Bonnie Kallenberg knows how to save money on clothing. As the owner of Finders Keepers consignment boutiques, a good portion of her own wardrobe comes from consignment merchandise.

While thrift store shoppers may have to dig for the best buys, consignment shoppers consistently find in-season, in-style clothing at affordable prices. Daily turnover means the merchandise is always fresh.

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Kallenberg

When Kallenberg does hit retail stores, she only shops for steals.

"I'm always on the sale racks looking for a bargain, I just can't pay full price for anything," she said.

Macy's, Belk and T.J. Maxx rank high on her list, but only for quality labels, only the sale racks, and generally, for off-season garments. Instead of shopping for fall clothing, Kallenberg is currently scooping up spring and summer items that she will store until next year.

Another money-saving strategy is to buy accessories such as shoes and handbags instead of entire outfits, she said. "You can make something look new with just a few accessories."

31 ways to save

• Want to save on food? Ask your neighbors 
• Frequent diner saves with coupons by e-mail 
• Shopper works grocery sales 
• Teenage flash for less 
• Fun, cheap getaway as close as a state park or two 
• Borrowing from library cuts costs for avid readers 
• Gamble pays off in lower expenses 
• Exerciser not waiting for DVD to come out 
• Coupons bite into cost of dining out 
• Find it for a fraction of the original price 
• Purge baby items at consignment shops 
• Brazil beckons for savings-smart traveler 
• Old sol — and 'common sense' — cut electric bill 
• Cost-cutting is par for the course 
• Rack up with sales, off-season garments 
• Shopper charts the best prices 
• Public swimming pool refreshing, affordable 
• More-efficient ride picks up cash flow 
• Clean Air deal sweetens switch to a car pool plan 
• Personal trainer trims costs and fees 
• Mom shops early for school needs 
• 'Kids eat free' nights stretch family's budget 
• RVers cut back, consolidate trips 
• Teacher Web sites offer ideas, freebies 
• Mom 'not too proud' to snag a bargain 
• Cheese plates, movies fit budget 
• Take a walk to library; watch a movie for free 
• Volunteer shows way to free theater seats 
• Catch Braves in action for mere peanuts 
• Portrait of thriftiness in designer-wear garb 
• Businessman finds cheap gas via phone 
• Shopper takes bite out of grocery bill 
• Have your own way to save? Please share it with us
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