Naturally, we both wondered if shopping like this was really saving us money, or just saving us from more trips to the grocery store, which in turn would likely save us money.

The problem, for me, with shopping at places like Sam’s Club is that there are so many shiny things to distract you. If you manage to steer clear of the electronics section, bypass the rows of discounted books and outdoor equipment, you will eventually make your way to the food, where the occasional deal may be found.

We like to stock up on things like ground beef, which comes reasonably priced in big “family pack” packaging. Once home, we separate the ground beef into roughly 1 pound portions and freeze them for future use in various recipes and regular dishes (tacos, spaghetti, homemade burgers, etc).

We also typically like to stock up on certain non-food items – paper towels, toilet paper, kitchen trash bags, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins, etc. The bulk pricing is not always a deal here, and I’ve occasionally found that I can often save more by coupling a store sale with a manufacturer’s coupon.

Still, the idea of stocking up on paper products for the next month or two, and not having to contend with those items in your weekly grocery store trips is appealing.

Shopping at a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s can drive down your unit costs for items you regularly use, but there is one thing to consider: storage space. I would not suggest shopping at a warehouse club if you are short on space, including plenty of freezer space.

For storing paper products, consider a closet shelf in an guest bedroom, or under-cabinet storage in a guest bath. Naturally, places like basements and garages make great storage locations, but consider fumes, humidity and temperature and only store items that may be safely exposed to those elements.

On the Way Out: Top Off the Tank

Before leaving Sam’s Club we typically top off our gas tank, as the cost of fuel is a good $0.05 per gallon cheaper than it is in our town. Obviously gas pricing is regional, and you may or may not experience similar results in your area. However, we have found the gas prices at warehouse clubs consistently beat those of surrounding stations.

Consider the Costs: Membership Fees

Though warehouse clubs do occasionally allow non-members to shop on special days, it does cost money to shop. Do a simple break-even analysis to make sure you aren’t giving away all of your savings in membership fees each year. Divide your annual membership costs by 12, and then estimate how much you are saving each visit over shopping at your local grocery store with coupons.

If the cost of the membership is more than the amount you are saving each monthly visit, then it probably doesn’t make sense to sign up. Remember, bulk shopping is not always cheaper shopping.

I’m familiar with the temptation to overspend on kid’s toys. And I know the problem with buying for your kids is that usually the most popular game or specific remote controlled car is just the only thing that’ll do. It’s hard to keep your consumer sense in the midst of the trends that keep our kids and tweens primarily wanting all the same things.

My latest graphic on U.S. toy spending should remind you to check loose spending on that latest video game or too-frequently updating kids’ collections of non-necessities. Check out the surprising cost of our kids’ whims:

Dell doesn’t just carry an extensive inventory of laptops and desktop computers. In addition, it provides a wide array of computer software and accessories, the latter of which includes batteries, cameras and laptop bags. When you’re browsing Dell’s website, you can even find a great selection of printers and home theater equipment. If you’re unlike me, and you’ve already found yourself with your ideal laptop, then you can still find a frugal accessory or two to supplement the computer.

To be honest, I don’t need a lot of the extras that I encounter on their site. Instead, I’m leaning toward purchasing the Inspiron 15R. This innovative laptop features 2nd Gen Intel Core processing, and comes replete with a switch lid, which allows you to dress your computer according to mood and style preference. The laptop can be purchased in its 14”, 15” and 17” incarnations, but the 15” seems to be the perfect size for me. It’s also quite helpful to check out Dell computer reviews from resources like consumer reports, amazon, and other shopping sites with helpful advice.

I’ll be purchasing my Inspiron 15R for just $549.99, even though its market price is listed at $837.99. For a product that consistently receives 4 out of 5 stars in its reviews, I consider that a steal. Also, there’s a promotion on the site that promises the first 500 people to buy the Inspiron 15R will get an extra $50 off by utilizing a coupon code. I’m not sure how long that deal will last, but, at the very least, it’s a signature of Dell’s generosity, and it’ll keep me returning to their store in the future.

I can’t tell you what the perfect computer is, and I certainly can’t tell you what’s ideal for you and your family. But I’m not interested in a lot of extra functions being featured on my laptop. I simply want technology that will help me get by without cutting into my budget too deeply. If you’re in the same frugal boat, I suggest checking into Dell and their Inspiron line.

In the heat of the holiday shopping season, I’m taking a moment to consider where I spend my hard earned money. You might be familiar with the status: Walmart’s the largest grocery store in the U.S., the largest retailer in the world, the leader in global corporate revenue and the largest employer in existence. Still, these facts don’t do much to demonstrate the reach of this superpower.

Check out our graphic demonstrating the Weight of Walmart, and if you find the statistics as shocking as we do, please share it with everyone you know:

You have five different ways to enter! Be sure to take advantage of all the ways to win!

How to Enter:
• Follow Frugal Dad on Twitter @FrugalDad
• Tweet @FrugalDad and say who you’re going to give your second Kindle Fire to!
• Like Frugal Dad on Facebook http://FrugalDad.com
• Plus 1 Frugal Dad through the button in the sidebar!
• Comment on our Facebook page!

To Increase your chances 3x:
• Tweet at three friends and tell them “I just entered to win TWO @Amazon Kindle Fire tablets @FrugalDad! Find out how you can win http://FrugalDad.com

Giveaway starts Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 12:01 AM PST and ends Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email or Twitter DM and will have 48 hours to claim their TWO Kindle Fire tablets or a new winner will be selected.

Good luck!

Official Guidelines: No purchase necessary to win two Amazon Kindle Fire tablets. The giveaway begins Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 12:01 AM PST and ends Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Go to http://FrugalDad.com and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the onscreen instructions. One winner will receive two Amazon Kindle Fire tablets with the approximate retail value of $398.00. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. The giveaway is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC who are 18 years or older. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules. You have until 11:59 PM PST on December 6, 2011 to enter this giveaway. You are limited to one (1) entry per day per entry option per person/email address/Twitter handle for the duration of the entry period. One (1) potential winner will be selected in a random drawing on December 7, 2011 at 12:01 AM PST from all entries made before midnight PST on December 6, 2011.

Check out the infographic that’s helping everyone at Frugaldad understand the heights to which this furious ambition has led.

And, like last year, Amazon lures millions of shoppers with respite from holiday stampedes and looted shelves.  They will officially match the Black Friday doorbuster prices of every major retailer.  And unlike confusing sale-exclusives, Amazon will always honor their own coupons.  You can grab some of Amazon’s best here: http://frugaldad.com/amazon-coupons/

With Christmas budgets already stretched thin, it makes a lot of sense to use a few cost-cutting strategies when checking off your Christmas list. 

1. Buy online. This one is easy for me. I’d much rather purchase Christmas gifts at Amazon.com than stand in a line with 300 people fighting over limited quantities. Depending on where you live, you can often avoid paying sales tax, too, which can represent a sizable portion of a large purchase such as a computer.

Many brick and mortar stores such as Target and Best Buy participate in Cyber Monday (the Monday following Thanksgiving) deals at their websites where you can find deals similar to the ones that were found in stores on Black Friday.

2. Pay with cash (for larger items). It used to be widely known that if you paid for large ticket items with cash you could expect a deep discount. That’s not always a given these days, because many stores make money on their in-store financing or branded credit cards, and would be just as happy if you financed your big purchase.

Still, it’s worth having the cash on-hand and asking for a cash discount.

3. Buy next year’s Christmas gifts in January. Some gifts are timeless, and if buying the latest hot gadge isn’t particulaly important to those on your list, you might consider picking up some gifts at deep discount after the holiday season shopping rush has passed.

Note, we like to shop for Christmas decorations around this time, too!

4. Don’t shy away from floor models. Just this past weekend I scored a zebra-patterned Parsons chair that will look great in my daughter’s room.

I asked the sales associate if she had one in the back, because the floor model had a few scratches on the legs. She returned with a disappointed look – the only remaining item was the floor model. The chair was originally $79.99, marked down to $59.99. I offered them $30. The manager said they couldn’t go below $40. We settled on $35.

I used a furniture pen to cover the scratches, gave the chair’s fabric a quick wipe down with a wash cloth, and it is now as good as new. Total savings – about 55% off the full, retail price.

5. Use coupons. I rarely purchase anything online without using some sort of coupon or promotional code. Many of these codes offer free shipping, or a discount off your total purchase. There are just too many ways to save not to do a little research.

Of course, I’ve tried to make this easier for readers in recent weeks by offering a consolidated spot here at Frugal Dad for coupons and deals. I highly encourage you to check out this area when you are ready to do some online shopping.

What are a few ways you save on Christmas gifts each year? Share your tips here and at the Facebook page where I’ve just kicked off a new discussion on this topic.

