Making New Habits: Buy Clearance!

It can be a full time job to save my family our hard earned money. But like anything new, after a little "practice" it becomes second nature. One habit I have learned is to never leave a store without looking at clearance items (or as Kroger calls them "Managers Specials"). I buy everything from meat to school supplies to gifts out of the clearance bins. We are red meat lovers! We can satisfy our summer steak on the grill hunger by getting the manager's special meat. Cook it up that day or freeze it and the 30% discounted steak tastes just as flavorful (if not more!). Clearance items also can add more bang to your coupon buck. Recently I found Listerine Whitening on clearance for $2.89 at Target. Pair it with the $2.00 off coupon and I spent 89 cents on a $4.50 item.  At the end of last school year, I found Elmer's glue, post-it notes and highlighters in a manager's special bin at Kroger. These were more than 50% off and with a little forethought; I was able to check a few items off the school list early.  Of course I always shop the seasonal clearance isle. Many an Easter basket and/or stocking have been filled with (non-edible) goodies from last season. This is a great way to stock up on small items to fill Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes too. Last but not least, clothing clearance.  I am a proponent of consignment shopping however, you can often buy new clothes at the end of the season for less than you would at a resale shop or even garage sale.  We have mentioned that The Children's Place is one of our faves.  Right now they have many items on clearance and don't forget to use a 15% off coupon for even more savings! So keep your eyes open for clearance tags, they're not just for clothing anymore!

What great deals have you found in the clearance isles?