CLEVELAND -- A lot of people are worried about the economy and their own budgets right now. But there are things you can do to save money and still be able to buy what you need.

The No. 1 rule of smart shopping is to always buy on sale. Typically, everything goes on sale eventually so why pay full price? Also, shop off-season if possible. Even though the selection is limited, you can save a bundle.

Get organized. Take inventory of what you have and what you need. Then make a list and hit the stores. Make informed shopping decisions by doing comparison shopping. A necessity like a vacuum is pricey, so read customer reviews and research prices. At Tuesday Morning stores, the Halo vacuum is priced at $199 while other stores sell it for as much as $500. It's the first vacuum that uses ultra violet rays to kill bacteria and germs on your carpet.

If there is something you absolutely love but it's expensive, give it 30 days. Typically by that time the item will be on sale if you still have to have it. The best time to shop is Thursday nights, six-to-eight weeks after an item arrives in the store is a good bet. By that time, stores are motivated to move out old merchandise.

Plan for bargains throughout the year. While you may not want to think about next year’s holiday shopping, many times the end of December and January are great times to snag a bargain. Check out the clearance racks. There are some great buys if you time it right. And if an item is missing a piece or there is damage to an item, ask for an extra discount. Many stores follow this policy to clear out items.

Pay with cash when possible. Paying with cash will help you resist the temptation to charge something you may not be able to pay off at the end of the month. If you pay with credit cards, just know your limit so you are not paying the interest that adds so much to the bill.

There are some great finds at thrift stores and consignment shops. Many places only accept name-brand items and you can find them with the store tags still on them.

Don't dismiss coupons at retail stores. Some stores send additional coupons to their charge card holders. If you shop there regularly, it may be worth getting the charge card, as long as you pay it off at the end of the month to avoid any finance charges. But just because you have a coupon, doesn’t mean you have to use it. If there’s nothing you need, don’t buy something just to buy it. Make sure your purchases are thought out.