I think that too often we get in the mindset of accepting prices at face value. Maybe it’s because we don’t have the time to compare prices or that we’re just lazy. Often times it’s because we simply forget to shop around or even to ask for a discount. You’d be surprised at the discounts or cheaper deals that you can get, often with just a little effort. You can try the following:

1. Do a little searching

This is especially true with pricier consumer goods (anything that you wouldn’t buy at a grocery store). Shoes, clothes, computers, are all good examples of things that you can often find cheaper somewhere else. Armed with a device that has internet access, you can compare prices on the spot. Amazon famously has an app by which you could scan the barcode of an item in other stores, and it would allow you to compare the prices on Amazon. Many companies often sell the same products; they all get the exact same models from the manufacturers. The method in which they mark them up is quite different though. The Office Season 8 might cost a bit more at one store versus another store down the road. Often both will have their prices listed online. If you’re able to wait a day or two, consider buying online, the same products found in stores are often cheaper online. I bought 2 UNC decals for a corn hole set I was building last month. I paid $28 for the two of them. A couple days later I was searching again and found the same set on Amazon for $10 cheaper. I quickly cancelled my order with the first company and bought it from the second one. A little comparison shopping saved me $10.

2. Always assume there is a discount or coupon

When I buy anything these days (online or in a store), I often go to Google and type in “XXXX store coupons”. Retailmenot is a great site for something like this. I routinely take 10% off my online orders because I found a coupon code online. Real world stores and restaurants will also offer printable coupons online that I’ll print out and bring in. Free queso at the Mexican place? Sure! Save 15% today only on the day I was planning on shopping anyways? Sign me up. Sometimes I don’t get so lucky, but I do always try. As annoying as they are, those junk mail coupons that come in the mail are actually quite helpful. I comb through them every so often and cut out ones on grocery items that I was going to buy anyways. Often end up saving a couple of dollars, so I think it’s worth my time!

3. It never hurts to ask

I’m an AAA member and I love it. In addition to getting roadside service, I get discounts everywhere I go. I haven’t paid the listed price at a hotel in ages. I just tell them I’m an AAA member and off comes some of the money. My student ID has been paying dividends long after I graduated. I went to school in North Carolina (Go Tar Heels!) and carried my student ID for the first year after graduating. I went to a movie theater in Norman, Oklahoma while on a business trip and saved $1 for showing my ID. $1 certainly wasn’t going to break the bank, but that was $1 that I still had in my pocket! “Any discounts today? Do you give an AAA discount? What about a student discount?” are all questions you’ll hear me asking.

It’s really a mindset for me; I always do a little research to compare prices, run a search for any coupons, and ask if there are any discounts available. By adopting this attitude, I’m able to save money on most of my purchases, and if there is one thing that YoungMoneyFinance is a fan of, it’s saving money!

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