Shopping Like a Local: Where to Find the Best Bargains in Oklahoma
Prices don’t seem to be getting any better. Inflation has hit most areas of the world pretty hard, and the U.S. has been one of those. Some states have higher inflation rates than others.
Oklahoma in particular has been getting more and more expensive. Considering it has one of the lowest income rates in the country, this isn’t good. Many Oklahomans are struggling to get by.
But there are places where you can find great bargains. Locals know most of these. If you’re visiting, here are some ways to find good deals.
- Gas Stations
Gas is usually the largest portion of people’s budget.
There are good reasons for that. Gasoline is a limited resource, and it’s not very environmentally friendly or efficient.
However, some parts of the U.S. have cheaper gas than others. Oklahoma has better gas prices than other parts of the country.
But gas prices in Texas usually tend to be a bit better. So, if you’re close to the Texas and Oklahoma border, it might be worth it to drive a few miles over the state line and fill up.
This isn’t always a guarantee, though. Compare prices on your phone before pulling over. Take note of which stations have better deals.
- Dispensaries
Weed isn’t always that cheap.
At least high-quality and good weed isn’t. And if you’re smoking weed, you need to make sure that what you’re using is good.
The only way to ensure product quality is to buy from a local dispensary. There are several of these in Oklahoma.
Here is information from Veriheal on where to find legal weed in Oklahoma.
Dispensaries often have deals or sales if you know where to look. Sometimes you can get a discount for buying things in bulk. Weed tends to stay good for a while, so there’s nothing wrong with buying a lot at once.
Buying directly from a dispensary cuts out the middleman. This means that prices are better because you aren’t paying the other transaction fees.
Dispensaries usually carry other products as well. If weed isn’t your thing, you can try edibles or CBD products. Sometimes, buying edibles from a dispensary is cheaper than baking on your own.
Buying pre-baked edibles also controls dosage. You could make a mistake if you’re cooking on your own.
The dispensaries know what they’re doing.
- Small Towns
This is true for most places in the world.
If you head outside of the big cities, you’re bound to find a better price. People who live in smaller towns tend to have lower income levels.
They can’t afford the same prices as those who live in big cities. Restaurants, shops, and property are significantly cheaper.
Generally, the smaller the town, the better the prices. This is also a great way to discover some of Oklahoma’s smaller towns.
While none of Oklahoma’s cities are particularly big, they still have a city vibe. For the true experience, you need to head somewhere else.
- Markets
Supporting local farmers is a great way to help the economy.
It will also save you a bit of money. Farmers’ markets usually have better prices than grocery stores. The quality is a lot better, too.
Here’s a list of farmers’ markets near Tulsa from Local Harvest. You never know what you’re going to find at a farmers’ market, but that’s part of the excitement.
Eating seasonally is also healthier. You’ll notice a change in your body when you switch to local and organic products.
It’s also more environmentally friendly.
- Gig Economy
Take advantage of the gig economy.
Use services like car sharing or bike sharing. You could end up saving a lot of money. Car insurance is not cheap.
Taking care of a car costs a lot of money, too. There are fees associated with car sharing, but they are not as much as owning a car.
Check out local websites or go old school and ask around at coffee shops. Some communities have group power tools or other services you can rent.
Ask friends and family if you can borrow things instead of buying them.
Conclusion
Saving money takes a bit of effort, but it’s always worth it.
