Buy fast at flash sales
The hottest trend in clothing discounts is an online flash sale. Flash-sale bargains usually last 24 to 72 hours, so you have to act fast. At eBay’s new Fashion Vault, as well as at popular flash-sale sites such as Gilt.com, EditorsCloset.com, and RueLaLa.com, you join for free and find deals of 30 to 70 percent off. The catch: Rarely do you get your money back if you’re not happy —just a credit toward a future purchase. You can, however, sometimes save more by bringing in new members. Gilt.com, for example, offers a $25 credit for every person you persuade to sign up and make a purchase.
Cash in those dusty gift cards
If you have a gift card for a store you never visit, sell it on a site such as Swapagift.com or PlasticJungle.com. This way, you can get cash for that unused $100 Dave and Buster’s card that you won in a charity raffle. These sites will buy your unwanted cards for 60 to 90 percent of the remaining balance, as long as it’s worth at least $25.
Don't just take our experts' words for it—we want to hear how you're cutting costs. E-mail us your best money-saving advice!
Note: We are currently in the process of replacing our commenting service, so it may take a few days for previous comments to appear. Login or register on AARP.org to join the conversation.