Final answer:
Opening department store credit cards for discounts is a poor way to trim a budget because it can lead to increased spending and high-interest costs. Better alternatives include buying used items, looking for less packaging, and buying reusable over disposable products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Looking to trim your budget can be a great way to save money, but not all methods are advisable. Renting books and DVDs from the library, bringing your lunch from home, and buying and selling clothes at consignment stores are all good ways to reduce spending. However, opening department store credit cards to get discounts can be a bad way to trim your budget.
Credit cards can lead to high-interest costs if balances are not paid in full, and the temptation to spend more to get discounts can actually increase your expenses. It's more beneficial to buy used items, look for products with less packaging, buy reusable over disposable items, maintain and repair products, and borrow, rent, or share infrequently used items to effectively save money.
The allure of initial discounts from credit cards doesn't compensate for the potential financial traps. Instead, focusing on sustainable practices that not only save money but also promote environmental conservation, like reducing waste through purchasing reusable items and supporting local thrift shops, is a practical approach to budget trimming.