Let's Save a Little

Who doesn't like to save a few $$$ here and there? I know I do. I am always checking apps, comparing ad prices, and try to save where we can. Like for many of us, Covid-19 hit our finances really hard, especially in the beginning of quarantine. Now that we are recovered financially, I really learned to get as creative as possible with certain things, including Christmas 2020. Yes, you heard that right! I am almost done with Christmas shopping and for a whopping $150 (if that). Mind you, I have 3 kids. Many have asked, "how did I do it?" Honestly, nothing super fancy. But let me take you through the process I have used and found major success.

1. If you have Facebook, go like the following pages: Walmart Clearance Shopper, The Freebie Guy (he also has an awesome Instagram page that I highly recommend), and BrickSeek. Now, I am sure there are more, but these are the ones I personally use to help save money.

2. Get familiar with the Walmart app (download this or all is futile) and Brickseek.com. Just because it is not MARKED clearance, doesn't mean it is not clearance. Most of the items I purchased were not marked clearance. It takes some time, but if you are a mom, the alone time is worth it for sure! Grab you a Dunkin Donuts, iced, almond milk and blueberry coffee and get to shopping.

The first thing I do is check out the Facebook pages, many of the followers have done the work for you. For instance, I few people were showing how they found Paw Patrol Racers for $2.50. These people will give you the UPC or SKU number. This is where Brickseek.com comes into play. When you go to Brickseek, click on Inventory Checker. Type in the SKU or UPC, your area code, click check inventory. This will let you know if you have a chance of finding it locally, and at a good deal. These racers retailed for $15, I was able to get more than 5 for $2.50.

Here is another great example. A woman posted in the Walmart Clearance Shoppers group a rainbow unicorn on clearance for $1. The original price is $3, not a great deal,but a deal none-the-less. I went to Brickseek, clicked on Inventory Checker and found a local Walmart had 6+ in stock. This means you will more-than-likely find that particular item in stock. The Facebook groups are a tool.

Now who is the Freebieguy? He is someone who does the work for you. His job is to go into stores and find clearance items for you. Whether you follow him on Facebook or Instagram, he is always updating you the "unicorn" finds. He gives you all the information you need to succeed, SKUS and UPCS, and more.

Do you always find what you are looking for at the store? No. But, with everything that I have been able to get all 3 kids for Christmas, at dirt cheap prices, I am a believer. And often, you will even find that some food things are lowered. I know there is a lot of hype around a 3 pack of Great Value "Velveeta" type of mac-n-cheese for a $1. Although we do not eat mac-n-cheese often, it is good deal to have in your pantry for those "I do not feel like cooking" days.

Another thing about Brickseek, they have many retailers, deals on-line (especially with Rona) and in-store. They even tell you deals available for you locally, without having to search. I know our Walmart has wireless computer mouses for $0.03 a piece. AND, if you follow Brickseek on Facebook, they give you tutorials and information on how to best utilize their site.

So, do you believe me? Can you really save on things you may need or want? Well, here are just a few purchases I was able to get for the kids.

XOXO friends

Retail: $13.44

Paid: $1.00

Kindi Kids Shopping Cart

Retail: $9.84

Paid: $2.50

Smart Shots Sports Center

Retail: $39.99

Paid: $7.00

Just a note on this one...when I scanned it with the Walmart app, nothing came up. I knew this was a find. When I had an associate scan it, they were even blown away at the price.

Better Homes and Garden Twin Knit Blankets

Retail: $16.96

Paid: $1.00

These WERE NOT marked clearance. Someone posted about them on Walmart Clearance Shoppers, so I knew to go check the linen section. I am going to get them (purchased 3) monogrammed for the kids. They all love blankets just like their mom.

Disney's Frozen 2 Elsa Travel Dress

Retail: $19.94

Paid: $5.00

This was NOT MARKED clearance. If your daughter needs dress-up clothes, this Elsa dress is a must!

V-Tech Pet Carrier

Retail: $34.74

Paid: $7.00

NOW, I was able to purchase more than this for very low prices. It would take me a long time to post everything. But, now you have some tools to help you when trying to make low-cost purchases!

If you have any extra questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am here to help you save money.