Adam Lee
23 May 2022
The way Australia is heading with fuel prices and more, it’s no secret that shopping is becoming expensive. There are many places where you can find deals on your favourite brands, but not all of them offer the same discounts. If you want to save money when shopping, here are five simple tips you need to know.
Read on for more information about saving money when shopping, including ways to do so without sacrificing the things you love most from department stores and brand after brand, who have regular sales and coupons that can make your savings even greater than they already are.
Don’t shop when you’re hungry
One of the easiest ways to save money when shopping is to eat before you shop. This is especially true when you’re in a hurry, as you may make a rash decision based on your emotions, not your intellect.
This is not only a bad idea, but it is also bad for your wallet and your health. If you are shopping while hungry, you are more likely to make impulsive purchases that you cannot afford. This is especially important for women, as women tend to spend more when they are hungry than when they are not, according to a study conducted by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) of New York.
When you are hungry, your brain is flooded with hormones that make you feel stressed and anxious. This makes you more likely to make impulsive purchases, such as buying more food when you already have enough, or even buying things you don’t need.
Know how much items are typically sold for online
If you are planning to shop online, one of the easiest ways to save money is to know how much an item typically sells for online. You can use sites like eBay, Amazon, or Shopbop to find out how much other customers are selling an item for and how much you can typically expect to pay. If you’re planning on shopping in person, take the time to find out how much items usually sell for in the store.
While it may not be as accurate because it’s sampled from a specific location, it can still be a good starting point. Compare the prices with how much you paid online, as well as what other people are selling the same item for, to get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay in-store. You may be surprised to see how much you are actually spending when you make a trip to the mall or online.
Look for coupons and stock up
Another of my favourite ways to save money when shopping is coupons. Looking for coupons when you head to the store is an easy way to make your savings greater than they already are. Many stores have coupons available online or in-store that can reduce the cost of your order by a significant amount. If you shop for groceries or household items, stock up on products that typically have coupons or sales.
Many items, such as cleaning supplies, paper towels, food, and toilet paper, have regular sales that can help you save money. The same is true if you shop for clothing, electronics, toys, or furniture.
Regularly check store ads, price tags, and online stores to find out when specific products are on sale and what items are on sale with what coupons. This way, you’ll be able to stock up on supplies, and save a lot of money in the long run.
Always have a shopping list
Having a shopping list will help you avoid impulse purchases and help you save money on your shopping trip. Make sure to take an item not on your list, as well as the price tags, with you so that you don’t buy anything extra.
Many people like to shop and then keep the items that they can’t afford to have in their home. Instead of buying items that you do not need or will never use again, make a pact with your family or friends that you will only buy things that will be useful or enjoyable to own. This way, you won’t end up with a lot of useless items in your home that you can’t use or don’t need.
Keep an eye out for sales
If you shop regularly, you are likely aware of certain brands that often have sales and coupons that help you save money on your orders. Make a list of your favourite brands, as well as those that you regularly shop at, and keep an eye out for sales on each.
Another one of the great ways to save money when shopping is to keep a list of sales that you know about and mark down when they are coming up. This way, you will be able to get the best deals on your favourite brands when you head to the store again. Regularly check online stores, such as Amazon and eBay, for sales as well.
This way, you’ll be able to get the best possible deals on the items you regularly buy, as well as new items that you didn’t know about before that can help you save money on your shopping trips.
The bottom line
Saving money when shopping means being intentional and strategic when it comes to your purchases. The less you spend, the more money you will have for other things, like vacations, saving for retirement, and more.
Additionally, you will have a happier life, as you won’t be spending money on things that you don’t need. By following these five ways to save money when shopping, allowing you to make even more purchases in the future.
