We're continuing our series from Yahoo on "Good, Better, and Best Money Saving Ideas". Again, the ground rules:
We asked experts to provide a simple tip that will easily save money (good), another tip that might take a little more time or effort but which will save more money (better), and a more extreme tip that will help readers save the most -- but which would require the most thought or effort (best).
Here is what Yahoo names as good, better, and best ideas when it comes to buying clothes:
Good: Keep it simple. One woman built a wardrobe by buying two pairs of great-looking black pants and then shopping for good quality colorful tops, tunics and jackets. This keeps your shoe wardrobe simple and inexpensive too -- a pair of black boots in winter, black pumps the rest of the year. Now everything in your wardrobe goes with everything else, and you just need a few pieces every year to keep it fresh.
Better: Become a frequent buyer. By getting to know the policies and practices of a few stores, you can save a bundle. Couple insider knowledge gleaned from salesclerks along with loyalty programs and coupons, often generated by signing up for mailing lists. Take advantage of in-store promotions, such as applying for store credit cards when they offer an immediate discount on purchases.
Best: Shop everywhere -- and don't buy until you know you're getting the best deal. One woman who had never shopped for clothes at a discount store bought a blouse at Wal-Mart out of sheer desperation. It cost less than $25 and, two years later, still looked as good as new. Other places to shop include thrift stores and consignment shops, other people's closets (when a friend purges her wardrobe), even the grocery store (where T-shirts can go for $5!)
My wife is a specialist in the "best" category here. She's saved us hundreds of dollars throughout the years following this advice.
Click here to read Good, Better, Best Money-Saving Ideas: Groceries.
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