Real Simple magazine took the time to share with their readers several ways to spend smarter, including shopping, eating and entertainment.

Find Savings at the Flea Market

Real Simple says don’t waste your time searching through endless bins of stuff. Flea market vendors usually display stuff worth buying in plain sight. First, you can get on the good side of the vendor. Go to the same booths over and over. Get to know the seller. You might be able to score some better deals.

Don’t point out a problem with the merchandise and hope to get a discount. The vendor might get offended. And learn how to negotiate.  Try saying “This is what I can pay. Can you sell it for that amount?” But make sure it’s not too low. Be genuinely  interested in the product. Want help finding a flea market near you? Check out Flea Markets.

Save Some Bucks When Eating Out

Here are three ideas from Real Simple to follow when dining at restaurants. First, understand menu tricks. If the restaurant doesn’t print dollar signs with the prices, you’ll probably spend  about 8 percent more per person, says the magazine. A lot of places have their most expensive dishes on the top right corner of the menu so avoid those when you can.

Check out Restaurant.com. You can purchase a gift certificate for 10 bucks but is redeemable for $25. Also, make a reservation at Open Table. You can earn points toward gift certificates that you can redeem at thousands of restaurants.

Do You Bundle or Pay Separately?

Bundle your cable, internet and phone and you can save hundreds per year, says the National Consumers League. However, you really need to be using them regularly. You might not really save on a bundle if you mostly use a cell phone, watch basic cable and don’t get online often. Bundles cost an average of about $100 per month. Be careful. If you try to get out of a contract, you could get stuck with a hefty fee.  Also, when your initial contract expires, you might end up paying more. Take a look at MyRatePlan or PhoneTVInternet.