We’ve all had those moments of regret while shopping. Like the time you finally gave in and bought that sweater, only to find out it went on sale a couple days later. Or how you keep forgetting your gift card every time you go to the book store. And worst of all, your splurge on a cocktail dress that hangs tags and all, in your closet now two sizes too small.

While all these things can feel like minor nuisances, over the course of the year, they all add up to big bucks… often enough to buy a whole new outfit, or more! So smarten up when you shop, to have more cash to spend on fun.

Clipping coupons isn’t just for grandma.
If you do your homework and collect coupons or discount codes before you hit the malls or your favorite online retailer, you can save yourself a lot of money.

  • Add your name to in-store mailing lists, or subscribe to free shopping clubs like the Insider Club at Loehmann’s. These mailing or email lists will get you advanced notice of sales, as well as dollar-off and reward coupons.
  • Check the back of magazines for coupons or discount codes (Lucky and Domino offer many for clothes, makeup and home goods).
  • Some stores, like GAP, offer discounts for completing brief online surveys—rewarding participants with 10% off their next visit.
  • Before buying online, use a search engine (enter the name of the store + “coupon” or “discount code”) to hunt for gift with purchases, free shipping and special offers. There are many sites on the web devoted to keeping a listing of current offers available to savvy internet shoppers.
  • Check at mall or outlet customer service kiosks to see if you can get a coupon book or discounts with your AAA membership, union or student I.D. card. Barnes & Noble gives teachers a percentage off for books that they can use in the classroom, while Pier 1 gives students 10% off during back-to-school time.