50 of the best tips we’ve ever heard

Here at ShopSmart, we've come across a lot of great money-saving tricks over the years. But just when we think we've heard it all, we find out about new ways to save. The latest money-saving innovations include electronic coupons and sale alerts delivered via smart-phone apps and sites like Facebook and Twitter. But there are lots of other ways to slash your bills that are as old-fashioned as making a simple phone call. On the next few pages you'll find lists of some of our favorite high- and low-tech money-saving ideas. Some are new to us, but others are gems from past issues that you might have missed. They can save you hundreds of dollars this year. The no-brainers for seven shopping categories are right up top. If you do nothing else, give those a try. And don't miss our three must-dos, at right, which can cut the price of almost anything.

The 3 must-dos

Uncover every possible discount

Check retailer and manufacturer Web sites (or sign up for e-mail sale alerts, if necessary) for coupons and other special deals. Consult coupon sites like CouponCabin.com and RetailMeNot.com and price-comparison search engines like PriceGrabber.com and Shopzilla.com. Also find discounts by doing a search with the name of the retailer or the product and the words "discount code." Use social-networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to learn about special deals. If you have a smart phone, use apps like Cellfire, Coupon Sherpa, Google Shopper, MobiQpons, RedLaser, and ShopSavvy to find better deals while you're in the store.

Always ask for a price break

You can haggle for a lower price on just about anything-electronics, jewelry, massages, even medical bills. The bigger the item, the bigger the potential savings. The easiest way to get the negotiations started is simply to ask whether you can get a better deal. Or identify what gives you the upper hand and ruthlessly (but politely) use it; for example, blemishes on a floor model, a desperate home seller, or a car gathering dust on the lot.

Skip extended warranties

For starters, some repairs are already covered by standard manufacturer warranties built into the purchase price. Also, electronics and appliances rarely break within the warranty period. And when they do go kerflooey, the repairs, on average, cost about the same as an extended warranty. So extended warranties are generally a bad deal.