As a child with seven.... yes, seven brothers and sisters, my mother showed herself to be the best business woman the world had ever seen. I know her intentions weren't to teach me her strategies, however, that's exactly what happened. Many people would come to her for advice on how to make their "money work." The most memorable moment that will never be erased was when she and I were at the grocery store shopping for the family. I was about 9 years old and she was focused on putting products in her basket after reading a list she had written in conjunction to an envelope of coupons she had organize prior to our supermarket adventure. One could only feel like a contestant from SuperMarket Sweepstakes that I had seen several times on the television. She would take me with her on her shopping excursions only to tell me how much money she had saved. Mom would give me the retail price and then her amazing discounted price from all the deals she utilized. It was amazing to me to see how she would always beat the retailers and have the upperhand by going home with a price lower than the retail value!
As we approached the cashier that day, I knew it would be another exciting experience since my mother began to get pumped up on how much she would save this time. I began unloading the shopping card that was piled high and stocked with food and goods for our family of ten. The amount began flashing on the screen next to the cashier as the products rolled passed her.... $100..$120..$200...$260...$297...$300! I knew my mom didn't carry that much money with her and started to feel embarrassed. I thought to myself, "She is going to have to put things back and everyone will see her." Boy, what a mortifying moment! My mother just smiled, and begin to hand the cashier coupon, after coupon, after coupon. Double minus, triple minuses were coming off the price. -$50, -$82, -$170! My eyes started getting bigger and bigger! "Omg! This is crazy! How is she doing this?!" People began to look over to my mother's isle as even the cashier became excited has my mother passed her coupon after coupon! Then something unreal happened.... "Are you serious?! This can't be happening" I thought. My mother's amount was at $0 for the amount she would pay, and then started to show an amount that the cashier would have to give her! $.50, $1.00, $5.00, $8.00! The people were cheering! "That's unbelieveable!" A woman shouted. "You go girl!" Someone else cried. "Wow!!!" The cashier yelled. I was so proud! My mother,... yes my mentor, my awesome shopping buddy hadn't paid a dime for all the products she was taking home. In addition, they were paying her to shop there.
Now that's Bargain Shopping!
This story goes is a prime example to get what you want AND shop smart. Keep as much money as possible in your pocket! Now that you're into my tips for shopping for the holidays! Here are some sites where you can save money and still give great gifts that your friends and family with love!
Ideeli.com
Hautelook.com
Goldstar.com
JuiceInTheCity.com
LivingSocial.com
DailySteals.com
Groupon.com
BeyondtheRack.com
Great Gift Giving Ideas
Massages
Mani/Pedi
Movie Ticket PackagesJewelry
Food
Restaurants
Gift Cards
Cosmetics
Hair Products
Salon Services
Live Shows & Entertainment Discount Tickets.... etc
Happy Shopping & Merry Christmas!
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