks, and even hair products. It only takes a few seconds to fill out the online forms and within a few weeks you'll have a sample in your mailbox. Bonus: I have not been harassed with junk email or follow up surveys after receiving the samples.
• Last but not least...actually my favorite...shop at discount retailers like TJMaxx, Ross and Marshalls! Yes...it may take a little longer to find something on the rack than say...Nordstrom. But it's totally worth it to snag designer clothing for 75% off the regular price! And speaking of Nordstrom...if there's a Nordstrom Rack in your area...check it out. There's one at the Mall of Georgia and I've found some super steals there! BCBG $100 ruby red pumps for $34 bucks! $99 boots I fell in love with last year at Nordstrom for $36 this year. I love them more now!

Now go save some dough!

I love to learn new ways to save money. If you have some good money saving tips and tricks...do share!

Image via flickr