Save by Remembering some TIPS
We've said it on other pages - hopefully you are getting it....
When it comes to shopping for things you need, check the internet first.

1. Make a list -
   You walk into a store, you see this on sale and that on sale and probably think to yourself, "If I don't buy it now, I won't get it on sale later."
   
   That's just not true. Making a list and knowing what you are getting at a store keeps you from spending on things you may not need anyway. If you are going to splurge, keep impulse buying in check by limiting yourself to three items AND THAT'S IT.
2. Do Your Research -
   Check out the local retailers stores ads on thier website. This website has multiple links to go look up prices and get free shipping, without even leaving your home. (Using your pre-made list, of course.) That saves you gas money and time.
3. Don't be ashamed to shop at Wal-Mart -
   They have the lowest prices on almost everything. You can get free shipping from the website to the closest store near you. One trip to get your everyday household, health and beauty items, pre-packaged just for you.


Free Shipping with Site to Store Baby Items at Walmart.com
Free Shipping with Site to Store Sports at Walmart.com
Free Shipping with Site to Store Home Products at Walmart.com
Free Shipping with Site to Store Garden and Patio at Walmart.com
Free Shipping with Site to Store Electronics at Walmart.com
Free Shipping with Site to Store at Walmart.com


4. Local Retailers want you in their store -
   One thing you can count on by going into a store to shop for products is that you will probably come out with more clothes, accessories, or household goods, than what you planned on buying before you went in.

Be Realistic -
If you don't stick to a budget well (one of the staff members confesses to this!) than at least set yourself a cash budget before walking into a store. This works really well for us when purchasing clothing. Spend the cash you have taken out just for that clothing trip. Round up the costs of the items and add it up in your head before heading over to the check-out stand, and be honest with yourself if you really need that item or not.

One of the best pieces of advice we have given out to our friends and family is this: If you want an item while standing in the store - clothing, a pair of shoes, a toy for your child, etc. - leave it in the store without buying it and tell yourself you will think about it. If you have forgotten about "how bad you need it" one week later, you just saved yourself the money from that impulse buying.


5. Check it out on-line before you go and shop in the store:
Clothes & Every Day Items
Old Navy is one of the staff's favorite stores (and relatives, and friends, etc.) When polled as to why, the primary reason for this is because of their "keeping up with the trend style" without breaking the bank.



They have a style for just about every sized body too.
The above link takes you to their site that offers choosing clothing from four different stores (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Piperlime) and only paying $7 in shipping!

Clothes come and go season after season. If you are one of those people that have to have the latest style, wouldn't you get it if you can get similar or exactly the same look at stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's or Burlington Coat Factory? Those stores have the namebrands you are looking for, without paying the price.

Outlets are another way to save money and keep up with the latest trends. If you have one in your home-town consider yourself lucky, and shop there first if you are itchin' to get a new outfit.

Try looking in the Clearance section of on-line stores. But don't forget to account for shipping! Except for eBay where shipping is per seller, retailers on-line usually charge a flat rate for shipping, up to a certain amount spent on thier sites or a percent of the total cost for shipping.

Free shipping is the best, but low-cost shipping or shipping to the store for free is always a possibilty. Unless you're a hermit, chances are you can run past a certain store during the day while doing errands to pick up products you ordered on-line.

With gas prices the way they are right now, it might almost be worth ordering it on-line and getting it sent to your home by paying shipping, especially if you don't live close to your favorite stores.

Have you heard of drugstore.com? The uncommon drugstore. All the same products you would get at any local drug store and tons of stuff you would get at superstores.



These are just a FEW of the great deals we found for this site:
Save up to 70% on Clearance Items at drugstore.com
New Customers: Receive $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 on your first non-prescription order! Offer ends 08.31.08.
Free Shipping on orders of $25.00 or more! New Customers Only. See site for details.
Earn 5% back on future nonprescription orders with drugstore.com dollars(tm)!

Check out Unique Gifts Page for other ideas on all kinds of sites you can shop at and for other great coupon codes.

