Shop Smart

Women spend approximately eight years of their lives shopping, according to MailOnline. That's a lot of shoes! Unfortunately, in today's economy, paychecks do not stretch as far as they used to, and that means fewer shopping bags for even the die-hard shopaholic.

Whether shopping online or at the mall, there are three shopping habits women should attempt to develop that can help stretch shopping dollars.

Avoid emotional shopping.

Retail therapy or emotional shopping is a common way for women of all ages to express their feelings. Retail therapy is not about purchasing practical items such as a sweater or socks. It is often an emotional outlet when life becomes overwhelming. Shopping can bring a temporary sense of joy and even control when the world around us is filled with chaos.

The key factor to remember when caught in a bout of emotional shopping is balance. It's OK to revel in the joy of a new pair of shoes after an exceptionally bad day, but do not shop with only your heart; use your head. Indulging in an emotional shopping trip is a short-term fix. Feelings of guilt and anxiety will emerge when the bills arrive and the payoff money is tight or non-existent.

Promotions, weight loss, engagements, new apartments and even good-hair days have all served as inspirations for celebratory shopping sprees. Even these joyous trips can be disastrous for the pocketbook. Overspending is easiest when your heart is carefree; before you may realize it, your credit card is within $100 of its maximum limit.

If you know you are an emotional shopper, always bring a companion to provide a voice of reason. It is fantastic you lost ten pounds, but do you really need to purchase an entire new wardrobe in one shopping trip?

Only buy items that fit.

You are not the only woman to purchase a size 6 pair of shoes when she really wears a size 8 just because the shoes are super cute. Ladies, why do we do this to ourselves? Wedging our feet into a too-small shoe because we insist it is perfect for that one outfit is painful and not smart shopping.

Wasting money on a pair of pants that might fit next month because they are on sale now does not save money. If you purchase the pants, you might initially save five dollars, but if they still do not fit in a month you have actually lost $40; the amount spent on pants that continue to hang unworn in a closet.

Buying items that fit can stretch a budget. Items that actually fit will be worn often and with multiple outfits. Having shoes and clothing that fit properly and flatter your body-type can also boost your self-confidence. Feeling self-confident can help reduce the urges for impulse buying and overspending.

Shop with a budget.

When shopping for groceries, clothing, or items for your home, always set a spending limit. If you are likely to cheat and adjust the figure mentally, actually write it on a small piece of paper or on the top of your shopping list. A budget number becomes real and is easier to stick to if it's written down.

If sticking to a budget is a challenge because it is easier to swipe a credit card, leave the credit card at home. Pay in cash. After a few cash-only shopping trips, try using a debit card. When you are able to stick to a shopping budget, gradually allow yourself the use of the credit card.

Sometimes the budget will be blown. Take a deep breath and look at the money that was spent. Was it an impulse buy? Did you buy several items on sale because the deal was just too good to pass up? Was it worth it? Do you really need six pairs of flip-flops because they are on clearance? Buying more of a deeply discounted item is called the spillover effect and is a shopping habit to avoid.

Healthy shopping habits are developed over time with patience and practice. It is not always easy to tame our inner shopaholic. Remember ladies, it's okay to shop 'til you drop as long as you shop with your heart, but spend with your head.