Wise Buys Before you exercise your buying power, make sure your dollar’s muscle gets a good stretch

I’ve been a bargain shopper since I was a teenager. Sure, I was in tune with the fashions of the day – if you could call them that. I had the flip-top jeans from Express, the latest tennis sweater from the Gap, and those snap-ankle Forenza pants from the Limited. I just waited a few weeks and bought them on sale.

Fortunately, my taste (and my hair) have evolved since then. So have my bargain-hunting skills, which have come in handy with the gas and oil prices of late.

Personal finance experts talk about “the latte factor,” which means you can save between $5 and $10 a day by cutting out your daily latte – or three. But I’m all for caffeine. Plus, instant coffee in a travel mug just isn’t the same. There are ways to budget without feeling like you’re scrimping. It just takes forethought, a little homework and dedicated browsing. And who ever considered window-shopping work?

Here are a few foolproof tips that will allow you to fill your tank – while sipping your latte:

. Clip coupons and keep them in a handy place, such as your glove compartment. Whenever I see a coupon from Filene’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, A.C. Moore, World Over Imports or Linens ‘n Things, I clip it and leave it in my car. That way, I know I’ll have it with me if I find something I need.

. Use coupons to the greatest advantage. Don’t whip out a 20 percent off slip for a $2 flashlight. Use it for the $40 blender or the $150 knives.

. Be a savvy grocery shopper. Use coupons at places that double them. Better yet, grab your Shaw’s flier and stock up when they’re offering triple-coupon savings. It also pays to scan the circulars and plan your shopping accordingly, if you have the patience.

. Discount cards don’t always equal good prices. Shop around and compare. Know the limitations of your cards, as well – for example, at Petco, the P.A.L.S. card allows you to buy 12 bags of pet food and get your 13th free. However, there’s a 12-month time period in which to do this. If your pets aren’t that hungry, you may not be able to get the free food.

. If you sign up for a credit card with no-interest financing for, say, 18 months, pay it off a month before that time period ends. Otherwise, you could be stuck with back interest.

. Browse the circulars and advertisements that come in the paper each week.

. Don’t assume buying in bulk is always the best deal. Sometimes, more costs more.

. If you drive frequently, buying gas at your local discount club could save you anywhere from 5 to 20 cents a gallon.

. Know that you can get great deals on fine jewelry and upscale handbags, such as Kate Spade, Fendi and Prada, at Sam’s.

. Never pay full price for basics. They don’t change enough from season to season to merit higher prices. Instead, stock up when they’re on sale. I just snagged a pair of khakis on clearance from Old Navy for $10 and an angora sweater for $7. Barganza. Seasonal items are also a good clearance buy.

. Use clearance to upgrade. Sales also a wonderful opportunity to purchase higher-end clothing, shoes, cookware, plates and linens at an affordable price. It may not be the cheapest option, but it will wear better in the long run.

. Buy trendy items on clearance. Craving raspberry pink UGGs? Better to pay $30 in February than $125 in December.

. Sign up for Internet updates from your favorite stores. If you haven’t tried Shop It To Me yet, log on now. Simply visit shopittome.com and click on your preferences. When brands you like in your size go on sale, you’ll receive an e-mail letting you know – it’s a dream come true for Web shoppers.

. Shop secondhand stores, which offer new and gently used items for a fraction of their retail cost. Some, such as Goodwill, offer a discount card good throughout New England, and every week, clothing marked with a certain color “barb” is 50 percent off.

. Know when to shop. If you’re a regular customer, many cashiers will let you know when things will go on sale, and when new shipments of clothing are set to arrive. Take Marden’s in Brewer, for example. If you get there on Tuesday and Wednesday when they’re unloading and restocking, you’ll have a better selection than those who wait until the ads run on Thursday. Oh, and Marden’s just got in a shipment of women’s clothing from the Gap.

. Bought a shirt a day before it went on sale? Many stores will reimburse the difference if you bring in the item and your receipt within 14 to 30 days.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.