No matter how much you like to shop, if you’re not careful, it can really take a toll on your budget and your mood. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to avoid overspending, and return home with a smile on your face. Here are 7 easy tips for shopping wisely:
1. Shop Small
If you are on a budget, avoid large chain stores and go to the boutiques or local shops in your local area instead. You will find a wider selection of quirky pieces that you won’t see at the larger locations, most of which are also hand-crafted and have more character than the homogenized pieces from chain stores.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Budget
Whether shopping for yourself or for someone else, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and spend way more than you originally intended—the same may be true for the gift recipient when they see all their hard-earned money going towards what may not be seen as a necessity in your house. Write out a budget and stick to it.
3. Plan Ahead
If you are out with friends and know that there are going to be gift exchanges, decide beforehand what you will buy for them so that you can avoid the last-minute panics in the stores. This will also save you money because when you buy last minute, you generally pay full price for items that could just as easily have been picked up the day before on sale. Keep in mind, however, that if the exchange is wide open then last-minute shopping may be your only option!
4. Stick to a List
When you put together your shopping list, make sure it includes everything you need. If you are making a list before you head out to the store, include a running total of how much you plan to spend so that you can stick to it. If you are using a cell phone shopping app and keep seeing things that look great while in the store, use the “save it” feature so that they don’t distract you from sticking to your budget.
5. Look for Sales
It’s easier to shop responsibly when you are aware of all the sales going on. Keep an eye out for sales and coupon deals at your local stores by looking at their websites before you shop. There are also many services that offer free coupons to people based on their shopping habits and will alert you when something is going on in your area.
6. Buy Used Items
Buying items second-hand is a great way to save money because the items will already have been used. Look up website listing of ongoing sales, especially if there has been recent flooding or other natural disaster in your area, so that you don’t miss out on any deals because of it.
7. Be Flexible
If you’re not sure where to begin or what type of gifts people like, consider buying individual items rather than a set of six or more that you can’t use for yourself. This will help you be more flexible in your budget and also save you money.
Although it may be challenging at first, with this guide you can easily make shopping a more pleasant experience even if you’re on a budget. By following the tips above, you might even find yourself saving money in the long run.
