One Cheapskate’s guide to thrifty holiday shopping

The economy is bad.
We’ve been in recession for the last year.
The dollar is at a 20 year low to the Yen and Euro.
Last week 573,000 Americans filed jobless claims.
And then yesterday Cabo Wabo announced it is leaving Fresno.

Happy, happy, joy, joy. No get moving on that holiday shopping, already!!!

Overwhelming isn’t it? It’s hard to even think about spending money when everything is so tight. Especially in a holiday season when buying food and gifts *both* feel like a necessity.

For me, holiday shopping becomes an end run, using that last paycheck before Yule to get gifts of necessity. (“Oh boy, mom! Socks! AND underwear!!”)

And in this bad economy, every retailer out there is trying to woo me—the thrifty shopper who doesn’t really want to part with those hard earned dollars. Still, woo away, I say. And they have. Notice the proliferation of coupons as of late?

Before you hit the stores (perhaps, AGAIN) this season, I offer my cheapskate advice:

1) Check out higher-end stores—especially the clearance racks. “Whaaat??” you say, slapping your cheeks in disbelief. I know. But hear me out. Yes, I am a hardcore “Target for EVERYTHING” person, but lately, the coupons I’ve gotten have pulled me back into some retail outlets I’d previously written off. There are some really, really great deals (that actually beat Target prices) at places like Macys, Gottschalks and some of the boutique stores. Be sure to check necessities like shoes, coats and dresses. With their coupons added, you’re likely to see some pretty steep discounts. (EXAMPLE: I recently bought a last-minute formal holiday party dress [Sheesh! when have I ever needed a formal?] at Gottschalks, originally $120, on sale-on-sale-on-sale on top of that, for less than $40. Thank you, coupons and clearance. Best “c” words ever.)

2) Check those annoying mailers. Don’t just ditch them! If you’re about to order a pizza for the kids or head to the grocery, be sure to check your mailbox first. Several food chains offer two-for-one discounts or larger coupons via mail. It’s worth the look-see, especially knowing how hungry hardcore holiday shopping can make a person. You just might need to stop, mid-shop, and refuel.

3) ALWAYS check the newspaper. Last Sunday’s paper—in fact, EVERY Sunday’s paper—offers coupons in their sales inserts. I found 2  I used that same day—one for 40% off one regular-priced  item at Michaels, and one for 50% off one regular-priced  item at Joann Fabric. “But these stores have their inserts available inside the store,” you might say. But you’d be wrong, little Ms. Know-it-all. THOSE SNEAKY RETAILERS! The inserts in the stores—while they look almost exactly alike—are  different than those that come in your newspaper. (Case in point: both stores had *almost* the same insert, but neither contained the aforementioned 40- and 50% off coupons.)

Additionally, a friend of mine always plans her grocery shopping around the Sunday paper inserts. There are lots and LOTS of coupons in that edition, and she routinely saves upwards of $80 on her grocery needs.

4) Don’t get the paper? Buy one off the rack before hitting the register. There are something like ten BILLION Starbucks in this town. All of them carry The Bee. In addition, there are newspaper racks all over the city. Believe me, saving 20% on an item with a newspaper coupon is worth the 50 cent newsstand price.