You work so hard for your money that you should be careful how you spend it. Reading the following tips could help you save more than a few pennies!
THE BASICS:
• Decide how much you’re going to spend before you go shopping and stick to your budget.
• Use coupons! At the end of the year you will be surprised at how much you will have saved and how easy it was.
• Shop alone and do it quickly. Spending too much time in a shopping mall will only make you buy more unnecessary stuff.
• Always compare prices and don’t assume that if it’s on sale it’s cheaper. Be aware of marketing strategies that try to get you to buy more.
• Buy wise: When nonperishable items are on sale buy in bulk and use later. Buy winter clothing in summer and summer clothing in winter when shops are clearing for seasonal stock.
• Prepare a shopping list and stick to it when you do your groceries.
• Don’t shop when you are hungry… Junk food is more expensive than home cooked meals. It can really make a difference!
• When shopping online, be aware of hidden fees. Items such as shipping, taxes, and customs can increase the total significantly.
• Before buying something, ask yourself: Is this essential for me to have? Is it a need or a want?
Will I really regret it tomorrow if I don’t buy it now? This will help you screen out things that are not worth spending your money on.
SCORE CARD
Use this score card to see if you are a wise spender:
More than 6 A’s (Always) – you are above the average Between 5 -3 S’s (Sometimes) – you need to improve More than 6 N’s (Not at all) – you are in danger
I only buy when items are on sale
1 Always
Sometimes Not at all
I don’t buy junk food when I am doing 2 shopping
Always
Sometimes Not at all
I stick to my shopping list
3 Always
Sometimes
Not at all
I use coupons
4 Always
Sometimes
Not at all
I buy online
5 Always
Sometimes
Not at all
I never regret buying items
6 Always
Sometimes Not at all
I compare prices
7 Always
Sometimes
Not at all
8 I don’t decide how much to spend
Always
Sometimes Not at all
I buy in bulk when items are on sale
9 Always
Sometimes Not at all
10 IAlwaysenjoy shopping alone
Sometimes Not at all