My husband and I started "fixing" our money mistakes shortly before we ever started dating. We learned some things from our parents (they did the best they could); but, most of what we know now was learned by trial and error. We have made a lot of mistakes!
I am fortunate that I learned how to get the best quality for the lowest price. Shop around. Ask questions. Do your homework. I am good at this.
I know which stores carry good quality at low prices. I remember the prices for things I buy regularly; and, when I can, I wait to stock up when things are on sale. I clip coupons and read ingredients (very important). I am good at this, too.
Here are some of the websites I keep in my "favorites":
http://www.restaurant.com/ (to get gift certificates for less than their face value)
http://www.couponmom.com/ (I find a lot of coupons I can print for things I use often)http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/ (to get coupons for clothes for my family) http://www.mambosprouts.com/ (for all kinds of deals on organic food and more)
I also often search for "coupon codes" and "coupons" for online or in-store purchases (sometimes related to the store, sometimes related to the product). Onr that has worked is, http://www.retailmenot.com/. There are a lot of resources out there to save money on the things we do buy!
Being "green", I also love garage sales and scoping out the best resale shops!
But, what I have often forgotten to ask myself is, "Do I really need this?" I have the money, yes. I am getting the best quality for the best price, yes. But, do I really need it?
Instant gratification. Sounds satisfying, doesn't it? Only, it isn't. Unfortunately, we both watched our parents spend everything they had. We had to learn the hard way (still learning, by the way) how to budget, save for the future and NOT spend everything we make.
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