Hey Everyone!
How often have you set out on a shopping extravaganza only to return home to find that you’ve purchased way more than you planned? With the rise in prices these days it’s really important to stay focused when you go shopping. It’s much too easy to get carried away. I think that happens to me EVERY time I go shopping. If I don’t at least have a mental list of the things I want, I almost always come home with a dozen things I don’t even need. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I’m writing this article more for myself than anyone else. LOL! So to help us all out, I thought I’d share 5 helpful tips on how to shop with purpose.
- Have a budget and stick to it – Setting a budget for your shopping trip is easy. Actually sticking to that budget is another story. It goes without saying that having a budget is always a good idea, just be sure to figure out how to hold yourself accountable in the event that you do overspend. NEVER go above what you planned to spend because you’ll regret it later, I promise.
- Make a list – Looking back at the times I didn’t overspend, I find that it was because I at least had a mental list of what I wanted to get beforehand. It’s equivalent to making a grocery list.If you know what you want or need to get, those are usually the items you leave the store with.
- Resist the urge to go into other departments or stores – If you’re going to Macy’s to visit the shoe department, try parking as close to the entrance for the shoe department as possible. The same thing goes for the mall. If you know you want to go to Gap (for example), try parking your car near an entrance that will get you as close to that store as possible. This way, you can avoid the urge to go into another department or store. This, of course, assumes that you’re familiar with the layout of the store or mall you’re going to. If you don’t, you’ll just have to be strong and stay focused…or refer to tip #4.
- Take a shopping buddy – This tip can be a lifesaver. If you have an angel on one shoulder that consistently loses out to the devil on the other shoulder (like I do)…then you’ll need a shopping buddy to be your conscience. Having a voice of reason around you can really save you money. Whatever you do, don’t take the friend that always agrees with what you want…or you’ll be broke. LOL!
- Search online ahead of time – This can be a really helpful tip. A lot of times you can go into a store with an item in mind only to find that the item is not available at that store. Doing a search online to find which stores carry the item you want can help you stay focused.
I hope you find these tips helpful. I certainly plan to put them into practice for my next shopping trip!
So, what do you think about my 5 helpful tips on how to shop with purpose? What are some of your tips?
Until next time!
Miss Elikia says
I agree with all of your tips, especially number 2. I always keep a shopping list of things that I want/need. It has saved me so much money. I used to be the such an impulse buyer before.
Searching online is also a really good tip. I would add online shopping. I found that most of the time it’s cheaper to order online than actually going to the stores. More stores are offering free shipping, and some even offer free shipping worldwide.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Hi Miss Elikia! I agree, online shopping is really a money saver. I almost always do it because you can find so many coupons through different sites. Thank you!
Shannon says
These are all great tips. I love checking online for the best deals.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you Shannon! I almost exclusively shop online these days.
Addie F. says
Helpful tips! I usually plan an approximate budget and know what type of thing I want to buy, but I think my wallet would definitely benefit if I looked online beforehand! I’m going to start doing that!
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Yay Addie! So glad you found these helpful!
Melanie Smith says
Great tips! I always try to search online before making a purchase.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you Mel! Searching online first can save you tons of time!
Tami says
Great tips but I can NOT shop with other people except my best friend lol. I always feel rushed or that they are not as interested in fashion as I am. I always find myself all the way over in another dept while they are somewhere else. My bestie is the only one that I have found that loves to shop with me and she’s back home sigh lol.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Aww, I’m sorry to hear that. I know how you feel. I once took my ex-boyfriend on a 3 hour shopping trip and he was SO miserable the whole time. LOL!
Christina Strapp says
Thank you for the tips. I think making a list and sticking to a budget is important.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you Christina! It really is. You’d be surprised how much you can save if you become really disciplined!
Terri S says
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing them.
Johnnalynn Lynch says
Thank you Terri!