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What do you call a shopping intervention?

by

A spendervention!

Not that I need one myself – I’m definitely a frugal shopper – but I know a few people that do. I’m not naming any names… you know who you are!

I tend to frequent off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, where I know I can find designer fashion, home decor, gourmet gear, beauty products, and more, without sacrificing on quality or spending department store prices. Lucky me got a $25 gift card from Marshalls, to spend as I please, and that’s exactly what I did this past weekend.

So what did I buy, you ask? Shoes for my girls. I knew that’s what I wanted from the moment I stepped foot in the store. After browsing the kids’ shoes for a while, I found these cute OshKosh B’Gosh canvas slip-ons in pink, with the most adorable cupcake print!

The best part is that they’re available in both toddler and big girl sizes.
cute shoes for the girls...

I didn’t plan on spending any more than that, but while in the clearance section of the shoe department, a shiny pair of Nine West sandals caught Maya’s eye. She just had to try them on because “they have jewels, mommy! Pretty jewels!”, but after realizing they were a tad too big for her, she begrudgingly handed them to me so I could put them away… and they happened to be my size! What are the odds?! I took it as a sign that I had to buy them! 😉

As soon as I got home, I ran to the computer to look up the brand and item numbers to see if I could find something similar to what I bought. EUREKA! I found the exact same OshKosh Mary Janes on Shoes.com for $32. Per pair. I paid $25.98 for two pairs. Sure, Shoes.com kicks in free shipping, but that’s still a savings of 60%!

Nine Westand for me!On the Nine West website I found the pair to the far right, which as you can see, look almost identical to the ones I purchased (on the left), except for the ankle strap. Which is one of the reasons I bought these in the first place! Without the strap, they’re just another pair of flip flops, you know? I’d take a picture of them ON my feet, but my un-pedicured toes would surely scare you away. Anyway, these sell for $59 on NineWest.com. I paid $20 for mine, a savings of 66%. Thanks, Marshalls!

Giveaway is closed. Winners are listed here.

I’ve got a $25 T.J. Maxx gift card so that one of my readers can stage a spendervention of their very own! To enter, please leave a comment below with a “spendervention” tip or story.

If you need ideas, download tips from the Spendervention Experts! A few of my favorites:

“My attitude — why spend more when you don’t have to. Just because I dress the hottest stars, doesn’t mean the sky is the limit when it comes to budget. I learned the hard way (after paying department store and designer full-prices one too many times) that by shopping off-price you can get double the merchandise for half the price. Now that’s sassy savings!” – Robert Verdi, E! correspondent and fashion expert

“I’m on planes just about every week and that puts a tough toll on my luggage… In the last 10 years I’ve only bought my suitcases at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls. Every suitcase I’ve bought is name brand, quality suitcase but since I’ve paid a fraction of the price I’d pay at a department store, I don’t fret about my bag getting marks or a bit dirty when they come off the airport carousel.”– Alison Deyette, stylist and lifestyle expert

“We are creatures of habit and tend to gravitate towards the same styles and looks when we go shopping. In fact sometimes we end up buying items similar to what’s already in our closet and that’s just a big old waste of money … Before I went shopping I would take a quick inventory of my closet. I’d keep in mind something that I knew I could wear multiple ways and I would visit my local T.J. Maxx or Marshalls and simply peruse the racks and accessories departments to see what I could find to make it feel like new.”– Farnoosh Torabi, author of You’re So Money and contributor for TheStreet.com

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Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email address or blog URL in your comment. US entries only. This contest ends at 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, June 7th, 2009. Winner will be chosen at random, and has 3 days to claim their prize.

Thank you

 tj maxx marshalls

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Those Cupcakes slip-ons are just too adorable!
    I think I may need a “spendervention” when it comes to purses. I am a self-professed bag lady and tend to go overboard sometimes. I don’t own any big names like Coach or Kate Spade or anything like that, but I just like bags and LOTS of them. I know TJ Maxx has a really good selection of bags and purses, so I’d love to win this gift card!

  2. I love the feeling of getting a great deal. It is funny when a friend tells you of the great bag she bought but the cost was outrageous. You can tell her the same story yet you do not need to complain about the price tag because you bought yours at TJ Maxx and spent way less. Designer goods can be purchased for less if you are a smart shopper!

