Return to Form - An Overlooked Money Saving Strategy

I like to save money. Because of this I have read many books, articles, newsletters, and blogs about ways to do this. In all of this reading I have rarely, if ever, read about one of the most lucrative money saving strategies that I use. Returning things. Are you surprised? Don't be. Returning things is a great money saving strategy.

I have often heard the suggestion to look around your house to find things to sell to earn money, but if you're like most people, you probably have some things around the house that you should return instead. That paint you bought but never got around to using. Those shoes you bought your daughter that she won't wear. That do it yourself dry cleaning kit you thought you would try but never did. These items are worth money and should be returned. I know it seems like a hassle. Where the heck did you put that receipt? What will you tell the clerk at the Customer Service desk? Relax. Doing a return is easy. They won't even ask you why you are returning the item. They have a return policy and they will honor it.

If you can find the receipt, and it hasn't been too long, usually about 30 to 90 days, you can return most any item and get your money back. How great is that? You can get your money back! It's like mistake insurance. You made a purchasing mistake and you get to fix it for free. You bring the item back to the store and they give you your money back. Now that's a money saving strategy! Even if you can't find the receipt or it has been too long, you can usually at least get a store credit. That's great too. You can use the credit later to buy something you will need and will use. Or you can use the credit to buy someone a gift for an upcoming occasion.

Returning things is also a great antidote to impulse buying. You know, when you were in the store you just had to have those cute shoes, but when you got home you came to your senses and realized they really weren't worth two weeks of grocery money. No more buyer's remorse, return them!