Top Shelf Secret

Shhhhhhhh. We‘ve got a secret. Well, actually Bankrate has the secret, and lucky for you, they don’t mind sharing. It seems they met up with a few talkative retail store store managers who were willing to divulge secrets from the savings vault regarding values within their stores. No names or places were uncovered, but there seems to be plenty of insider savings going on! Want in? We thought so.

Clipping Budgets
Couponing has become a real sport these days with shows featuring the art of gonzo coupon saving. Yes, you can save a load of cash with coupons, but before masterminding a coupon marathon at your local retailer, be sure you’re familiar with their coupon policies. Many stores have their policies available online, and the offers can vary wildly. Double coupons. Triple coupons. Coupons only on select days. Acceptance of competitors’ coupons. Coupon stacking (using store and manufacturers’ coupons on the same item). To improve your chances of saving big, know the coupon policies.

Loyalty Pays
Competition for good customers is tough out there, that’s why retailers are out to get and keep you with special reward programs. At some stores, you can earn cash on qualified purchases for use on your next trip. Some retailers will charge you full price on items unless you scan your loyalty card at checkout. Other stores offer members cash back on in-store purchases, sometimes with limits on amounts earned.

Dollar Hollers
With people looking for any way to save, dollar stores and their ilk have been popping up regularly. Some sell brand-name items you may use, which often come with a very good price that has them selling out quickly. The key to stocking up on these rock-bottom name-brand items is to find out when the truck arrives carrying that brand. You should also stock up on any item that you use regularly when you see it in stock at a good price. You never know how long the item will remain in stock. Take note: many of these types of stores do not accept coupons of any kind.

Closeouts and Markdowns
Sometimes products just don’t work out; they don’t sell. That doesn’t mean it’s not something you don’t like. Keep an eye out for the clearance areas of your favorite stores. You can save big on what a store just wants to clear out. Some stores have space on the end of aisles for closeouts and markdowns, or on lower shelves where the specific products are usually displayed. Many times the clearance merchandise will be labeled with special colored stickers.

It’s in the Bag
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of our diets, and they can fit into your budget even better when you take advantage of produce that’s sold as a unit in bags. Experts say that bulk packaged produce can be up to 50 percent less expensive than loose produce sold by the pound. The big secret is, each bag must weigh at least the advertised weight. To be sure there are no underweight problems, stores will throw in an extra item to make sure the unit makes weight. Bingo, value!

In addition to all these ways to save, check your favorite retailer for such things as:

• Store coupons that can scan directly from your cell phone
• Email notifications of unadvertised specials
• If a clearance item rings up wrong, it’s free
• Shop America cash-back rewards for being a Vantage member
• Upromise accounts to earn college money on items you purchase
• Special website deals

In the current economic environment, it’s all about saving money and easing the burden on your budget. If you need additional help with your budgeting, don’t forget, Vantage can help with Accel financial counseling. This service is free for Vantage members and can help you with such things as personal and family budgeting, money management, debt repayment and more.