Money-Saving Secrets From the Pros

Get better deals when shopping, dining, decorating, entertaining, and more.

Shopping

• Search for deals. At outlet malls, ask at the information booth for coupons that give you additional savings at the regular retail stores, suggests Jill Fairchild, founder and publisher of the Where to Wear series of shopping guides. Also, look for coupons, discount codes, and information about local designer sample sales at these websites: dailycandy.com, topbutton.com, and thebudgetfashionista.com. Try overstock.com for outlet-level bargains online.
• Request the designer’s discount. “Often you will get the same discount, typically 10 to 15 percent, when buying furniture,” says Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots (Lyons Press, $15, amazon.com) and a reviewer for Consumers Digest. If not, ask for perks, like free delivery and permission to try a piece out at home for a few days before buying.
• Consider used instead of new. The value of a car can fall by 15 to 40 percent within the first year. Look for certified preowned cars (reconditioned and with a warranty) that are about two years old and have about 20,000 miles, says Alex Rosten, manager of pricing and market analysis for Edmunds.com, which provides car reviews and comparative pricing.