Frugal Duchess: Tool kit for discount shopping

Shoppers often face a financial obstacle course at discount stores and big-box retail outlets. The challenge: How to shop for bargains without busting the family budget. A shopper may plan to spend only $9 for a box of laundry detergent, but walk to the parking lot with $90 in marked-down candles. Clearly, low-ticket sales create big-ticket gains for the retail industry. Discount department stores in the U.S. have total annual sales of $130 billion, according to Hoover's, a financial research and analysis firm. Fortunately, consumers can develop a discount shopping tool kit, with the following strategies:

Cellphone: Save time and money by using a cell phone to track time while browsing. For instance, I have slashed my weekly bill by spending less time in the store. During a recent outing, I cut my shopping time in half and spent 60 percent less money than usual. The alarm clock app can be used to set shopping limits and deadlines. A smart phone is useful for checking prices, finding online promotions and coupons. And finally, the calculator application can be used to create a running tally and to calculate the per-unit price of sale merchandise.

Paper trails: Shopping lists represent a spending map and a written contract. Armed with a list, coupons and the weekly store flier, it's easier to avoid impulse purchases. Don't forget to request rain checks when featured sale merchandise is out of stock. Store the rain checks in a convenient location and take note of expiration dates.

Home inventory: Start a household wish list, featuring appliances, utensils and storage items needed around the home, especially in the kitchen. This long-term list creates a disciplined shopping plan for home accessories and allows you to skim through sales merchandise with an accurate assessment of what you truly need to furnish your home.

Selective vision: Ignore danger zones, which include dollar sections and clearance aisles filled with marked-down books, movies and picture frames.

Don't make eye contact with salesclerks who offer free samples. Avoid strategic displays near the checkout line, which are designed to fill your bags and empty your wallet.

— — —

SharonHarveyistheauthorofthe"FrugalDuchess:HowtoLiveWellandSaveMoney"andacontributingwriterinWiseBread's"10,001WaystoLiveLargeonaSmallBudget."