THE RULES

1.  Join all the email lists of the stores you enjoy to shop at.  They always send you the latest promotions and coupons.

2.  Always have your coupons with you wherever you are.  Make a mental note or list of expiry dates so you don't forget about them.

3.  Join the membership rewards programs (eg. Optimal Card for Shoppers).  Free stuff is always a plus!

4.  Use the stores mastercard or other credit programs if you don't have any debt.  As long as you don't accumulate their interest, they have excellent incentives (eg. MACY's, PC mastercard=free groceries)

5.  Never throw out your receipts right away.  Keep them for at least a month as most stores give you price adjustments if the cost of item goes down.

6.  Some stores (Zara, RW and H&M) often have great sales that last a week or so.  Go more than once.  Often the sale gets better and better (more markdowns)  .  See rule #5 if this happens to you for a price adjustment!  If your size is not available anymore, stock up for gifts (bday, xmas etc).

7.  Always shop from the end of the store to the front.  The clearance rack is usually at the back.  Unless you like to pay regular retail price!

8.  Don't forget to check the items in and around the fitting room.  These items are usually the best ones as people tried them on but unfortunately they did not fit.  Their loss is  your gain!

9.  Don't waste time trying clothes that are refundable.  If you have limited time at a sale, just purchase a couple of possible sizes and run!

10.  Be observant.  Look carefully at signs and price tags.  ASK QUESTIONS.  I can't tell  you how often people don't even understand the signage in the clearance racks!