The other day, I was cruizen through the local Shopko. I was walking along the back isle when I look over and saw some futon couches, chairs and other furniture. Normally, I would not them a second look.

Many years ago, we bought a futon couch. That was one of the biggest mistakes we ever made. Within one week, the cushion filler had moved away from where were sitting. This resulted in our backsides resting on the black metal futon frame. Not very comfortable.

A couple weeks ago, we did our first Sofa Recon at a Mohr Furniture for Less, local furniture store. Yesterday, we did our second one this time it was at RC Willey.

I want to state that we showed up the local RC Willey at 1 pm on a Thursday afternoon. My wife and I were dressed casually, we had just came from the gym. We walked through the door and was greeted by an elderly lady. This reminded us a Wal Mart, and that was where the similarity ended.

The first sofa we saw had a price tag of $999.99. This was quite different from the last place we went. There the first sofa we saw was about $600 less. The style was much different, but the quality looked about the same.

A good place for an afternoon nap.

My wife and I decide that we need to buy a new sofa before the end of the year. Our current on is past worn out. It is stained. One of the spring’s sticking into a cushion.

It has been quite a few years since our last purchase of a sofa. I felt that we need to start with the basics. Fabric, style, as well price are important consideration. Since it cost a few hundreds dollars we are going to some extensive recon before buying.

Some of the place to start will be online, local thrift stores, and furniture stores. I even put a posted a question about buying a sofa or couch on SavingAdvice.com. This will give us some ideas as to what is available. Then we will come closer to finding the perfect sofa at the perfect price.

I must admit for many products, it is not the brand name, or the quantity that you buy, but from which store you buy that product, that will make the biggest difference in price.

Costco, and Wal Mart are the two biggest stores that pride themselves on saving you money. But what about in your neighborhood? What about those stores within two, three, or four miles from your home?

I am have gotten hooked on a Starbucks Doubleshot Mocha energy drink. I am not talking about something I have to go to a Starbucks coffee house. It comes in a 15 ounce can. I can buy it at wherever most energy beverages are sold. This is something I treat myself about two to three time per week.

I have found that within a 1.5 miles, of my home, I can find the same product with a 90 cent variation in price. That is right I said 90 cents.