  6. YEP i love stores like tjmaxx because of the deals- and yes I look and if I fid a great deal my cart is full especially for the kids, or the purses- i love me some purses- shake my ashes when I die in some fancy purses- I will be happy forever. I hit a tjmaxx and actually found mens socks for cheap- as in 50 cents a pair and filled the cart- heck I will wear them for that price..no packaging- crud did not need it- for 50 cents they can step in muddy puddles and ruin a few if they need to or wear them outside. I also love flat shoes and when I find a deal i stock up, same with towels, or tees- I am the kind who hates most shopping and feel sick when I have to pay full price.

  14. My Spendervention tip is to try to limit shopping trips, especially food shopping, to once a week. Shop when you NEED something, not for recreation. My other tip is to bargain with the manager over the price if an item is missing an easily replaced button, or has a spot. I got a gorgeous Calvin Klein top marked $35 for $7!

  19. I always eat a big meal before grocery shopping – not being hungry prevents overbuying crap foods!

  22. I would need a spendervention when it comes to swimsuits and pajamas for the family – i just love getting comfy pj’s and stylish swimwear for the family, i love to shop the outlets and wholesale stores for these items they are just as cute as the department stores and specialty shops

  25. Finding a major deal at TJ Maxx or Marshalls makes my life! I have way too many success stories to share but the most recent was a pair of ED HARDY sweatpants for 30 bucks! They’re gorgeous.. I went back the next day to get another pair because they were THAT cheap and they were all gone! They retail for 178 bucks and go on ebay for about 60 so I was very excited 🙂 Nothing more amazing than finding a great deal and then having it fit perfectly as you walk into the dressing room praying haha

  29. I recently went to Marshalls looking for a pair of jeans because I wasn’t having luck anywhere else, as the price of jeans is OUTRAGEOUS these days… I picked up a nice pair of FX jeans for $12. I had never heard of the brand before and went home to Google it and come to find out, they were a $120 pair of jeans! SCORE!

    Thanks!

  31. I always hit the clearance aisles when I go shopping,if its not on clearance or a major sale,I wont buy it,I bought a liz clayborne purse at TJMax on clearane for $15 that had be 75 bucks so I was a happy lady!

  35. I try not to keep tempting catalogs laying around- and we live so far from any kind of shopping that our time is extremely limited when we finally get to a big town- and, as frustrating as that is, it does help save money-
    of course, there’s still on-line shopping……

  36. My spendervention is to know what you are going to buy before you head out and leave your credit cards at home. Take only as much money that you will be spending . This way you will not over spend. If you see something that you just have to get ,you can always go back,giving yourself time to think about if you really want to spend the money.
    Thanks
    matternu@aol.com

    Peggy Gorman’s last blog post..Win a $25 Sams Club Gift Card !

  42. we have a couple tj maxx’s in vegas but they are all in the ghetto.i would go over there to use the gift card though

  54. My favorite spendervention tip is for shopping in department stores: always look in the back for the real markdowns. If there’s a 25% off display in the front, there will probably be a 50% rack all the way in the back. I prefer the prices at my local TJ Maxx, though!

  56. I love stores like TJ Maxx where I can get things I crave at a price I can afford! My spendervention tip is for grocery shopping…so not go hungry. Eat first and it will cut down on impulse buying.
    Thanks
    bleatham(at)gmail.com

  63. My shopping tip would be that just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you need it. I have this tendancy to buy something just because it’s SUCH A GREAT DEAL and then two years later I find it in my cupboard or closet untouched because it was something my husband and I never use. If you only spend on what you will use, instead of everything that’s cheap, you’ll have more to spend on the things you will actually use.

    Stephanie’s last blog post..Publix Match-ups!

  65. Good finds! I’m in the market for shoes!
    I always view my money as the time it spent to earn it. For example: Is this sweater really worth 3 hours of my life?

    Usually the answer is NO! I’m very thrifty! Maybe TOO thrifty!

  66. My tip is – when shopping for clothing, make sure that a new item matches at least three items you already own. That way you can avoid buying more and more things to match each other!

  71. I am desperate for a spendervention.I am stuck at home becase of severe degenerate disk disease and spinal stenosis.I have found that i can shop online for clearances. Walmart has great sales and 97 cent shipping.

    carolynishis@gmail.com

  78. I always leave my credit cards home and always bring a certain amount of cash that way I don’t go to over board.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  80. My tip is to only buy what you have money to pay for right then, no credit card. Always bring coupons!

  81. My favorite spendervention tip is when visiting the Thrift stores, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and even Burlington Coat Factory. Look thoroughly when clothes shopping and not just glance over the clothing. And check out the clearance racks!!

