I Save Money…Every Day
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has a slogan: “We save you money…Every Day!” For the most part, that is a very true statement. One of the benefits of being in the military is AAFES, otherwise known as a PX. Virtually every military post has a PX of some sort where troops can purchase clothes, electronics, jewelry, toys, camping gear, etc. Depending on the size of the post, the PX will be large and carry more items or small and have a limited selection. Shopping at the PX not only saves money by offering merchandise as a reasonable rate, but there is no sales tax either. Depending on what state you live in, that’s an additional 8% discount.
One of my favorite things to do is wait for the sales. Like most department stores, the PX stocks up on holiday items. After the holiday, any of that seasonal merchandise that is left is placed on sale and the price slashed. Generally, the day after a particular holiday means at least a 50% discount. Right now, for instance, all the Halloween items are 50% or more on ANYTHING Halloween related – to include candy.
A few years ago, my wife and I began purchasing our holiday items for the following year by waiting until after the holiday had passed. If you wait long enough, it’s possible to get stuff for up to 90% off. The longer it sits in the store, the more it is reduced in price. So, the things we hung up or decorated the house with were purchased last year or earlier when it was on sale. I’d say we’ve easily saved thousands of dollars. The Christmas tree we’ve been using for over five years was purchased for a mere $1. It was a $100 tree originally. I own literally thousands of Christmas lights – enough to create my own landing strip if I wanted. Each box was about $.50 per 100 lights! As a matter of fact, if Santa can’t find our house it’s time to put him on Social Security and medically retire him or take away his reindeer license.
In addition to reducing seasonal items, the PX is also very good at clearing away stuff that has sat on the shelves for far too long. Today I bought six CDs (Custom – Fast; BarlowGirl – Fervent; Emma Roberts – Unfabulous; Trick Pony – R.I.D.E.; Lit – Atomic; and The Corrs – Home) for under $9. As a DJ, I enjoy looking through the CD bins when they toss out the stuff they’re trying to get rid of. As you can tell from today’s catch, I listen to a wide range of music since I play for schools, corporations, various organizations and birthday parties.
Stay tuned because tomorrow I’m interviewing former Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Jack Tilley!!
Sharon M
November 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pm“The Christmas tree we’ve been using for over five years was purchased for a mere $1. ”
Now THAT’S my kind of family!! Wonderful shopping CJ!
Sharon M
Andrea Shea King
November 6th, 2007 at 10:31 pmSo, you want to come talk about it one evening next week? BlogTalkRadio has missed you! (Seriously, you ready to do an hour with me?)
Andrea
CJ
November 6th, 2007 at 11:28 pmAndrea,
I’m still in training, but give me a week and I’ll be back on my feet. I graduate tomorrow and then I have to spend some quality time with my family for a few days. It’ll take at least that long to reconquer my side of the bed!!
Terri
November 7th, 2007 at 6:20 amI tend to shop the same way at the PX, CJ. The first place I go when I walk in the doors is the clearance racks. Most of the clothing I wear, has been off the clearance racks and I’ve been able to save tons of money. As you know, most of their clothing is name brand stuff, and it’s nothing for me to walk out of there with a couple pairs of $50+ jeans for $3 apiece.
CJ
November 7th, 2007 at 7:16 amThat’s one of my only frustrations with the PX is that they don’t carry any generic brands, which would save us even more.
Dean
November 7th, 2007 at 4:18 pm1SG CJ,
I’m assigned at AAFES and I fully agreed with your original post. However, your comment that your PX doesn’t carry any generic brands has me a little confused. All I buy anymore are “Exchange Select” labeled items – same as name brands and a bunch cheaper. Where are you stationed? I’ll do a little research and find out why you don’t have those.
Tracy
November 7th, 2007 at 10:12 pmYou are speaking my language CJ! I come from a long line of bargain shoppers. My grandma’s name is Beatrice and her nickname is “Bargain Bea” ROFLOL!! At family weddings we’d all sit around and tell how much we saved on our dress and how much is cost. The “winner” was the one that got the best deal!
A $1 Christmas tree? not sure I can beat that one though!!
Terri
November 8th, 2007 at 10:53 amDean I know at the PX where I’m at, we do have the Exchange Select items (most food, toiletries, etc). That however, doesn’t carry over into the clothing. I know his answer was in response to my comment about purchasing clothing off of the clearance racks at our PX and the fact that the clothing is all name brand.
Dean
November 8th, 2007 at 12:07 pmCJ /Terri,
So your PXs don’t carry AAFES clothing brands like R&R Casuals, Decoded, PBX, JW, etc? Wow. Tell me where you shop and I’ll look into this for you.
CJ
November 8th, 2007 at 11:32 pmDean,
I’m stationed at Redstone Arsenal right now but I just got here and haven’t been able to scope out the PX. When I was Fort Meade, I don’t recall them stocking those brands. They did have R&R Casuals, just not a big selection. I have to be honest, I had no idea that was a generic PX brand. Kudos to AAFES for fooling me with nice looking clothing from that line. Regardless, I still do about 85% of my shopping at AAFES.
One thing I didn’t mention (which I’ll update on the post later) is that if the PX is more expensive than another store on a particular item, the PX will MATCH the price. Up to $10 and AAFES takes the customer’s word for it. Anything over $10 and AAFES will match the price with an ad or insert from a paper or store flyer. I don’t I’ve ever shopped there for something and not been able to take advantage of that feature.