6 Tips on How to Spend Money and Save at the Same Time

By Andrea Woroch

Spending money to save money doesn't seem like a logical concept, but if you know what you're doing then it can be a smart way to stretch your budget. The trick to this strategy is to only buy what you need and what you planned on purchasing anyway. Take toilet paper for example. Toilet paper doesn't spoil and often costs less when bought in bulk, so it's worth stocking up on to reap the savings overtime, as long as you have the storage space.

Read on for more ways you can spend money and save at the same time.

1. Purchase a Club Membership

While you have to pay for a membership fee to join clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, they do offer excellent prices on many items sold in bulk. Try not to buy on impulse, however, as you could find your pantry stocked with 20 years worth of canned beans.

2. Buy Gift Cards

Buying gift cards from discount sites like Gift Card Granny is a great way to save on everything from groceries to electronics, particularly since you can buy gift cards at these sites for up to half their face value.

3. Dive into Deal-of-the-Day Sites

I recently received an offer from Groupon to buy $40 worth of bedding plants for just $17. Since I planned on spending at least $50 on garden starts this year, that's a real deal. Make sure the group-buying deal is truly something you'll use. While a sky diving adventure may sound like a real kick, it's not worth the price if you're afraid of heights.

4. Stock Up to Increase Online Savings

Purchasing more may qualify your online order for a better value coupon or free shipping. For example, Amazon.com has free shipping on most orders over $25. If your cart reaches $22, throw in an extra item to reach that threshold and benefit from the delivery discount.

5. Stockpile with Multiple Coupons

Keep an eye out for coupons on non-perishable items you'll actually use and collect extra coupons for your next shopping trip by dumpster diving in recycling bins or ask neighbors for their newspaper circulars. Use all the coupons you've collected to bulk up on the offer and stockpile products for later while enjoying the immediate money-saving offer. Make sure you read the fine print, however, as some coupons can only be used for a maximum amount, say two or four packages of baby diapers.

6. Throw In a Little Lagniappe

Lagniappe is a term used in New Orleans referring to something extra you get for free, like a baker's dozen of donuts. Sometimes it pays to buy a little something extra you don't really need to make use of a coupon. For example, I had a $10 off grocery coupon that kicked in if I spent $50. My bill came to $49, so I tossed in a few gum packets to reach the $50 mark. Basically, the gum was free Lagniappe.
 
About Andrea Woroch
 
As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit http://andreaworoch.com/ or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.

6 Ways To Save Like An Extreme Couponer

by Andrea Woroch
With the start of TLC's latest "Extreme Couponing" season, it's a good time to review some basic tricks that these coupon pros use. Read on for six ways you can save like an extreme couponer.

1. Start Small
Don't try to go extreme all at once. Take it step by step, rather than show up at a checkout with 50 coupons and little idea what you're doing.

2. Never Pay For Coupons
There are some things in this life you just shouldn't pay for, and a coupon is one of them. Paying someone to clip or organize your coupons defeats the purpose of living frugally. Instead, surf Sunday newspaper ad supplements for coupon savings; ask your neighbors for their unwanted papers; or dive inside a recycled dumpster or two. Also, free online coupon sites like CouponSherpa.com give consumers access to a multitude of coupon codes and printable coupons for thousands of merchants.

3. Get Organized

A little organization can go a long way. Always create a shopping list and have your coupons and shopping strategy organized before you even enter the store. Use an expandable coupon binder to sort coupon inserts by date, categories and expiration dates. Transfer to a small couponizer only those you'll need for a specific shopping trip.

4. Location, Location, Location
Where you shop is a key factor in making the best use of your time and coupons. Only shop at locations that allow coupon stacking and combining coupons with in-store offers. Don't be afraid to call and ask about policies before you show up. You don't want to wind up embarrassed at the checkout line with a handful of useless coupons.

5. Loyalty Rewards
Always take advantage of club membership rewards. These programs are usually free and have many savings perks, like rewards points, cash back programs, and double points for every certain amount you spend.

6. Don't Be Greedy
This is often where extreme couponers cross over into the world of hoarding. Only shop for items you actually need, products you can stock up on that aren't perishable, and those you can donate. Remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you can actually use the purchase. If your pantry has expanded into your living room and the kids are sleeping on rolls of toilet paper, you've probably reached hoarder status.

About Andrea Woroch:

Consumer savings expert, and media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit http://andreaworoch.com/ or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.