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The Best Ways to Save Money When you go Shopping

 

The majority of our personal funds aren’t always frittered away on dodgy investments and ill-considered loyalty schemes. A lot of it disappears under our very noses while shopping – and we are often completely oblivious to it!

Here are some top tips on getting more bang for your buck and spending less wherever you can…

 

 

Use Vouchers

There’s no catch – supermarkets will often promote discount codes and printable vouchers that you can use free of charge. You can usually find these on the actual store website or on national voucher and discount sites. Sometimes, discounts may only be as little as £2 or £5 off your shop, but every penny counts!

 

Don’t Shop Hungry

Never go shopping on an empty stomach. A lesser-known phrase in the ‘don’t eat before you…’ series but an important one nonetheless. As strange as it may sound, you are actually more likely to overspend when you’re hungry. Hunger triggers our impulsive nature, making us more likely to buy an item we need at an overpriced store in a rush to ‘get it over with’ – so be warned. Eat before you shop!

 

Shop at Peak Times

If you plan to shop in store – whether it’s for your weekly food shop or for new clothes – try to shop when stores are at their busiest and most crowded. This may sound counter-intuitive to a good shopping experience but a swarm of customers can be your saving grace when it comes to spending less.

A consumer research study at the New York University Business School found that shoppers are less likely to buy unnecessary items when they’re surrounded by others. The added pressure of a crowd actually gives you clarity, allowing you to buy only what you need and leave.

 

 

Compare Online Versus In-store

When buying online, always stop to consider your delivery options carefully. Most online stores will offer a free ‘collect in-store’ option. If this applies, try weighing this against the cost of delivery charges. If you can save more by driving to the store to pick your item up, do it. Hack the system by paying online only prices for in-store items.

As well as controlling your outward payments, make sure you’re also getting the best possible deal when it comes to selling your stuff on too. We’re all guilty of going a tad overboard with our shopping habits and amassing items we no longer have use for – and it’s important to get a fair return on these when we sell them.

It’s surprising how much an electronic item or old piece of jewellery may be worth to the right market, so ensure you sell your items to a reputable buyer for a reasonable and honest deal.

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