Online retailers as well as brick-and-mortar stores are rolling out special Black Friday deals to attract customers and beat out the competition. Given the current economic climate, many 2010 holiday shoppers are more focused than ever on taking advantage of the special deals and deep discounts that businesses offer to lure customers into their establishments.

Create a Plan of Attack

Savvy shoppers can make the most of Black Friday by researching promotions ahead of time and then creating a plan of attack. Preparation is the key to maximizing savings. Businesses advertise their Black Friday offerings in newspaper circulars, online, and in direct mailings.

Compare these Black Friday ads to identify the best deals. Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy will go head to head with promotions of similar items.

Veteran Black Friday shoppers know that many of the most prominently advertised items are “loss-leaders,” or items steeply discounted or even sold at a loss in order to get customers in the door. These deals will often have the caveat “while supplies last” somewhere in the fine print. Some stores print the number of items available, such as “minimum 5 per store.”

If a store is only going to stock a few items at the sale price, it is probably best to avoid frustration and disappointment and seek another retailer.

Rainchecks: Beware the Fine Print

Another item buried in the fine print is the raincheck policy. Many sale items are advertised as “no rainchecks.” If the policy is not explicitly stated in the advertisement, and a sale item sells out, ask a manager for a raincheck that will enable you to buy the item at the stated sales price when restocked. The manager may decline to give the raincheck, but it is worthwhile to ask.

When to Shop, and When to Sleep

Arriving early is a Black Friday tradition, and many stores take advantage of shoppers’ enthusiasm by offering special sale hours. Some stores open at 3, 4, or 5 a.m., while others begin Black Friday sales at midnight or earlier on Thanksgiving night. Early bird or insomniac shoppers may find thinner crowds and shorter lines during the late night or early morning hours.

Check advertisements and store websites for notices of special sale hours. Always be very wary of crowds that gather at a store’s entrance at opening time. Injuries and even deaths have resulted from crowds pushing to enter a store in hopes of grabbing a door buster deal.

Never remain in a crowd that becomes rowdy or agitated. Personal safety should always take precedence over Black Friday deals.

Consider Shopping Online and Avoiding the Crowds

Remember that you don’t necessarily have to elbow through a crowded shopping center to make the most of Black Friday deals. Online merchants, including cyber-giant Amazon, are attempting to take a bite out of the traditional mega-stores’ bottom line by offering Black Friday deals all week long.

With free shipping as an incentive, many holiday shoppers find it is more cost-effective to shop online and forego the frenzy at the mall.

Electronic goods are always a hot commodity on Black Friday. When shopping for deals in electronics beware of similar models with fewer features. These items, called “derivatives,” are from the same manufacturer, and may look nearly identical, but are different in subtle ways.

Cameras, televisions, and laptops are all electronic items that should be carefully compared to the “standard” model to make sure that an item with fewer features or lower quality is not purchased by accident.

Create a Shopping List

Frugal consumers should always approach Black Friday sales with a list in hand. The list should have the desired items, model numbers, and the regular prices to enable a quick evaluation of a sale item’s value. Stores count on the fact that many shoppers will succumb to impulse purchases once inside.

Don’t become caught up in the emotion of Black Friday and come home with items that were not on your list. The list should also be prioritized so that you focus on acquiring the most expensive items first and save the lower-priced items for last—thus maximizing savings.

Of course, you can save 100% on everything in the store and simply sleep in. While I’ve taken advantage of Black Friday deals in years past, the last couple years I’ve done just about all my Christmas shopping online.

I don’t particularly like crowds, and I especially don’t like crowded shopping, early in the morning with lots of pressure to score a deal. I’d rather take my time, read through Consumer Reports ahead of time, and make a quality purchase intentionally.

For more hearty shoppers, stay safe and be frugal!

First of all, let me mention that back to school shopping is a little hard. Trying to look for sales, finding the best deals, and finding the correct sizes. Hopefully, with these tips, your back to school shopping for clothes, shoes, and supplies will be easier.

10 Ways to Save On Back to School Shopping

1. Go through your clothes in your drawers and your closet. Organize all clothes depending on what type they are. For example, you might have a sock drawer or a pajamas drawer. This way when it is time to go shopping, you can know what you need to buy so you don’t purchase things that you may not need in the next two or three months.

2. Go through your catalogs or magazines and look for any items that might be on sale or on clearance. Weekly sales fliers from the Sunday newspaper will also help you save money on your purchases.

3. Avoid the danger of designer labels. Designer clothes are basically the same as regular clothes, but their prices are outrageous. Avoid designer labels. (Frugal Dad says no designer clothes for me – well, most of the time!)

