Webster’s dictionary defines bargain as an "advantageous purchase".  Anyone who does even a little bargain shopping knows that you can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each year just by searching for a bargain or two.  Keep in mind that the only true bargain is one that you would have been buying anyway.  If you buy something just because it is on sale then you won’t save any money in the long run.  Here are some tips on bargain shopping:

1.  Good bargain shopping requires you to be a little bold or aggressive.  No matter where you are shopping, ask for a better deal than what is showing on the sticker price.  Talk to a manager, because they are usually the only ones who can make those types of deals.

2.  Sign up for the rewards programs with the places you shop at the most.  You can get great rebates, but you will also be made aware of upcoming sales.  Save your coupons (which you will also receive by being a rewards member) and use those with the sales to get the best bargains around – check the coupons to be sure that they are not excluded from sales.

3.  Know the best times to shop for certain items.  Every thing has a peak season – even cars and houses – and by shopping AFTER the peak season you can usually get the best bargains and save the most money.  Shop for summer clothes after June or July.  Shop for winter clothes after Christmas.  Shop for cars after the New Year.

4.  Use the internet.  The internet can be the bargain shopper’s best friend.  It is the easiest and least expensive way of researching products and even stores.  You don’t have to drive around comparing prices – you can just surf around instead.

5.  The internet is also a great place to find coupons.  Cutting coupons for items you regularly use and then finding a grocery store that will double them can easily save you around 30% of your grocery bill each time that you shop.

6.  Buying in bulk is another great bargain shopper’s tip.  If you have the room to store up items, then purchase non-perishables when they are on sale (and hopefully you have a coupon).
 
7.  Review your services and plans on a regular basis.  Check your insurance to see how you can reduce your rates.  Call your cable company and request a rate decrease similar to the satellite plans that you can sign up for.  Talk to your bank about adjusting your equity line interest rate.  If you don’t ask, then you will never save the money and the worst that can happen is that they will say no.

Learning to bargain shop is a great way to shave money off your budget.  Use the savings you find to plan a great family getaway or to splurge on that item you have wanted for so long.