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How To Save Money at the Drugstore

1.  Buy the generic brands instead of the brand names.  They work just as well and cost a lot less.ways to save money at the pharmacy  A pharmacist at our nearby drugstore is a really great guy and he swears by the generic brands.  He said they contain the same ingredients so there’s no reason to buy the more expensive brand name products.

2.  When purchasing prescription medications, if you know you will need more than one month’s worth of the product, fill 3 months at a time and pay a single dispensing fee rather than paying an individual dispensing fee for every month. It will save you money, and you will also save time because you won’t have to visit the pharmacy as often.

3.  Watch for sales.  I have noticed flipping through flyers that vitamins and painkillers frequently go on sale.  Unless you have completely run out, wait to purchase these items until you can get them at the lowest price.

4.   Check the expiration dates on the medicines you purchase. You don’t want to end up paying an arm and a leg for a product and then discover that you will have to throw it out if you don’t use it within a month.

5.  Be an informed shopper.  Make sure you know what you are buying and don’t get conned by clever advertising.  Not all medicines are necessary or even effective, so be sure to do your homework.  Feel free to ask a pharmacist, as they will be familiar with all of the products.

6. Civilized Health suggests checking online for better deals on your over-the-counter and prescription medications.  There are a number of fully regulated online pharmacies who offer deals and discounts on certain items.

July 7, 2009
Shopping

Don’t Let The Economy Beat You!

During these tough economic times many consumers are afraid to spend money like they would have one or two years ago. A lot of jobs are uncertain and many people are losing confidence in their ability to buy the products that they would like. New movies, more advanced gadgets, and fuel efficient vehicles are being unveiled every month but a large percentage of the population are having to miss out because they are too worried about spending their money. Even families that have been preparing for a time like this and have the funds saved are holding back and living very basic lives.

Why Miss Out?

You should not have to miss out on buying the things that you want to buy! While it is not okay to go out and purchase everything you want, everyone deserves to enjoy at least a few luxuries. But how do we know what is worth the money or what will leave us disappointed? Is there really a tool that will help consumers shop smarter?

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June 27, 2009
Shopping

Avoid Marketing Ploys At The Grocery Store

avoid marketing ploys at the grocery storeGrocery stores want you to spend as much money as possible, so they deliberately display their inventory in such a way as to make you think you need to buy more!   Not only do they want you to buy more, they use sophisticated tactics to entice you to buy the most expensive products.   Keep these strategies in mind whenever you shop and you will get the most for your money.

1.  Most retail stores place the most expensive products at eye level.  Be sure to look both above and below eye level and you will likely find similar products at a much lower price.

2.   Just because you’ve tried a free sample of a product in a grocery store, don’t feel obligated to buy the product.  Buy the item only if it’s something that you actually want, and be sure to check the price first.

3.  If you decide to buy a grocery item because it’s on sale, recheck your list and your shopping cart.  Determine whether or not the new item can replace a similar item rather than adding another item to your list. It is better to substitute than to add so you can stay within your budget.

4.  Often grocery stores will place complementary items together such as cocktail sauces with seafood, croutons near lettuce, or whip cream near strawberries.  When stores do this they are banking on their shoppers’ impulsiveness.  Often the complementary item is a high cost item.  Instead of selecting it on the spot, if you think you might want to buy it, add it to your list and then check out the aisle where other varieties can also be found so you can compare prices.

5.  Another common tactic grocery stores use is to place chips, candy, and other sweets and junk food in the areas where crowds build up due to lineups.  It’s so tempting to grab a few of these items and throw them in your cart.   That’s why it always good to eat before going grocery shopping.  If you shop when you’re hungry, you will almost always give in to these impulse buys while waiting in line.

May 29, 2009
Shopping

3 Things You Should Know About Buying Bulk

For the most part, buying bulk saves you money.   However, consider these 3 tips before buyng bulk:

1. Don’t buy bulk if you have to use debt to purchase it.  There’s no point in racking up credit card debt in order to buy bulk.  Although the products may be cheaper, the amount of interest you will pay on your debt will outweigh the money you saved in the first place.

 2. Compare prices.  Buying bulk does not always save you money. Sometimes you actually pay more when you buy bulk.  For instance, I noticed that when Kleenex goes on sale, it is often cheaper to buy individual boxes rather than the 6 packs.   Toothpaste, too, seems to be cheaper when purchased individually.  Don’t be deceived – buying bulk isn’t always cheaper.

 3. You may subconsciously overuse the products you buy in bulk.  Interestingly, research studies have shown that people who buy bulk products are more likely to overuse them.  I discovered that I am guilty of that.  I bought a 3 pack of shaving gel the other day and found myself using it way more liberally than if I had just bought one bottle.  I also noticed that when I buy large packages of frozen fruit to make smoothies, I use a lot of fruit, but if I buy the small packages, I am more conscious about how much I am using.  So, if purchasing products in bulk, it is best to be conscious and not overuse the products, otherwise the savings is lost due to overuse.

May 11, 2009
Shopping

Buy Good Quality Products

Sometimes buying the least expensive product can end up being the most expensive in the long run.  To illustrate, you need to buy a pair of work boots.  When you browse through various stores you can see that prices range from $50 to about $250.  You buy the $50 boots and think you got a bargain.  After a few months you realize that your boots are completely worn out.  If you had purchased a better quality work boot you might have been able to use them for ten years or more.  When making purchases, always consider how long you want the product to last and be sure to consider the quality of the products you are buying.  You have to use your discretion, as some products are cheaply made but still expensive.  It doesn’t hurt to shop around and compare prices.  Shopping online is a great way to compare prices and products without even stepping out of doors.  

April 2, 2009