    Naddez’s last blog post..Win A TemporalScanner by Exergen

  82. Subscribed to feed- dykstraq(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    Naddez’s last blog post..Win A TemporalScanner by Exergen

  85. Fave this blog on Technorati- Naddez.

    Naddez’s last blog post..Win A TemporalScanner by Exergen

  88. I love those shoes you got! My tip would be to never ever buy anything full price. It will always go on sale, or there will be a coupon in the paper or online – there is always a way to save! I also mainly shop at stores like Target or Marshalls, and even then I try to stick to the clearance aisles and racks!

    Ashley K’s last blog post..Another year older, another year wiser?

  90. My tip is to never buy anything at full retail price. That’s ridiculous. It always goes on sale. Of course if you want the outfit when it is in season go ahead and pay the full price but what I’ve learned in the end is that style is about who you are and your attitude …not about what magazine covers determine is in vogue each month. seriously. I love talking about my great deals…I get a rush off finding a wonderful bargain lol 🙂

  91. I am working on eliminating redundancy in my life, which means not having several items that perform the same function. I mean, do I really need three blenders??

    Nicole’s last blog post..Walgreens Deals 5/31 – 6/6

  92. I am a TJ-a-holic! But another great way to save money on “better” things.?
    Dillard’s. Yes….the dept store. They have the best clearance racks. I have bought every name brand in there….for 3-4$$$ an item before.
    They do a huge clearance sale twice a year.
    My husband….likes very nice suits….I have bought them for as low as $75 in Dillards.

    Who can beat that?

    wanda’s last blog post..Sick as a dog!

  93. I don’t know if I’m doing this right, but I tell everyone to go to TJ Maxx for purses. I get the best designer purses there for the same price I used to pay at JC Penney. I just got an awesome big red Liz Claiborne purse there & and amazing black & white purse for about 50bucks. I haven’t used the red one yet, but I get so many compliments on the b & w one!

    Ginny’s last blog post..Review & Giveaway ~ Pledge Multi Surface

  96. Honestly, if you’re from the Chicago area, you *should* automatically know about TJ Maxx. No one in my circle needs a spendervention because we all know where to go and what to do to save money on quality products, and TJ Maxx is one of those places.

  97. I love to shop at TJ Maxx. I have lived in various states and always shoped at TJ Maxx. I have bought so many presents at TJ Maxx. Great store!

  98. I definitely follow the Spendervention advice of shopping off-price and outlet stores to get my favorite designer brands for less!

  100. Years ago, I was at TJ Maxx and spotted a dress I had just seen at a major department store for about half the price. Thanks for the chance.

  101. I RECENTLY BOUGHT A PAIR OF SHOES AT T J MAXX FOR 5.00….I THINK THEY MAY HAVE HAD THE WRONG PRICE ON THEM BUT AT THE CHECK OUT THE CLERK SAID CERTAIN SHOES WERE ON SALE….THESE WERE 125.00 SHOES

  103. I always bargain shop! I always use coupons whenever I can and if I shop online I always look for promo codes.

  104. I only fill the dishwasher or laundry machine soap dispenser with half the amount, because it works just as well.

  105. I have a friend that always shops at Nieman/Saks and those type of stores. I took her to TJMaxx and she was amazed at the low prices on designer purses and jeans. Now she shops around for good deals rather than paying full retail.

  106. Only buy something if you can imagine how it will work in your wardrobe. If you see something that just looks amazing, but you can’t think of anything you have to wear with it, it’s not worth it!

  110. My Spendervention tip is to shop resale shops and garage sales, especially for kid’s clothes and toys! Especially when they are little. You can get such great deals on things like high chairs, exersaucers, swings and stuff that your baby only uses for like 1 year at garage sales!

  113. If you have a smart phone, it’s easy to go to websites like NexTag and comparison shop while you’re in the store. A lot of times, I go to stores to look at and get a feel for items, and then I end up buying them online because they’re cheaper that way.

  114. My Spendervention tips would be try to not make impulsive buys (unless it’s an amazing clearance deal on something you will need in the next few weeks or months). Also, try to use coupons and not just for grocery items. Many stores (J. C. Penny, Old Navy, Target, etc.) have coupons available for customers sometimes. It’s all about saving money and looking amazing! On a side note, I went to T. J. Maxx a while back and found a $70 pair of designer jeans or $2 on clearance for my bf! They’re they best pair of jeans I’ve ever seen too, very soft, comfy and amazing! I love T. J. Maxx!

