Tips For Saving Your Money

Join Frequent Buyer Clubs

Many merchants reward their repeat customers by offering discounts or complimentary items. Local favorite T.C. Lando’s in Acton offers a free sub after purchasing 12 subs or spending $90. Nashoba Brook Bakery in West Concord has a Baker’s Dozen program that allows one to choose a free loaf of their delicious bread after purchasing twelve loaves.  Cards must be stamped after each purchase at these two establishments before redemption.  Other retailers offering loyalty programs include , Kmart, , , and . Visit them to learn about how to collect and redeem points that translate into cash savings on future purchases.

Subscribe to Email Lists

Consulting the websites of favorite establishments can reap savings. Subscribing to an online newsletter often garners a “welcome” coupon worth money off your next purchase. For example, signing up for  email club immediately garners one a message that can be printed out and redeemed for $5 off any service.  Friendly’s has a Best Friends Club; joining entitles one to a free 3-scoop sundae with purchase of an adult entrée, a free birthday ice cream, and periodic discount coupons. The 99 Restaurant sends $5 instantly to new subscribers.

Try Before You Buy

No one likes buyer’s remorse. When possible, it makes sense to take advantage of a free trial period to see if a service will meet one’s needs. Netflix offers one month of free movies to new customers.  Many local health clubs offer a day visit or week-long pass for potential new members (restrictions may apply.) These include Gold’s Gym in Concord, the Thoreau Club, in Acton and Global Fitness in Stow. Additionally, many dance and martial arts studios offer a free week of classes for new students. One example is the Concord School of Taekwon-Do.

Investigate Second-Hand Options

There are many great local resale shops in our area. Three are in West Acton within walking distance of one another. Home furnishings, including furniture, dishes and accessories abound at Tables To Teapots.  Up Style Consignment offers stylish clothing and jewelry. Buttons and Bows is the best bet for children’s duds and gear.   

Get in on Group Discounts

A number of online merchants have established themselves as cutting-edge marketers of fine dining, spa experiences, entertainment, shopping, and more. Offering deep discounts, Groupon, Buy With Me , Living Social, New England Perksand Boston’s Big Deals cater their time-limited offers to the right geographic customers.  Subscribing to their daily emails ensures that one won’t miss out on great deals like $125 worth of Zoots dry cleaning for $50, $20 off summer sailings with Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester, and half price gift certificates to Amazon.com, the Gap, the Body Shop, and Barnes and Noble. These are just a few of the last year’s offerings.