Even if you generally don't like the idea of shopping, we all have something — a hobby, accessory, item, etc. — that gets us excited to go out and spend some money! However, we all like to save money as well. Here are a few pieces of advice for the shopaholic in you!
If you don't love it, leave it.
No, seriously. I can't even tell you the number of times I have bought a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes because I thought it looked all right and then never even wore it. Whatever you're shopping for clothes, if you don't love it in the store, then you aren't going to love it once you get home. Hold out for something better! You'll probably be proud of yourself in the end for not spending that money.
The "Frank Ocean" test (did you leave it and now can't stop thinking about it?)
This one is always a fall back if that first piece of advice sounds a little too hard. If you are torn about buying something — half of you wants to but half of you doesn't — leave it! Leave it, and then see how you feel once you get home. Are you proud of yourself for not making that purchase? Nice, you made the right choice! Can you not stop thinking about it? Well, you can always go back the next day and buy what you left behind! At least you tried.
If there's a chance you can find it somewhere else for cheaper, don't pay that full price.
Yes, there are some things that truly only come at one or maybe two prices. However, many times you can find a very similar or even the same product for less! If you think that is possible at all, hold off on spending the big bucks and search elsewhere first. Discount stores, online shopping, thrift stores, and sales can all be sources of these cheaper prices. Happy hunting!
Coupons are your friends.
Now I'm not saying you have to act as if using coupons is an Olympic sport, but I do encourage you to use them when you run across one for something you're going to buy. There's no shame in being a smart shopper! Save yourself from paying full price.
If you have it, you don't need another.
Simple as that. I know our styles and hobbies draw our interests to similar products when shopping, but if you literally have the same thing already at home, then you probably do not need a second. Or if you have many almost identical items, you could probably live without another. Plus, variety is the spice of life, right? Try something new!
So there you have it, folks. The next time you find yourself on a shopping spree frenzy, try one of these techniques to help you out!