  116. Look at the clearance rack first before shopping the rest of a store. What you are looking for (or close to it) may be on sale!

  117. I need a spendervention on purses. However, seeing as how I get sick of them so quickly, I have managed to put myself on a budget which helps. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great places to find a deal on purses!

    Dani’s last blog post..Did You Happen to Lose Your Hair?

  119. On items like socks and lingerie it’s a no-brainer to compare the marked manufacturer’s price and compare with the discount store price. Why pay full price for items like these?

  121. My spendervention tip is to always check online on a site like froogle in case there are better deals online.

  122. Marshalls has the best shoes in town for the best price. Love their decorating things too.

  123. My mom was looking for a new sheet set. After looking at Sears and Penneys, she didn’t want to spend that much. So I dragged her to TJ Maxx. She found a sheet set for less than half what they were asking at Sears.

  124. Pick up the person that needs intervention and take them to TJ Maxx yourself – then they have no choice but to see how wonderful their merchandise is.

  125. I buy all my bed linens at TJ Maxx- exact same brand as the department store at a fraction of the price. I love soft high thread count bedding, but I refuse to pay designer prices for them.

  127. Before going shopping, I take a quick glance through my closet for an odd pair of pants, shoes, or shirt that NOTHING seems to go with! I take that item with me to the store, and usually can find something that turns that odd piece of clothing into a great, spiffy outfit!

  129. I was out shopping with my mom and she grabbed a bunch of picture frames. I looked at the prices and told her no way should she pay that, she needs to go to marshalls. Well, she did… and spent half as much on great frames!

  132. I save money by shopping at places such as TJ Maxx or JCPenney. I also rack up on clearance. I hardly pay full price for anything. 🙂

  134. It’s a great way to get name-brand back to school clothes at a decent price. It’s great for teens who want namebrands and you want a great price!

  135. I love their name-brand toys that are fractions of the price other places. I bought the entire boxed set of the Spiderwick Chronicles there for $15 when it retails for well over $30 on Amazon! Woo hoo!

  137. I’ve made a vow not to buy unless I actually need it, so I could really use this!! Count me in.

  138. I am a bargain hunter. Unless there is something I absolutely must have, I’ll wait for a sale. Good thing too – I am indecisive, so when it comes to choosing between a black and a blue pair of shoes, as long as they are a bargain, I’ll buy them both!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  139. My tip is to “only” shop sales and especially clearance sales.
    It’s a great feeling to purchase items at 50, 75 and even 90% off.
    Love TJ Max and Marshalls.

  140. hit up the clearance racks there – even greater deals!

    autumn398 (at) yahoo.com

  141. I buy in the offseason. Winter clothes in the summer and summer clothes in the winter. I also shop the day after Christmas.

  142. I go every week to this store to see what’s new and I always end up buying something.

  143. I always stop myself before making a purchase and decide whether I truly “need” it or not, and if I don’t – what is the added value of buying it versus spending the money on it. If, say, it is choosing between organic versus non-organic foods, I weigh in the possibility of future medical bills and healthfulness into the equation, as well as research of the products. That way I can make the most informed and carefully thought out decision about my buys.

  145. I have a friend who certainly isn’t rich, but she has always shopped at department stores without even bothering to look at the price of items, then she would often be surprised by the bill total at the check out counter. I told her how great TJ Maxx is, and that they have name brand items for a lot less. Now she shops there and while she still doesn’t look at the prices before she buys, she no longer is unpleasantly surprised at check out, and enjoys the savings.

  147. My spendervention tip would be for avid readers–either for themselves or for their children. I rarely buy new books anymore, but am a heavy user of swap sites online. It cost only postage, on most sites. The only thing wrong with this is that the authors don’t get any credit for the use of their books, which of course impacts the amount of money they make on them.

  148. I need spendervention when it comes to accessories. I don’t use make ups but I have plenty of shoes. Ever since I started shopping at TJMaxx..my collection has been increased greatly with spending same amount of money.

  149. I havent been to one of these stores. But TJ Maxx opened up about 40 miles from me and winning a GC is a great way to check out a new store.

  150. my tip is to keep a list of what you need and only buy things off of it. It limits impulse buys, and it makes you appreciate getting that thing more. Also, stick to your budget! Realize what you can/can’t afford, and don’t buy it if you don’t have the $ to back it.

