Work + Money

"We will not be undersold!" It's a refrain you may have noticed on store circulars as you peruse them on a Sunday morning. But what does it really mean - and how do you get the best deal? Here, some insights into price-match guarantees from Daniel Butler, Vice President of Retail Operations for the National Retail Federation.

Many major retailers have price-match policies in place. Stores such as Walmart, Sears, Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, and Staples do it as a matter of practice, and Home Depot even offers a discount plus 10% off. However, they all have their own rules as to what they require in order for you to get the adjustment. Generally, the policies state that you must show the competitor's ad and the identical item must still be in stock there (they'll call to verify). Stores typically won't match closeout prices, special timed events (like Black Friday deals), or bundled sales (say, buy one, get one free).

Even retailers that don't may still offer you a break. Butler

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Written By Mandy Seay For QuickEasyFit

It is pretty easy to judge after the 2008 recession that Americans are shot on cash. This is alarming and the importance of preserving money is increasing. The following article tells exactly how Americans waste their money. The reader should learn from these mistakes and try avoiding them.

New purchases
People usually buy products in their original packaging. This means they actually paid twice the regular amount for that product. Try using eBay, craigslist or stop by yard sales and thrift stores.

Accepting those initial offers
Avoid retailer negotiation as many good sellers want your money. Their wants are actually more than your desire for their product.

Read Also - Shop Healthy, Shop Smart - Best Ways to Save Money on Healthy Food

Purchasing branded products - Americans would spend most of their savings and shopping budgets on branded products. Generics are in. With multiple warehouse stores coming up with

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By KyAnn Lewis of Life Love Shopping for GalTime.com

Every year we know the holidays are approaching. How could we miss it? Our Costco trip took much longer last week because our daughter was browsing the toy aisles picking out her Christmas presents. She asked me when we'd be putting up our tree. Fair question, given that the holiday decor is already showing up there and elsewhere.

The signs may be here that Christmas is near, but why is it that every year we're still shopping up to the last minute and spending more than we should? (Myself included.) I'm sure a lot of people will be watching their spending this year. How can you save money? I rounded up ideas from shopping and money experts. If some of this advice sounds obvious, just consider it a valuable reminder!

Make a List & Budget

Santa does it. You should, too. "Make a gift list-knowing what you want to buy empowers you to find the best deal on that product. There is no room for impulse buying on a s

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To be successful, you have to be a little chic," advises Heather Clawson, blogger and author of Habitually Chic: Creativity at Work. After visiting the offices of successful business leaders, Clawson learned that how your desk is set up can really influence how you perform at work. If you're itching for a promotion, check out her insider tips.

By Michelle Ruiz

Go Green
Studies have shown that flowers help put people in a great mood. Clawson found that fashion gurus like J. Crew's Jenna Lyons boost productivity with fresh flora and fauna.

Make a Mood Board
Tack inspirational images right where you can see them, like fashion designer Chris Benz. If it's right in front of you, you're always striving for it-whether it's something that moves you or to remind yourself, 'I want a vacation on that beach.'

Related: The Best Excuses for Calling Out of Work

Display the Write Stuff
"It's nice to have notes and cards to remind you of great achievements," Clawson suggests. One fashion i

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Each year I've tried a little harder to get my holiday shopping done earlier, and each year I've succeeded a little bit more. Want to know my biggest struggle with getting all my shopping done early? I cannot keep a surprise to SAVE MY LIFE. If I were to buy a Christmas present for my husband in July I would spend the next 5 months trying to get him to guess what it was and convincing him he wanted it NOW! Why go five months living life without the most perfect present ever when it's in the garage ready to be used now!?

There's an awful lot of reasons to get holiday shopping done early, and an awful lot of ways to make it a lot easier on yourself. Let's discuss, shall we?

1. Have your kids write a letter to Santa NOW with a "no take-backs" clause
Once that letter is sent it is not to be modified or added to. Tell your kids Santa has a new policy, that way you don't end up crying in the toy aisle at midnight on Christmas Eve.

2. Avoid the holiday crowds by

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