Shopping Strategies to Help You Save Money

With Christmas just around the corner I am considering my shopping options. Busy malls, limited parking and impulse buying just doesn’t appeal to me this year. Another consideration is cost. I don’t want to pay anymore than I have to for what ever I decide to buy.

Shopping Options:

If you are willing to break with tradition then there are a couple of different shopping options for you to explore.

1. Local Artisans: In any community you will find an abundance of local talent that you can investigate. Usually these local crafters will gather for craft shows where their products are available for sale. Watch the papers for these sales. Word of mouth is another great way to find unique products by local artists.
2. Catalogues: Many great gifts can be found in catalogues. National Geographic offers a catalogue that supports museums across the country. Other catalogues are available from various companies offering unique gifts. Shop from your kitchen table and use the telephone or mail to place the order. Usually you are even provided a website that you can order from.
3. On-line Shopping: Almost every business has a web presence. Sometimes the website has some products not available in the store (like COSTCO does) or a special, reduced cost for certain products.

Money Saving Strategies:

The best way to save money is to stay out of the stores. Realistically though, that is not always possible so here are some other ideas to try.

1. Lists: Make a list at home. Use flyer’s and record the item, store and cost of the product you want to buy. Then stick to the list when you get to the store.
2. Sales: Keep a list at home of the items you want to buy. Watch your flyer’s and buy them only when they come on sale.
3. Budget: Set yourself a budget. If you are buying for other people then allow a specific dollar amount for each person and stick to it.
4. Coupons: Coupons are as good as cash in your pocket – but only if you were actually planning on purchasing that item in the first place. Clip the coupons from your flyer’s or print them from the computer then use them. Another option is to take advantage of customer appreciation days and senior discounts (if you qualify).
5. Compare: If you are looking at buying a big ticket item then it pays to shop around. Use the Internet and stay out of the stores until you have made a decision.

These are only a few shopping strategies that you can adopt to help you save money. Impulse buying is probably your biggest threat to saving money on anything. If you can curb the impulse then you should be able to follow some of these ideas and keep a bit more of your hard earned money in your pocket.

Here are some other articles to help you save money and shop smarter:

Easy Budgeting Strategies That Actually Work

Personal Wealth Building – Frivolous Items

Personal Wealth Building – Shopping Smart

10 Ways To Increase Your Savings