How to Shop Successfully

Even though most men find shopping a headache or a boring chore, most women still enjoy shopping.

However, in these days of inflation, with too many temptations and not enough money to go round, many of us will be short of money due to shopping binges. You need to plan carefully and learn some smart shopping techniques before a shopping trip can be successful. Otherwise you may end up shopping impulsively and buy a lot of stuff that we do not need.

This situation not only causes a bigger debt on your credit card, you may also face an overcrowded apartment, not to mention risking having fights with your loved ones because of the shopping bills.

By following the simple rules below, not only can you avoid the overspending and storage problems, you will continue to enjoy your share of shopping fun too.

1. Budget Planning.

Plan your budget at the beginning of each month. Decide on how much money you can afford to spend for the month. Make sure you set aside money for the essentials like food, children tuition fees, household utility bills, medical bills, transport fares etc. then divide up the remaining sum for non-essential things such as entertainment, treats and presents. Do leave some money for unexpected needs like repairing cars and so on.

2. Make a shopping list.

Decide on the places that you intend to visit on a particular trip.

Do not end up buying things that you already have. Before you go out, check your pantry and cupboards to find out what are the items you need to replenish. List down the items under the intended places according to where you can get them. Follow your list closely. A shopping list not only prevents impulsive shopping, it also saves you a lot of time and running around.

3. Shop smartly

Be a thinking shopper. Do your purchases more analytically than emotionally. Calculate the cost before buying.

For more expensive and larger items, compare the price of one shop with some other shops, check if there are any hidden cost like transport fees, and then make a wise decision.

Plan your menu smartly. Plan your meals according to the season. This is especially important while shopping for vegetables and fruits. A type of vegetable can be cheap in April but expensive in June. Shop for vegetables in the mornings as that is the time when the shops take out fresh supplies of perishable food.

Note items like soap powder and food stuffs like potatoes and onions are much cheaper when you buy in bulk. Avoid becoming an impulsive shopper.

Do not be affected by the atmosphere and chaos in the shop or the mall. Remember the shoppers are paying for the decorations, the piped in music as well as the free gifts. Shopping in a simple shop can be truly value for money.

Brands that are in fashion need not be the best but often are the most expensive. Look around and find if there are things of the same quality but much cheaper. Don't pay for the brand name if you can't afford it.

4. Times that you should not go shopping

Don't shop when you are not feeling well. When your body is not up to it, you will simply buy and get over the job.

Don't shop when you are emotionally disturbed or sad. Do not make shopping a stress-buster. At those times, you tend to buy for thrills to lift up your mood. You may end up with too large a quantity of goods that you would normally buy, or things that are of no use to you at all. Chances are you will feel even more depressed later.

Don't shop while you have just received a windfall such as a lottery prize or a bonus from your company. You tend to waste your money away and regret later.

5. Don't be tempted by advertisements

There are so many ultra-cool advertisements on flyers, TV, billboards, magazines and newspapers today. Learn to have high confidence in your self, build up your self esteem and make up your mind refuse to be store owners' delight and be led by those adverts to shop, shop and shop. Resist the temptations of holiday bargains and only buy what you need.

6. Shopping style

Each of us has our own shopping style. After recognizing your own style, leave some room to indulge in yourself. (You need to set the budget for this purpose too!) After all, that is part of the shopping fun. However, do maintain a balance with money and fun.

If you see something you really like, for example a new dress, a lipstick or a pair of new shoes, you need not buy it at the spur of the moment. Postpone buying it. Think twice, thrice and think again. This way, not only you will buy something and not regret it later, you are also prolonging the shopping fun process.

Finally, to all of you dear shoppers, best of luck in your shopping trips!