  151. When my son was first born I purchased clothing for him at trendy boutiques and major department stores. I entered a T.J. Maxx out of curiosity and left with enough clothes to last him from his first birthday, to now almost his second, for under $200, and they are all designer labels. My spendervention happened on accident, but now I tell all of my friends and family members to go to T.J. Maxx for clothing and housewares.

  154. I am truly a frugal shopper. I rarely buy anything that isn’t on clearance. If you can find out the day that your favorite store does their markdowns, that’s a big help. You can get there when there is the most selection. So, make friends with a sales person!

  155. To curb my spending appetite, I take mall freebie trips. One every couple weeks, usually on a thursday, I print off the online coupons like free pair of panties at VS, or free lipbalm at Bath and Body Works and head to the local mall. I also stop by Sephora to pick up freebies, head over to bare minerals to see what they are giving out (usually a ten day sample of something), check out some of the beauty counters at Macy’s, go to CVS to spend my ECBs, and if its the first thursday I’m there that month I go to Aerie for the monthly freebie. At the end of the day, I end up with a ton of stuff, I feel like I spent money, and my husband doesn’t cringe when I come home.

    Erica’s last blog post..The Sumo Kick Necklace

  156. My friends hate when I go clothes shopping with them because I always tell them they could make it themselves for less money and I point out the poor quality 🙂

  159. I also buy items off Ebay. It’s cheap and I get the same styles from department stores. Also, my bf hp;ds the credit cards most of the time to keep me from spending. Isnt that bad?

  170. My spendervention advice is to only go shopping when you need something new, and only buy that which you need. Personally, I can’t resist a bargain, so I will buy things on sale that I don’t really need. Am I saving money, or really just spending more than I planned? So when I know I have more than I need, I ban myself from going into the stores for a while.

  172. Great brand name shoes @ low prices. Never buy @ full price. Bargins abound!

  173. I find that if you try, you can find that same shirt in an off-brand or even at a thrift store for less. When you think about it, no one has to know that the outfit you are wearing is not from Gap or Old Navy as long as it looks nice. I use gift cards rather than actual money to buy unnecessary things if I just have to buy higher priced things.

  180. My tip is buy stuff that actually fits you. We all buy stuff thinking we’ll fit into it 10 pounds from now, but it just ends up in the back of the closet, going out of style.

  181. I’m pretty much a frugal shopper, always looking for bargains and find some good ones most of the time, especially at TJ Maxx. Before I go shopping, I look for the sales and use coupons which really help greatly, I believe my spendervention is shop frugally but get good bargains.

  182. I’m a subscriber! Spendervention story : Check out your supermarket – we have 3 in our fairly small town (including a Walmart) and 2 of them run ‘deals’ each week w/ a certain group of meats/entrees, 5 for $19.99. Now, it’s not Filet Mignon, but it’s items that growing famiies can do alot with – like Hamburger, chicken, ground turkey, smoked sausage, all-beef hotdogs, etc. You can REALLY make that much meat go along way, especially if you are making cassaroles, tacos, spaghetti sauce etc!!!
    1955nursehjc4me@myway.com

  183. My Spendervention – I try everything on once, and think twice before buying. And always, always, have an occasion or something to wear with whatever I’m buying in mind. There’s nothing worse than buying something you love, but can’t figure out how to wear!
    I also believe on sleeping on it… If I buy something new and haven’t worn it within the first week and a half – chances are I never will! So I’ll exchange it for something else!

    Lindsay’s last blog post..50 Free Prints at CVS!

  184. Thanks, I was wanting to buy a scrapbook and almost bought one at Target for 30. I remember TJ Max next door and found a nice one for 12. Thanks for the opportunity!

  185. When I buy any new piece of clothing (at a discount store, naturally!) it has to pass a test….if I cannot think of three different outfits to wear it with, then I don’t get it.

  186. My thing that I do is give my mom coupons, tell her what store to use them at and well basically hold her hand through the deal LOL

  187. When someone tells me they spend a ton of money on something like shoes or a purse or makeup, I just think it is ridiculous! My husband and I live by the “middle ground motto”: Don’t buy the cheapest item (in most cases) and don’t buy the most expensive item–buy the item priced in the middle and it will usually be the best choice. We have bought appliances, cars, furniture, etc. this way and have always had good results!

  188. Spendervention tip: Use cash instead of a debit card; that way, you see the cash leaving your hand and are more conscious of how much you are spending.

  189. I think a lot of people shop at the high end places just to be seen there. I would rather be seen at TJ Maxx anyday! We are the ones saving money and wearing the same clothes!

