Taking Notes to save Money

“Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.” - Bo Derek (American Actress, b.1956)

TheSimpleDollar.com has several ideas for saving money by having a notebook on hand. The article author has in mind a paper pad and pen but hey, this is the 21st century.
Many of the ideas will work on your blackberry or PDA or cell phone for taking notes.

1. Write down sale prices and prices at warehouse clubs. Sometimes you see a sale but are not convinced that it’s the best price around. Write down the price and place and compare it afterwards to other stores.

2. This idea also works great for comparing stores. Make your own list of essential items and add the prices at store. Who sells the cheapest bread? The least expensive milk? Whose price is always highest?

3. Keep an ongoing grocery list. When things run out, update your list. When purchased, check them off.
This also applies to making an errand list.

4. When a friend drops a gift hint or you spot the perfect gift – write it down! What item for whom. Then you can start looking around for the best price (see #1).

5. See something you want but don’t need? Write it down and wait 30 days. If you still want it, then buy it at the lowest price you’ve found while waiting.

6. Write down phone numbers or email of new people you meet.

7. After an accident, write down the person’s name, license plate number, drivers license number, insurance company, make of car, etc.

8. Write down recipes ideas and where you saw the recipe.

9. Keep a list of preferred brands recommended by Consumer Reports and other reviewers.

10. Write your big goals at the top of every page – e.g. loose weight, save money, and so on. This will keep them in mind.

Bottom Line

In some of the cases above, consider using your digital camera or cell phone camera to capture a price or memory. But beware! You’ll likely to make store managers nervous as you walk the aisles and take pictures.

I've read that many stores overcharge on basic foods to make up for the advertised sale prices on other items. They hate it when you price compare non-sale items and especially hate it when their non-sale prices are publicized. When a newspaper began publishing a weekly chart showing the price of milk, eggs, etc at local stores, the grocers fought back. They evicted anyone with a clipboard/etc who was writing down prices. The paper responded by giving the volunteers money to buy each item on the comparison list from each store and used the receipts to track prices.