The markets go up, and the markets go down, but one thing that most people would agree on is that they want to save money on their purchases. From large ticket items like buying a car to smaller purchases like buying groceries or prescription medication no one wants to be over charged. There are several tactics that people can do to help save them money on their purchases. This can include things like comparison-shopping, coupon clipping and using a discount drug card to save money on prescription drugs. Here are just a few ways you can save money on your purchases, no matter if the markets are up or down.

Avoid the Traps

A lot of shopping purchases have more to do with psychology and emotions than anything else. Grocery stores place the sugar-laden cereals at the eye level of young kids. They know how to reach their target consumers for this product. Similarly the aisles at the checkout counter are often filled with last minute impulse buying items, like gum, tabloid magazines, and chocolate bars. One way to avoid the pitfalls of last minute splurge items is to make a list of the items you need on your shopping trip. Thinking ahead about what purchases you need, making a list, and being prepared by bringing any necessary supplies like coupons and a discount drug card can help fend off temptation to buy items you do not need or will not use.

Using a Discount Drug Card can help save money when purchasing prescription medications.

Finding Discounts

Many people might remember their parents or grandparents looking through the weekly flyers and newspapers, and clipping coupons to bring to save money on purchases at the grocery store. For a while it seemed like couponing had gone the way of the rotary telephone, but thanks to television shows, blogs and websites, couponing has become popular again. People might be intimidated by couponing, but it is not necessary to spend hours a day clipping coupons.  While people can still clip coupons the old fashion way, many people can just as easily find coupons for their purchases online. Many stores have loyalty programs, and by signing up people can get coupons to save money, be informed of upcoming sale events, and in some cases even get cash back on purchases. You may not realize couponing extends beyond saving money at the grocery store. Millions of people rely on prescriptions, but these can be very costly. A free discount drug card can help people save money on their prescription medication at pharmacies across the country, and best of the card can be with or without Medicare.

Shop Around

Finally the last way to save money is to do comparison-shopping. People who are making lists, and using coupons such as a discount drug card are already shopping savvy. Comparing prices of the same item at different retail stores, or comparing alternate products (a store brand of potato chips to a commercial brand), can help people become even smarter shoppers. By shopping smarter people can save up their money to purchase the things they really want and need.