To some, saving means taking it to the extreme. As in always buying things on sale, pre-owned, and in flea markets or garage sales. Or just reuse and recycle stuff over and over again. Doing these will definitely allow you to save a lot. However, you can still save up on more than a few bucks and do it with a bit more class if you put some strategy to your buying.

Time your purchase. If you can’t take buying pre-owned stuff, then try to buy smarter so that you’ll be able to save on buying. You can wait for sales like end-of-season clearance sales before you buy. If you can’t imagine yourself racing with all the other shopaholics, you can simply wait until the newer version of a product comes along and buy the soon-to-be second generation version at a much discounted price. This is so true for car dealers since around September or October, they’d be looking to dispose of their older models. Or exploit the month’s end where salesmen are trying to reach their quota targets.

Features mean cash. Before plopping down cash for the first offer that comes your way, hold it until you’ve finally scouted out all your options. Remember that features always cost you more. So better think of the ways you’d be using whatever piece of thingamajigerry you’re buying. “Fully-featured” may sound really attractive but are you getting the right buck per bang.

Scout out your options. The good thing about competition is that you get to have more options. Sure Brand A seems like it’s the best way to go since everyone’s going for it, but have you taken what Brand B and Brand C has to offer? They might just have the right product for you at a better price.