The first step in solving a problem is knowing you have a problem. I am a twenty-year-old, basic college girl and I am a shopaholic. My three favorite words are 'clearance', 'sale' and 'coupon'. I also work in retail, so that doesn't help when half of your paycheck goes right back to the store that gave it to you. As much as I love shopping, I do pride myself in only buying things that are on sale; gotta give a girl some consolation, right? I'm sure there are millions of others like me, so here are 17 tips and tricks used by a college-girl shopaholic.

1. Clearance is always your friend

Always hit the clearance rack first when you go shopping. You might find exactly what you are looking for, and you get it for 60%+ off.

2. Never go into Target to 'kill time'

Target is the greatest store of all time, you can always find something to buy. You can walk into Target to buy makeup and come out spending $300 on clothes and bedding. I also suggest downloading the Cartwheel app, it always has some sort of a great deal for Target customers.

3. Never pay full price for something, it will eventually go on sale

Give an item a week or two, eventually, it will go even more on sale than what it is. Never ever pay full price for something.

4. Buy for the winter season in the summer

In the summer, a lot of discontinued winter clothing is on super clearance for 90% off. You can get a $50 sweater for $5. Buy this stuff in the off-season, because it is super cheap and you know you'll wear it once it gets cold.

5. Shopping without a coupon isn't shopping, it's being stupid

Ka-ching is right. Shopping without a coupon is digging yourself a huge grave. Always have your coupons in order before you go on your shopping trip.

6. Don't bury yourself in store charge cards

Trust me, I have a store charge card and I love it. But, I was also super hesitant to open one, because I know the dangers that come with it. Be a smart shopper, don't go in wanting to max out your balance every time you shop.

7. Have a game plan before you go shopping

Shopping without a plan of what you need just prompts you to buy exactly what you don't need. Don't go to the shoe department if you don't need new shoes because odds are you'll come out with 5 pairs of shoes and not the dress pants you were looking for.

8. Retail Me Not is your new best friend

Retail Me Not is a great app where it lets you search a store, and all the applicable coupons pop up. Long line to check out? Take a glance at this app to find a coupon to use.

9. If you're not going to wear it more than three times, don't buy it

Don't buy something just because it's on sale. Make sure it has a purpose, or else your just spending money to spend it.

10. Don't ever shop with a cart, because you will just fill it up

Been there, done that.

11. Shop early in the day

Early bird specials! Most end by early afternoon, so shopping early in the morning is always your best bet.

12. The weekend is always the best sales

I know at the store I work at, sales usually change Wednesday night going into Thursday. Shopping on the weekend is usually when the sales are.

13. Online and In-Store are two totally different things.

Shopping online and in the store are two totally separate deals. Almost 99% of the time, there are different sales, coupons, and codes for each. Don't be surprised if your '40% off Mystery Deal' code doesn't' work in the store.

14. Be a rewards member

Rewards Cards are an alternative to store charge cards; usually, just a great way to earn extra coupons.

15. Always be kind to your cashier

Being nice to your cashier goes a long way. If you're nice, they might throw on a coupon for you, but if you're rude and complain about how much everything in your store costs, then better off for your to just go home.

16. Shopping with your mom is always a good idea

Moms are great. We all know those puppy dog eyes we give our mothers when we want something.

17. Your bank account might hate you, but at least your closet doesn't

Hey, I might be broke but at least I look cute.

Trust me, I love shopping, and I know a thing or two about getting a good deal. I hope you learned a few tips and tricks from this shopaholic and will use them during your next shopping spree!