Word to the Wise!

Do your homework before purchasing...anything! I vowed this year to become more of a saver and to monitor my (our) finances very closely. I have been quite a coupon-cutter, deal-watcher, and budget-planner this past month and a half. I've even taken to watching Youtube uploads from savvy budgeters (is that a word? Should be!) and have picked up some interesting tips. Today, however, I discovered my own tip: compare online prices to in-store prices before purchasing!

Case in point, we are going to semi-remodel the downstairs bathroom. Earlier this week I began searching online (mostly Home Depot and Lowes) for vanities for the bathroom. Surprise, surprise, I finally decided upon the Martha Stewart Seal Harbor vanity in Sharkey Grey. Ah, I adore Martha!

Isn't it just so cute? Back to my point, the online Home Depot cost of this little beauty was $299 on Wednesday, $399 on Thursday, then back to $299 Friday (and today, Saturday). My mom and I went to Home Depot (in the flesh today) and the listed price on the item was $399. We spoke with an HD associate to verify the cost, and yes, $399 was the in-store charge. She went on to explain that sometimes the in-store and online costs might be a bit different. Um, yah I'll call a $100 just "a bit" different! When I got home I jumped online and there it was, Seal Harbor for $299. I ordered it to be sent to the house (free shipping on all items over $45) and the total price was $322 rather than the $432.92 that it would have cost me in-store after taxes! Score one for the anti-spendthrift!