2008 November | Ultimate Money Blog- Save Green and Live Green!

Make Sure you Check your Receipts!

Written by Mrs Money on November 28, 2008 – 6:16 am -

I keep reading posts from other personal finance bloggers about how to save money during the holidays and other tips and tricks to cut back this year. One thing we are doing at the Money household is not purchasing gifts for each other and making many of the gifts we’ll be giving this year. I’ve decided to try my hand at soap making, which is pretty dangerous but also really fun for me. The other day I went to the health foods store to purchase some essential oils to use for my soap making.

The essential oils were all on sale. Many were almost half price, and I decided that I would purchase all oils that were on sale that I thought would be good for my soap and many people would like. I selected my oils, went up to the register, she rang me up, and told me my total. I balked. It was about $6 more than I had anticipated! I carefully checked the register, and the reason became clear to me: they were ringing up all 30% off versus the correct sale price. I told her and went back to the aisle to check the prices. I was definitely getting over charged. I told her the correct prices and she fixed my total, but I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened to someone that wasn’t paying as close attention. They would pay more than they are supposed to!

That’s one trick my mother taught me that has stuck with me throughout the years: pay attention to the cash register. I think it’s especially important during the holiday shopping season because stores are busy and cashiers aren’t going to know the difference a lot of time unless you inform them. Make sure you double check your receipt before you pay!

In case you don’t check and realize later, a lot of stores will refund you the difference if you take in your receipt. Be an alert consumer and make sure you don’t pay more than you need to. Every little bit counts!