Best Times and Places to Make Frugal Purchases on Essentials Groceries: * Kroger: Double coupon days and quarterly sales * Aldi: Everyday low prices on staple items * Trader Joe’s: Unique and affordable products * Costco: Bulk discounts on non-perishables * Monday evenings: Stock up on produce before discounts expire * End of the month: Clearances on expiring products Clothing: * Off-season sales: Significant discounts on clothing in transition * Factory outlets: Direct-from-factory prices on designer brands * Thrift stores: Pre-owned clothing and accessories * Consignment shops: Gently used items from high-end brands * Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Doorbuster deals and online discounts Electronics: * Amazon Prime Day: Exclusive deals and price drops * Best Buy Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Sales on TVs, laptops, and appliances * Dell Outlet: Refurbished computers and electronics at reduced prices * Back to School sales: Discounts on laptops, tablets, and printers * Shop early: Secure the best deals before inventory runs out Home Essentials: * Home Depot/Lowe’s: Seasonal sales and clearances * Ikea: Affordable furniture and home décor * Target: Weekly clearance events and online discounts * Wayfair: Flash sales and clearance deals * End of the season: Discounts on items like outdoor furniture and bedding Tips for Saving More: * Use coupons and promo codes: Look for deals in flyers, newspapers, and online. * Join loyalty programs: Earn rewards and exclusive discounts. * Buy in bulk: Save on non-perishables and household items. * Shop around: Compare prices before making a purchase. * Consider generic brands: They often offer comparable quality at a lower cost. * Take advantage of seasonal discounts: Plan purchases around holiday sales and clearance events.
 PeopleImages/Getty Images/iStockphoto In a high inflation economy, it is more important than ever to implement smart shopping strategies to save on everyday expenses. Being aware of where and when you buy essential items such as paper products, vitamins and medications, groceries and office supplies can save you a lot of money on these unavoidable costs. Here are some tips for the best times and places to buy all your necessities to save money. ## Buy toiletries in bulk when they are on sale If your favorite brand of toothpaste or shampoo is on sale, buy several to take full advantage of this savings opportunity. “Many toiletries last for months, and if you wait until you’re running low to buy more, you’re likely missing out on money,” says Grant Gallagher, AVP, head of financial wellness and brand communications at Affinity Federal Credit Union. “It will be a little more expensive to buy two or three per item initially, but cheaper in the long run.” ## Buy non-perishable items at Warehouse Clubs The best place to buy non-perishable supplies is almost always a department store club. “Discount clubs like Costco and BJ’s tend to be cheaper per unit for the items they offer at regular prices, and have an even better value on sale,” said Gallagher. “Even if you’re a family of one, nonperishable items can still be worth buying in bulk.” Gallagher specifically recommended Costco for paper products, supplements and generic over-the-counter drugs. “Costco tends to be a good value with their Kirkland brand, and is generally a good option for things like paper products and supplements and generic over-the-counter medications like painkillers, vitamins and allergy medicines,” he said. “Their generic Zyrtec (Aller-Tec) is less than half the price of the largest quantities offered through Walmart or Target, their generic Flonase (Aller-Flo) is almost a third the cost of generics at stores like Walmart and Target, and their generic Benadryl (Kirkland Signature Allergy Medicine) is about 40% cheaper than Walmart or Target.” ## Buy coffee at Costco If a cup of coffee – or two or three – is part of your daily ritual, consider buying your beans at Costco for the biggest cost savings. “Coffee beans can be a good deal at Costco, with many of their offerings costing just over $5 per pound,” Gallagher said. “Although similar deals on coffee beans can be found through Amazon with their Amazon Fresh brand, you run the risk of not being able to see the roast date, and many reviews report receiving old or stale beans.” ## Buy produce when it is in season As a well-educated consumer you can save on fresh fruit and vegetables. “The best time to buy tends to be based on seasonality, with food prices generally aligned with growing seasons,” said Gallagher. “I don’t plan on buying corn or strawberries in the winter without paying a premium.” ## Buy holiday-oriented foods right after the holidays “You can usually get good food discounts by purchasing special food items related to a holiday right after the holiday is over,” says Gallagher. “You can tuck into chicken wings for pennies on the dollar the week after the Super Bowl, stock up on more corned beef than you know what to do with in late March, and feed a small army with cheap turkey right after Thanksgiving and Christmas.” ## Shop for office, craft and party supplies at the Dollar Store The dollar store is often the best place to buy things you don’t need to buy in bulk, such as office supplies, craft supplies, and party favors. “Dollar stores like Dollar Tree can be a great place to save on items you only need in a very small quantity,” says Gallagher. “Keep in mind that the value is in being able to buy a small quantity, but that doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest per unit. If you need larger quantities, you are almost always better off buying somewhere else.” More from GOBankingRates
Save Big on Essentials with Smart Shopping Strategies To maximize savings and avoid overspending on everyday essentials, here’s a guide to the best times and places to make your purchases: Grocery Shopping: * Best Time: Tuesdays, early mornings, or late evenings * Best Places: Lidl, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Costco (for bulk purchases) * Tips: Use coupons, loyalty programs, and generic brands Household Supplies: * Best Time: After major holidays, when retailers are clearing out excess stock * Best Places: Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, Amazon (for online deals) * Tips: Check for clearance items, use smartphone apps to compare prices Electronics: * Best Time: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and during major sales * Best Places: Best Buy, Amazon, Apple Store, Newegg * Tips: Research prices online, wait for price drops, and consider refurbished or used options Clothing: * Best Time: End of seasons or after major holidays * Best Places: Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Burlington * Tips: Sign up for email alerts for sales, use coupons, and check for clearance racks Pharmacy Items: * Best Time: When there are promotions or discounts * Best Places: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, online pharmacies * Tips: Use prescription savings cards, generic equivalents, and coupon apps Tips for Smart Shopping: * Plan ahead: Make a list of what you need to buy. * Compare prices: Use online comparison tools or smartphone apps. * Use coupons and loyalty programs: Take advantage of savings opportunities. * Buy in bulk when possible: Save money on items you use regularly. * Consider generic brands: They often offer similar quality at a lower cost.
