This is the great time of year to start planning ahead.

Several of the major retail chains have started reducing prices dramatically on winter clothing in an effort to get rid of inventory. I would encourage readers to take advantage of these sales.

This is a great time of year for those who have children as well. Typically, my son is pretty true to size and I can plan and know what size he will be in next year. I can now shop at major retail chains and get clothing that had been originally $20 dollars or more for a few dollars.

This is also a great time of year to start looking for snow items for those who enjoy skiing or visiting snowy climates. Last year, I was able to purchase brand new snow suits for bh of my children for $6 each during the semi-annual sales.

Another great example of winter savings I experienced the other day. My son is extremely hard on his sneakers and he needed new shoes for preschool. I went to a large shoe retail chain that typically sells sneakers for children for more than $30. I cannot bring myself to pay that much for a little man whose feet are constantly growing. However, I went into the store during their semi-annual sales. I purchased a pair of sneakers he could wear now and then purchased a pair of sneakers for the next size up.

The sneakers originally were almost $30 a pair. However, the shoes were being discontinued and were part of the semi-annual sale. Then I received a further discount because I am a military family member. I was able to purchase two pairs of shoes for mere dollars and spent less for both pairs of shoes than I would have paid originally for one pair.

Still, I would encourage you to remember while you are shopping clearance sales to not buy something just because it is on sale. Go shopping with a purpose. Know what you need for the upcoming year and set a budget. I know that for my family, I have not purchased anything but shoes because that is what my son is in need of most. Only buy what you need and try to avoid making frivolous purchases.

Do you have money saving tips? E-mail them to localnews2005@yahoo.com.