  190. I love find deals at TJ MAXX my favorite is the great deals on kids clothes. Last Christmas I found a paul frank robe ($58) at macys for $14.99

  191. I do not go to the mall. Ever. Well… maybe to eat, but I do NOT set foot in the shopping area. If I do… it’s not pretty!

  193. I had to stop even going into expensive department stores. All it made me do is lust for the clothes and handbags. But at TJ Maxx I can actually afford something and not feel bad in spending in the horrible economy.

  194. hmmm I alway have spenderventions, I cant bare to buy anything without coupons so I must stop and look for one first!

    Lisa p’s last blog post..My Hip-T Review and Giveaway

  195. I love TJ Maxx! I always find a great deal and leave feeling great about my low purchase. My husband loves me too for shopping on a budget and finding great clothes at affordable prices!

  196. I have a rule that for every item of clothing, accessory or pair of shoes I buy, I have to get rid of 2 items I already have. If I can’t bear to get rid of 2 things ( and often I can’t), I don’t need to buy new stuff. It works well.

  197. One week I wrote down everything I saved on things that we really needed. My family was impressed. Now it’s like a game. Everyone should try it

  200. tj max and marshall’s is where i start first if i am in need of a gift or something for the house

  201. I love shopping TJ Maxx! I’m a college student, and deeply addicted to shopping! Those two things don’t often go hand-in-hand, but because I shop TJ Maxx, I can afford to buy all the unique and high quality clothes I love! I would love a new pair of shoes for my gigantic size 11 feet and that is exactly what I’ll be buying if I win the giftcard!

  202. It’s fun to find a great deal on a piece on clothing that you love and is well-made!

  203. For some reason the Marshalls local to my home has the best prices on bedding and when I go there, I just can’t restrain myself, I over-stock up on bedding. I have put together entire rooms and when I get to the check out, even the cashiers always ask me how I found everything that matches so well. I now have to bring a friend with me to help keep me ‘close’ to budget. And I do say ‘close’ loosely!

  204. The internet allows you to Pre-shop. If I see something in the store or in ads, I can check other stores for like or same items and compare cost.

  207. I’m constantly telling my friends and family about sales or coupons that I find since they usually just buy things whenever they want. I hate to see them spending money that they could save if they just waited a week or two! I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls and I’d really love to win this!

    Stephanie S.’s last blog post..Free Glade Scented Oil Candle Tin

  210. I never pay full price. There are far too many places to buy great clothes at a discount. Besides the minute you buy something you know the next day it will go on sale!!!!!

  211. I need a spender-vention because I’m an online shopping addict. I need to be able to find some of the same or similar items at a lower price. I’ll have to check this out!! Thanks.

  212. My budget’s strictly limited these days, but it doesn’t affect my shopping much – I just find the look I want on department stores websites, and then I go to TJMaxx.

  214. I’d love a new lightweight sweater for the cool summer evenings. TJMaxx has great deals. Thanks for this offer.

  215. I always find the ebst deals at TJ MAXX> I needed heels for an event, btu went to TJ MAXX first and found them for half the price of department stores!

  217. I found this very good Spendervention tip:
    Examine your closet before heading to the store!
    How true! Sometimes we end up buying items similar to what we already have!

    I love TJ Max and Marshalls, great finds for much less 🙂

  220. I buy my books used from multiple sources- yardsales, ebay, amazon. I hate paying retail for anything

  221. Why spend more when you don’t have to. Especially with the economy the way it is. We are all on a tight budget and watching every penny. So I love to shop at TJ Maxx to save money but get brand name items.

  222. I have tried to stay away from the clearance racks/aisles. I usually buying stuff I don’t really need and never use! That has saved me some $ each time I go shopping! Thanks!

  223. This is one of my favorite places to shop!

    Abby’s last blog post..Shaun the Sheep sheep on the Loose GIVEAWAY

  225. I honestly prefer shopping at TJ Maxx, and Marshalls over anywhere else.
    Its not like the clothes are out of date, everything they get is new, and totally stylish.
    And I love buying desinger duds for less! Who doesnt?

  226. My tip, especially for shopping to save money, is to never just window shop. If you’re going to a store like TJ Maxx you have to be prepared to buy right then, if you go back later, it’s probably going to be gone.

  229. A tip: if you are nto sure you want to spend so much for something, just wait. You are likely going to find something cheaper!

  230. I have a weakness for expensive soap, can’t explain it. To control it, I shop at T.J. Maxx. I find bars of expensive, imported soaps there for a fraction of their retail value.