Every day items can be purchased on eBay as well....
We've found unopened boxes of over-the counter medicines (check the expiration date!); there are coupons for local retail stores that are worth puchasing if you plan on spending a significant amount of money; there are designer clothes, toys, household items such as cleaning supplies, vacuums, dishes, silverware, and the list goes on and on, and on.
BE SURE TO ACCOUNT FOR SHIPPING. It's only a great deal if the cost with shipping is less than it would have been purchasing it from your local retail store. Check out our eBay page for other great tips.

Savings on Arts & Crafts
There are so many different types of crafts out there and stores and individuals to buy craft-related supplies from. The points we have stressed over and over again on this website ring true for purchasing items for your next arts & crafts project and projects.

The staff here at Online Family Savings have a great interest in this topic and are continually going to strive to update the coupon codes and specials found online for you to check on, before going out on craft-related buying trip.

1. Check e-Bay - Type in the search box virtually anything (i.e. crafts, yarn, stationary, patterns, scrapbooking, etc, etc.)
   
   
   
   You will be surprised as to how many people are selling EXACTLY what you need. Packages might be opened, a corner of a pattern might be bent, or someone is cleaning out their crafts at any given time and selling it for really cheap!


2. Do you need projects in large quantities?
   The church we attend relies on this site for craft projects for children -
   
   
   
   You can also get projects in large quantities from Rhode Island Novelty
   
   Both of the above mentioned sites also sell PARTY SUPPLIES. But remember to check for someone's old, but not used party supplies on eBay too.
3. Keep in mind Local Retailers have competition too - What this means for you is specials, coupons, and free shipping to get you to buy their products from their store online.
   
   JoAnn's offers free shipping and monthly coupons now and then. Compare prices:
   
   
   
   Clearance at Joann.com!
   Host A Party
   Want to get stuff on sale, if not even FREE? - Host a party with your local Independent Consultant
   
   Chances are, you have heard of many of the products listed below. You may have even attended a party or two for each of them. But have you ever tried to host a party? Don't be afraid to! The Independent Consultant business is bigger now because people need a second income. Products are usually top-of-the-line, and you really do have the chance to EARN a discount on your favorite scrapbooking items, or jewerly, or make-up, or kitchen supplies or toys. Most companies now offer online parties, so you don't even have to host a party at your home.
   
   Take a look at the at-home businesses that might just suit what you are looking for:
   Each of these websites offer local consultant's for your area that are more than willing to send you a free catalog, or talk to you about how to get the discounts or freebies you are looking for.
   
   From Custom Framing your precious memories to scrapbooking, paper crafts, and preserving your digital photos, Creative Memories is NOT JUST SCRAPBOOKING ANYMORE! You are going to love their options.
   
   Creative Memories
   
   Hostess's can recieve up to 15% of a discount on products, including Custom Framing. Custom Framing memories can cost a small fortune now, but Creative Memories is trying to show up the competition with at-home custom framing at your convenience.

1. Here's the link to the Silver Jewelry Club mentioned above: Want Jewelry For Free? Click HERE
2. Lia Sophia (another high-quality independent jewerly seller) has a link to find a Consultant near you: www.liasophia.com
   
   The staff has purchased jewerly from Independent Consultants in our hometown.
   There are two benefits to purchasing their jewerly - (1) If you buy two items, you get the third for 1/2-price. (2) They have a guarantee (that we have used) that if the piece you purchase tarnishes, peels, or what-ever, they will replace it for free, but you must keep the receipt. If you lose it, then you're on your own.
3. Cookie Lee - Less expensive jewerly than Lia Sophia, and not guaranteed, but still fashionable and you can get it for free by hosting a party: www.cookielee.com

1. The Pampered Chef - Find a consultant near you on their website: www.pamperedchef.com
   They have a program where if you host a party, you will get 10% off any future orders within the same year. They are always having specials and speaking from experience, their products are top-quality.

1. Discovery Toys - Simple, yet exactly what toddlers, pre-schoolers, and early development toys should be! Check it out at: www.discoverytoys.com
   
   They are building their site but an Independent Consultant can send you a catalog and would be happy to help you host a gathering.

1. You've probably heard of Mary Kay Cosmetics