How to Get What You Want on a Budget

It can be difficult to make ends meet when you are on a tight budget. There may be many things that you would like to buy, or even need, for which there is simply no money. If you use a few smart strategies, though, you can buy both necessities and even luxuries at a price that fits in your budget.

1. Prioritize your spending.

If you are like me, there is always a list in the back of your head of things you would like to purchase. Take some time to write them all down in a list and then prioritize that list. This forces you to decide what is really important to you. Without prioritization, you may find yourself spending all of your money buying things that don't really matter to you.

2. Wait for one week before purchasing.

This is perhaps the most important rule for both deciding whether you really want something and how to get it at the best price. For example, if you are in a store and you see a new office chair on sale, don't buy it on impulse. Take a week to write down why you need an office chair and what features are most important to you. Look for an appropriate chair used and check out all of your local prices. You may find after the week is up that you do not really need the chair after all or that you can get it at a much cheaper price.

3. Ask for a better price.

In North America, we have lost the art of the haggle. However, many retail prices are negotiable on everything from cars to cable television services. Keep in mind that -- especially in down economic cycles -- retailers are eager to sell and may offer you a reduction in price. This helps them to turn over their inventory and helps you to get a better price. You won't get it, though, if you don't ask.

4. Sell items you no longer want.

One way to ensure that your budget can handle new purchases is to sell items that you no longer want. There is no point leaving goods in storage that you will never use if you can get money for them. Hold a yard sale or post a listing on an online auction site or classified ads site. Then, add this money to your current budget. In the future, if you use the above tips, you will have fewer items that you don't use or want. Planned purchasing will ensure that you have thought through the buying process.