  231. I think with the economy all my friends and family know to shop at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

  232. TJ MAXX has always been my favorite store even before the economy took a nosedive

  234. I am always being invited to a wedding shower, baby shower, birthday party or graduation. I always find my gifts at TJ Maxx and save a ton of money on a really nice gift. Thanks for saving me money TJ Maxx!

  237. My spendervention tip is to visualize before buying – can you see yourself enjoying that purchase?

  240. whenever we need something we research and wait for a sale (other than food, coupons help there)

  241. Getting a great deal on a great item is like an addiction. The build up of excitement of time spent shopping for that perfect item – then you find it, and it’s on sale or at an awesome price! Nothing beats that “high”!

  243. My Spendervention tip is to be patient! If you can wait a while you can score some pretty sweet deals.

    Katie’s last blog post..The garage sale giveth and the broken house taketh away.

  244. Shop sales on Tuesdays! This is when most new items come in, the sales will keep the price down.

    Thanks

  249. The closest TJ Maxx is located near my college campus. I love to drop in on my way home! Too convenient, maybe. : )

  250. I always shop bargins I have got all of birthday and shopping done by hitting the clearance aisles.

  251. Another “spendervention” tip from Robert Verdi that I think could be effective in motivating myself and others to ditch the expensive labels and stores for great alternatives like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s is to treat each trip there as an exciting challenge and to anticipate a great find in the racks when you’re there.

  258. Spendervention tip: rest on an un-budgeted purchase overnight. In the morning, you can decide logically if you really want to spend the money!

    Info (@) pingfords porridge dot com

  259. I follow you on Twitter as luckweasel

    Thanks!

    Info (@) pingfords porridge dot com

  260. I tweeted about this give away as luckweasel

    info (@) pingfords porridge dot com

  262. I added you to my Technorati faves as luckweasel

    Info (@) pingfords porridge dot com

  263. Cant pass up things at a baragin price or on sale, call me thrifty? Dunno

    wombatspurple at yahoo dot com

  264. I’ve been teaching my daughter how to maximize her budget by shopping at outlets.

  265. I have this great croc handbag I got in a little town in Texas shortly after my 12 day Med cruise. Everyone thinks I got it in Italy because it looks so fab and it is made so well, plus the lining is soooo pretty. Well, I’m not gonna spend that kind of money to get a purse (I have a habit, that I am trying to break, as the hubs puts it: “How many purses do you NEED in black???”). I only spent $25 for the one I got in TX and you’d never know the difference from the one my friend got in Italy!!

    Lorie Shewbridge’s last blog post..James Patterson Audio Book Giveaway

  268. heres a tip: use a shopping bot to compare prices with associated shipping costs when shopping online.

    madamerkf at aol dot com

  269. Everytime I go into T. J. Maxx I buy a purse from one of my favorite designers. I love the prices and now I am running out of room in my closet to store them.

  270. I sometimes get discount coupons for stores and when I do I combine them with a good sale or clearance price for greater savings.

  273. My spendervention story is from when I was in college, before I met my fabulous husband, of course. I shopped at TJ Maxx so often that I often spoke of TJ Maxx being my “boyfriend” because shopping there kept me company and cheered me up on tough days!

  275. My spendervention tip would be not to buy that outfit that you feel iffy about at the store. If you are unsure if you would really wear it while in the dressing room, then chances are it will end up in your closet with the tags on.

  276. One of my favorite Spendervention items for myself is that I knit my own totes and market bags – for 1/4 of the price, I get a bag made just for me as well as the enjoyment of my hobby.

  280. Think of the cost-per-wear every time you pick up something — an expensive coat that you’ll wear for ages is better than a cheap top that you’ll wear once before it falls apart.

  281. Some people think I need a Spendervention – what they don’t realize is that I try to get everything at the best possible price. Even the gourmet foods and drinks I get at TJ Maxx and don’t spend a ton.

    Dddiva’s last blog post..How to outlast them- wearing kids out.

  284. If I find a great bargain staple (black pants, etc) then I buy more than 1!
    Thanks

  285. A spendervention tip I got from my mom: If you find something that looks good on you and it’s a great price, buy one in every color!

    I shop the clearance racks at my favorite department stores and gotten $100 skirts and tops for under $10 each. I love it!

