If you're not one of those people who "seizes the moment" when you have the chance to save money, it might pay to establish some new bargain-hunting habits. When you adopt the mindset of a frugal shopper, you'll become more effective at stretching your household budget and having more money left over after paying the bills.
One costly mistake a lot of people make is to wait until they urgently need something before buying it. Under those conditions, the pressure is on and your choices for saving money are usually limited. If your priorities include saving money, getting the best deal, or stocking up for future needs, then buying things when they're on sale is often the way to make your funds go farther. Here are a few examples of opportunities that can pass you by if you don't take advantage of them while you can: