Guest Post: 7 Ways to Save on Wedding Registry Gifts




Summer is wedding season and this year, no one knows that better than me. I'm in two weddings and attending four more, making my weekends all about dress fittings and bachelorette parties. In addition to traveling around the country -- Florida, California and New York -- I also need to budget for six wedding gift
by

Andrea Woroch
Gift registries make this part of the process easy, but shipping costs and indecision often contribute to a stressful experience. Consider these seven ways to save on wedding gifts, six of which I'll definitely be using this season.


1. Buy a group gift with friends.
Most of my friends already have the small household items that comprise traditional registries. If this sounds familiar, consider going in on a pricey gift with friends. Not only will you be getting the couple something they really need, but you may end up spending less in the long run. Edivvy.com makes it easy to organize the group gift without the hassle of calling around and coordinating payment.

2. Shop discount retailers.
If your friends are registered for Cuisinart pans or Kitchenaid cooking utensils, find them for less at such discount retailers as Ross, Marshall's or HomeGoods. You can also find things like cookbooks, picture frames and bath essentials for a fraction of department store prices.

3. Look for coupons.
Macy's is the go-to registry for most brides, so I was pleased to find a coupon for $20 off $100 worth of registry items on CouponSherpa. Luckily, you don't need registry-specific coupons to save on your purchase, so search the Web before clicking "submit."

4. Frame the wedding invitation.
Brides and the occasional groom spend lots of time and money creating the wedding invitation, only to distribute them to others. Make it into a creative keepsake by framing it. You can even buy a double frame with space for the couple's favorite wedding portrait for an added touch.

5. DIY - literally.
Are you handy, artistic or gastronomic? Consider a gift you can give based on your own business or skills. Paint a painting for their new home, offer your makeup or hair artistry skills to the bride, or bake the wedding cake. Your friend will be grateful for both the thoughtful gift and for cutting down her expenses.

6. Use (or give) discount gift cards.
Gift cards are much appreciated by modern couples and are often found at the bottom of registries. Click here to avoid paying full price for these versatile gifts by comparing discounts on cards to retailers, restaurants and other establishments. If you'd still prefer purchasing a tangible gift from the registry, purchase a discount gift card for yourself to offset the cost.

7. Shop for daily deals.
If you know the person well enough, you can get away with using the registry as inspiration for the right gift at the right price. For example, one of my friends registered for a set of chef knives that I know won't last. That's why I was thrilled to find a great set of premium chef knives for 60-percent off at one of the daily deal sites I'm subscribed to. Check out GrouponLivingSocial or Seize the Deal for daily offers. 

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. 

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Guest Post: Midsummer Savings: What to Buy in July

by 
Andrea Woroch

Thanks to Independence Day, you can find great deals on pretty much everything as retailers clamour to grab your attention away from the barbeque. Still, if you prefer to keep it mellow this Wednesday and avoid the crowds, there's plenty of time for savings later this month.
Consider the following advice and enjoy great savings on everything from fruit to furniture.

1. Replace that couch.
Even Oprah agrees that July is the best time to buy furniture. Thanks to Independence Day and new styles arriving in August, sales floor associates are buzzing to upsell you on that leather recliner. Scout preferred styles before sale time and do your research on the cost so as not to be fooled by inflated prices.

2. Update your lingerie.
Thanks to the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale, other lingerie retailers attempt to snatch up some of their customers by offering deals on intimates. Benefit from the retailer showdown with great deals, and be sure to check here for the latest online offers from America's favorite lingerie store.

3. Take in a show.
Tourists and uncivilized New Yorkers alike can usually find good deals on Broadway tickets in July, thanks to the opening of new shows in August. Though no one from the Upper East Side would be caught dead in the Theater District midsummer, the peons get the double advantage of cheap tickets and cordial company.

4. Channel your inner James Bond.
Listen up, gents: now's the time to replace that suit you've been wearing for the last ten years. July is a great time to save on lightweight monkeysuits because shops are making room for fall fashion. A well-fitting suit is always an investment, so check outthese snarky-yet-savvy tips from Esquire for selecting the best look.

5. Make a fruit salad.
Summertime is one of the best times to enjoy a multitude of fresh produce, for which you otherwise pay a premium during the rest of the year. Take advantage of the warm weather and hit up your local farmers' market for berries, melons and crisp veggies.

6. Upgrade your dishwasher.
Sales on appliances abound during holidays like the Fourth of July, so now's the time to upgrade that failing dishwasher. In addition to marked-down prices, you can score additional savings with no-interest payment plans. Review offers from multiple stores and see if your preferred retailer will offer a price match.

7. Get out of town.
July represents one of the best times to travel to Las Vegas because it's scorching hot and even the locals would prefer to be elsewhere. Thank goodness for elaborate pools and over-air conditioned casinos. Check Kayak.com for airfare comparisons between popular airlines, and book your flight on a Tuesday afternoon for the best rate. 

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such asGood Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.


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So, stick to these four tips to make your credit score sparkle and maximize your savings:

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