Recessionistas are those who rise to the challenge and find ways to make the most of that big sack of lemons the economy just threw our way. (Lemon meringue? Why not?)
The good news is retailers are working extra hard to court shoppers during the economic slowdown. Use this to your advantage to snag the best savings. Also, challenging times call on you to make the most of what you have. And if that means learning to cook with dried beans – hey, mastering the art of cassoulet is something to brag about!
Read on for our penny-stretching, lifestyle-enhancing recessionista tips.
Recessionista tip 1: Catch the right sale
According to Kathryn Finney, author of the popular Budget Fashionista blog, spring sales have already sprung online. "They have already started and will continue to happen," she says. While you may not see taglines like "Spring Sale!" yet when you surf, discounts abound in the form of free shipping, coupons, and deals.
In store, says Finney, expect to find markdowns sooner than the typical month or month and a half it usually takes for items to make their way to the sale section.
"In today's climate we're seeing discounts as soon as the item hits the floor. However, it's important to remember the difference between 'sale' and 'clearance' merchandise," says Finney.
A sale may last only a weekend, after which time, items could be back up to full price. Additionally, sales may consist of first-round, 15 percent markdowns, not the 50 percent and up you'll find if you can hold out until August or September for final summer clearance sales.
Recessionista tip 2: Use seasonal sales to snag deals on year-round clothes
Buy spring/summer office wear in basic colours and you can wear it into fall/winter. A lightweight, summer-wool dress in basic grey or black can be layered with tights, high boots and a cozy, long cardigan in autumn.
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