6 Easy Tips To Have A More Purposeful Shopping Experience

We have all been sucked into buying things that as soon as we return home we regret. Or we have spent way more than we even planned because the shoes were just too cute. It’s ok, we’ve all been there one time or another, but when it seems like it’s happening every shopping trip it can be frustrating. Overspending or buying unnecessary items is the worse and today I am going to give you my top tips on how I try to avoid it.

 

1. Make a list & stick to it

Before going shopping, look in your wardrobe and make a list of things you need. Actually physically write down what you need and don’t venture from the list. By doing this, while you are shopping, you can be reminded that you don’t need another pair of skinny jeans, what you really need is a shirt to go with the three pairs you already own. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “oh they’re so cute! I NEED these!” and end up regretting it. So make a list and stick to it.

2. Don’t let the sales person get in your head

Of course the sales woman is going to tell you that you look fabulous in that dress and it makes your hair look fantastic or whatever. It’s their job. The more money you spend the more money they make. That means they are going to tell you whatever they can to make you spend money on clothes you aren’t really sure about. Clothes that you don’t even need and will probably sit in your closet collecting dust. Far too many times I have wasted a lot of money on clothes that I wasn’t crazy about but felt pressured into buying them because of the sales person. I always immediately regret these purchases and never end up wearing them. If you aren’t crazy about something, then don’t buy it because the sales person is telling you to. Listen to your list.

3. Don’t get sucked into the ‘buy one, get one’ sale

This is my biggest spending issue at stores. Yes, the BOGO sale can be a great deal, only if you actually need the second item. Most times I don’t need whatever the “get one” is and it ends up costing more to buy both rather than the one thing I actually need. Also the second item usually sits in my closet till I finally give it away. Remember, BOGO is only a good deal when you actually need both items. 

4. Use cash

Debit cards, credit card, etc., by using these it is way too easy to over spend. Being able to just swipe the card and magically get items is fun! Right? Always shop with cash. There is something about actually seeing your money physically disappear out of your wallet that will (hopefully) snap something in your head from overspending or buying something unnecessary. I mean it’s much easier to say no to a shirt that says “I don’t want to taco ’bout it” when you actually have to hand a person an actual $20 bill for it rather than mindlessly  swiping a card.

5. Wait for sales

This one is probably a no brainer but sometimes people just forget it. By simply just waiting for a sale you can save so much money. You see something adorable in the store, it’s even on your list, and while you have the money it’s just a little more than you want to spend. Put it down, go home, wait a week or two, in this time the store is most likely to run a sale and your fabulous item might be involved! Or wait to go shopping until you know the store is running a sale. This makes it easier to fall in love with items that are actually on sale.

6. Have a budget

Finally, the most important tip to remember is have a budget. Before you go shopping actually set an amount of how much you want to spend and don’t go over it. If you don’t want to spend over $30 then tell yourself that. Write it down at the top of the list of the things you need to remind yourself if you have too. By sticking to a budget, you won’t overspend and you for sure will think twice before buying something you don’t need. 

I hope the next time you plan a shopping trip with your mom or friends you can use some of these tips to help you get what you actually need and spend a decent amount of money. Remember you can always splurge while shopping but make sure it’s a once in a while thing. If you do it all the time then it loses its special meaning when you do “treat yo’ self”. So make a list, spend efficiently, and watch out for those sales people who will try to sell you flats that have two different animal prints on them! (Yes that has really happened. Yikes).