9 Foolish Ways People Waste Money at TJ Maxx

Stores like TJ Maxx are set up to help you save money shopping with more accessible pricing on everyday items. You can find gift sets and high-quality decor, clothing, fragrance, and more at these spots, making it easier to keep money in your pockets.

Just because it's affordable doesn't mean there aren't still ways to unnecessarily waste money at TJ Maxx. Watch out for these nine common pitfalls.

Insiders know Mondays are when the retailer marks down prices on hundreds of items. Head in during the morning hours to score great prices before everyone else.

Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow clearance tags across the store, as items may be placed on end caps or at the cash wrap in addition to their original aisles.

Each TJ Maxx has clearance aisles or endcaps, displaying dozens of marked-down items. Each store often stocks these items in multiple sections across departments as well.

But sometimes, clearance items are scattered throughout the store. If you're buying one item at full price, there may be a similar item – or even the exact same one – for a better price, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Every once in a while, you'll happen upon a piece of furniture or home decor item with slight cosmetic damage. Sometimes items get scratched during shipping, fall on the sales floor, or are even returned by previous customers.

If you notice an imperfection on your item and it hasn't already been discounted, ask an associate for a price reduction.

Big box stores are working to clear their seasonal inventory in January and July. At the beginning of the year, you can grab pretty incredible deals on gifts, decor, and holiday items.

July brings you more warm-weather items like outdoor decor, swimwear, beach accessories, and exercise equipment.

Avoid the hassle of in-person shopping with TJ Maxx online. Not only can you earn rewards points the same as in-store, but there are more products to choose from, and you can add browser coupons to your orders.

Joining their email list also gets you free shipping on your first order. Otherwise, they run an offer of free shipping for purchases of $89 or more.

The store can get a little disheveled during the day. Sometimes, there's so much stock that everything can get piled up and overwhelming.

At discount stores like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, you need to be prepared to dig around for the best deals and treasures that may be hidden in stacks of other home decor and clothing.

Did you know that if you see a purple tag on your clothing item or accessory at TJ Maxx, that it indicates a designer item? These products are often deeply discounted but worth much more than the items surrounding them.

Find some great Betsey Johnson blouses, Steve Madden shoes, and other fun, household names with a purple tag.

TJ Maxx has an ongoing sweepstakes where they give away $500 gift cards each month. So make sure to use your receipt to locate and fill out their online survey.

Giving honest feedback about your experience helps the company learn about its customers and provide new opportunities for them, and you get more chances to win big every time you go shopping.

Signing up for the email list at TJ Maxx can get you a plethora of offers and discounts. Currently, if you sign up, your first order gets free shipping — with no exclusions.

Subscribers will continue to receive emails about upcoming deals, coupons, and offers.

You can save big on everyday items at TJ Maxx — just make sure you're shopping smart.

Avoid wasting money like everyone else by strategizing your shopping days and taking advantage of online discounts.