Smart Shopping On a Budget

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If you’re on a tight budget or if there is a particular item in your radar that you would really like to have but just can’t see yourself paying the original price, here are a few tips I use:

1. Set a maximum price in your mind. If you see something that is originally priced out of your spending range, set a goal in your mind for how much you’d be willing to pay. For example, if a pair of shoes (I know, I always defer to shoes!) costs $150, and you’re only willing to pay at most $100, stick to that number. More than likely, with a little patience or searching, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the price you’re looking for.
2. Wait for the sale. If you’re a patient person, and a bit of a risk-taker, wait for the item to go on sale. Sign up for the store's mailing list or check back twice a week or so in order to catch the sale as soon as it comes around. The risk here is that when the item finally does go on sale, depending on how popular it is, you stand the chance of not finding it in your size or it being sold out altogether.
3. Check eBay or Amazon. If you’re impatient like me, but still like a good bargain, check other stores that may carry the item. Stores tend to be very price competitive though, so chances are, you’ll find that the items costs about the same wherever you go. In a case like this, check eBay or Amazon! I love eBay’s slogan, “If it’s on your mind, it’s on eBay!” The convenient feature about eBay and sites like it is that you’re able to search for the exact item you want, let the search know how much you’re willing to pay (this is important so that you don’t get tempted to spend more), and the site will notify you when it's available and  fits your criteria. They’ve taken the work out of shop-stalking! Brilliant!
4. Search online for something similar. In the rare case that that sale never comes or you can’t find the item on eBay, search online for something similar. Most likely, you’ll find a good knock off or a style that suits you even better for half the price!
5. Don’t go into debt over it. Debt management is most important, in my opinion. (I’m speaking to myself here!) No matter how tempting an item might be, DO NOT go into debt over it. If you can’t buy it cash or debit, or at least pay what you spent during the very next payment cycle, don’t buy it! It’s not worth it! By the time you pay it off, you probably won’t even like it anymore.

Again, these are just some easy tips that I shop by to find items I love at the most affordable prices. There are so many options these days to shop smarter, so why overspend in the first place? Hope this helps!