  286. I love tjmaxx espically for my 2 sons clothes,they have nike outfits for 14.99 so I bought several.Later that day we went to kohls and they were selling these nike outfits for $30!I was thrilled I got an awesome deal!

    ahdrad2932(at)msn(dot)com

  291. My best way to save is to limit the amount of cash I take with me and NO debit or credit cards. If I find something absolutely incredible that is a “must have” then I’ll just have to come back for it later. Usually I realize that it wasn’t really a necessity after all.

  293. My tip is to stock up big time on the basics and everyday essentials during sales. Even though you may be spending more at the time, you’ll be saving money in the long run!

  297. I think TJ Maxx and Marshalls are definitely the places to shop for deals. I love that they have unique items of great quality for small prices. And when they have clearance sections, it’s best to stock up on off season merchandise. I got a brand name clutch purse for under $5!

    Kathleen’s last blog post..Weekend Contest Love: 6/6

  298. You are in my Technorati faves: coriwestphal

    Cori Westphal’s last blog post..Win a Flame Disk for grilling ENDS 06/21/09

  299. i look for clothes ON THE clearance rakcs i once left tjs with 5 bags of clothes for 75 bucks it was AWESOME 🙂

  300. I try to save money by buying off season. Nothing better than a stuffed %75 off clearance rack for next years summer clothes. I also stay away from “special deals” and “incredible sales” because usually they are not much of a deal anyway. Instead, I just stick to regularly low priced stores. Name brands don’t mean much to my kids yet so I get by pretty cheap.

  302. I purchase all my wedding and shower gifts at TJMaxx and Marshalls. My friends who are the recipients of the gifts I buy love it because they know they are going to get fine name brand gifts and lots more of them because I can stretch my dollars so much more by shopping at both stores. TJMaxx and Marshalls carries the same brands as the high end department stores where friends are registered and I can see what they want/need in their registry at the high end stores and try and “copy” what they have registered by purchasing a similar item at Marshalls and TJMaxx. I can sometimes get them 2-3 gifts at Marshalls or TJMaxx where as if I had purchased them at the high end department store they would only get one gift. Sweet! Thanks so much for the chance to enter.

  303. I refuse to buy anything besides groceries at full price. For clothes I either go to this awesome thrift store by my house called spenders- my whole wardrobe is from there- or I go to places like TJ Maxx or Ross for the best deals on new clothes. I don’t know why people will go to a department store and spend twice as much on something that is the exact same quality as something that costs so much less.

  310. I look for clearance sections – most stores have them, even at the Dollar tree!

  311. I’m a pretty frugal shopper. One tip is to buy all your wrapping paper and present bags at a dollar store. Our local Dollar Tree has great bags, including the large ones, for only (duh) a dollar! Much much cheaper than buying wrapping at a drugstore, supermarket or department store.

  312. The best deal we found at TJ Maxx was when we found a pair of boots that looked exactly like Frye boots but weren’t Frye boots and they were marked down on sale to $15. We couldn’t believe but snatched those babies up and to this day, they still look fabulous. We heart TJ Maxx.

  319. Ilove using coupons and it helps lower bills so much. I also will go to the salvation army. I have gotten never worn clothes for under three dollars.

  320. I love our T.J. Maxx store. I take my girls there several times a year and it is amazing what they can get for their money. Their friends always say what cute clothes they have and they just smile and say “Thanks” knowing they didn’t have to spend a fortune to look stylish.

  324. I bought a purse from TJ Max & love it!

    I need a spendvention when it comes to buying bath & beauty products.

  326. With me, lately my problem has been with makeup. Especially makeup on sale. I stop myself from spending by trying to back off and look at what I have and see if I really need the item or items.

  328. We only buy what we need now. It was amazing how many things we thought we needed before. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

  329. I always check T J Maxx for special occasions before hitting the malls. They never let me down

  330. One Spendervention tip is to make sure that you check online for coupon codes and compare prices on things that you are interested in buying. You can find some really good deals if you take a little time to research first.

  331. My 16 year old loved to go to the malls and shop at the expensive trendy stores without ever looking at pricetags. Due to hard times, she has had to get a job and pay for all of her clothes. She was so happy to find TJ Maxx. Now she can get the trendy clothes and have extra money to use for other things.

  332. I started up my workout routine weeks ago and needed some new workout clothes so I hit Marshalls last week and bought eight pairs of yoga pants for $10 each, they are Nike pants and retailed for $60 each. I saved $400!

  333. I get all my cool fashion rings from TJMaxx. Every time my husband goes out to play golf (~$70 in fees, balls, gas, etc), I go to TJMaxx and get a fashion ring. That’s my spendervention.