4. Start a back to school fund or savings account. Put money in it throughout the year, and you will be glad you saved all that money for supplies, clothes, and shoes when the new school year rolls around.

5. Give away clothes that are too small for you to wear. Local places such as The Salvation Army and Goodwill will take clothing donations. Try doing this instead of throwing them away. Help and bless just by giving away old clothes.

6. Take your kids with you when it’s time for back to school shopping. If parents try to shop by themselves, they are more likely to buy the wrong size or purchase something kids won’t like. This is one of the reasons kids need to go with parents to save you time and money.

7. If you are willing to fight the crowd and shop during Tax Free holidays (something my Dad avoids every year), you might save some money on large purchases. With the advantage of no tax on products, it’s a good deal.

8. If you can, try to wait a couple of days or even a week after the first day of school to do your shopping. Some stores may have better sales after school starts. You might save a lot of money on products that were more expensive just a week before.

9. When it is time to go shoe shopping, try to buy at least two pairs. If your child plays a sport, such as basketball, then get them a comfy pair of basketball shoes. By switching shoes every few days they will last longer.

10. This is my last tip, but a very important one. In fact this may be the most helpful tip of all. My mom and I figured this one out years ago. Stock up on your school supplies throughout the summer months. For example, if your child needs crayons and notebooks for a writing class, stock up on this stuff during the summer and store it in an empty crate. When they need a new notebook, or a new pack of crayons, instead of going back to store when nothing is on sale, you “shop” from your crate at home.

Can anyone add any extra tips for saving on back to school shopping?

10 Gift Ideas Under $50 Perfect For Father’s Day

1. Wireless Grilling Thermometer. For the father that loves to grill, but just can’t seem to always get it right, these thermometers make it easy to grill meat to perfection. These thermometers not only look high-tech, but are extremely simple to use. Even fathers that are usually weary of technology will enjoy this gadget. At around $40.00, a wireless grilling thermometer will not only go to good use, but works as an affordable gift.

2. Motorized Tie Racks. If your father’s closet is so cluttered that he ends up wearing the same tie with every outfit, this tie rack is sure to come in handy. These racks allow for easy and convenient tie storage, and make getting dressed much less complicated. For the father in need of tie organization, these motorized racks will run about $40.00.

3. Multiple Gadget Charging Station. This gadget is one of the most useful Father’s Day gifts that your father will receive this holiday season.

These stations are affordable fathers day gift ideas that range anywhere from $10.00 to $50.00 depending on their design and style.

4. A “Men At Work” Gift Set. Put together your own gift set for dad with a variety of snacks, and toss in a $10.00 – $20.00 gift card to Lowes. If your father enjoys making home repairs or otherwise working around the home, he will certainly enjoy the thoughtfulness of this gift.

5. Waterproof, Multi-function Calorie And Heart Rate Monitor Watch. For the health-conscious father. This watch is part heart rate monitor, part pedometer. Help him get in those 10,000 steps a day the experts say we should be striving for.

6. Money Clip With Built In Credit Card Organizer. These types of money clips feature a specialized clip for storing cash and a protective metal sleeve in which to place credit cards. Outside buttons allow fathers to organize their credit cards and choose the corresponding button when they need to dispense a specific card. These organizers will cost around $40.00, but are a great alternative to traditional wallets.

7. Wireless key, glasses, and remote finders. While these electronic devices range in price from around $15.00 to $50.00, they are a practical gift for almost any father. These devices are composed of a central device and multiple detectors that can be placed on items that are frequently misplaced. I might even pick up a set of these for myself!

8. Shower Radio And Mirror. These radios can be fastened to shower walls and feature an AM/FM radio, along with a mirror. Not only will for father be able to shorten his morning routine by shaving in the shower, but he will be entertained while doing so. This gadget will generally run gift-givers between $25.00-$50.00, depending on the model and features you choose.

9. Personalized Watch Case. Most men have a favorite watch for work, work outs and maybe a nicer one for the weekends. For Father’s Day, give your father a gift that will allow him to store his watches in style, while only costing around $30.00 to $50.00.

10. Tickets. Most fathers enjoy nothing more than spending time with their children. For this Father’s Day, give your father a gift that you can enjoy together, like tickets to a favorite sports team, concert, or event. While tickets can run anywhere from free to $50.00, the memories that will be made are priceless. To save a little money, check out a minor league team in your area instead of the majors.

Check out more Gift Ideas for Men