Remember the last time you went on a shopping spree? It was exciting, wasnt it? At that moment, you likely didn't spend much time thinking about the costs, or how you could have saved money. It happens to a lot of us. The moment you enter a store, you're surrounded by cool-looking stuff that you really wanted. You may not have needed it, but it was too cool to be ignored. Much of retail is set up to take advantage of that emotional response.
Budgeting your shopping expenses isn’t rocket science. Anybody can do it with a little preparation and money management. The following tips should help you to minimize expenses the next time you go on your shopping spree.
Budgeting your shopping expenses isn’t rocket science. Anybody can do it with a little preparation and money management. The following tips should help you to minimize expenses the next time you go on your shopping spree.
Make a List, and Stick to It
This is the best way to refrain from buying things that you probably don’t need. Prepare a list of the essential items that you need and take this list with you to the store. Check the purchased items off the list. You might come across irresistible stuff once in a while. Don’t worry, you can pamper yourself with an occasional out-of-the-list item. But avoid doing it very often.
Compare Prices from Different Vendors
It's just smart shopping to compare prices. Smartphone apps like ShopSavvy will let you scan the product and compare it to other vendors. Many big box retailers will now match the price you find online, rather than losing the sale. Nothing wrong with that, is there?!!
Buy Clothes that You Really Need
Fashion is a never ending and ever-changing phenomenon. What may be in fashion today might be outdated in a few months. Buying fashionable apparel occasionally might be worth it, but think about how often you will wear it. When buying for your children, that expensive outfit may look great, but think of how long it will be worn before he/she outgrows it.
Leave the Credit Card at Home
More than anything else, credit cards are responsible for busting our budgets. What seems convenient and free today brings sticker shock when that monthly bill arrives. You should only charge what you can fuly payoff each month. Paying the 18% + credit card interest rates can become a real burden, too. In many cases, it is better to bring cash and leave the credit card at home. Then you are really in control!
Don’t Fall for the “Sale Trap”
A common tactic of retailers is the “sales trap”. By offering products at super-cheap prices, stores entice shoppers to buy products that they don't have much use for. Call this a marketing trick, but many people fall for it. Don’t buy anything just because it's on sale. Be completely sure that you need it !
Take CarryWell Reusable Shopping Bags With You
If you buy the CarryWell reusable shopping bag system, you won't have to pay the fees that local governments are starting to force the stores to charge. You can use these bags over and over again. These bags are highly durable and can handle some pretty rough usage. Just wash it when it gets dirty. It will be good as new. All reusable shopping bags are 100% eco-friendly, so you help the environment, save money, and look good at the same time!