Gift Cards Travel 10 Ways to Save Extra on Your Shopping This Year

Overspending and planning finances are common struggles for most of us. We’re constantly surrounded by temptations to spend, making it hard to keep a steady savings account going. But having that nest egg tucked away for a rainy day is important for so many reasons. Life can be unpredictable, you never quite know when an unexpected expense may arise. Having a good savings plan in mind not only helps give you peace of mind, it also allows you to splurge on bigger things down the line. A family vacation or a much needed pampering at a local spa could be easier goals to achieve with a proper savings plan in place.

One of the major roadblocks to saving are all the little unnecessary purchases we make during our everyday shopping. Oftentimes we also opt for the convenience of buying something now, versus planning our purchases to make sure we’re getting the best deal.

Taking advantage of sales, coupons, and promos can really help shave some dollars off our spending. Avoiding temptation and shopping smarter can also go a long way towards helping that savings account grow. We’ve put together 10 tips to help you start saving more this year. 

 

1. Shop the sale events

Rather than buying whenever an item pops into your head, plan ahead and shop the sales events. Many stores run huge sales a few times a year where you can get many items for a fraction of the cost! Buy your winter clothes in the spring when winter items are on clearance. Wait for huge sales like black Friday to make any big purchases on electronics. Check for discounts after big shopping holidays like Christmas when many stores are looking to clear out extra inventory. Stock up on office supplies and stationary products during back to school sales. The possibilities are endless!

 

2. Always check for coupons

Before you shop, always check for coupons. You may receive promos and coupons in the mail from your local shops, or via email from any mailing lists you’ve joined. For everywhere else, the internet is a great resource for coupons and promo codes. Websites like joinsavvy.com put dozens of discounts at your fingertips. It’s easy to apply the promo codes to online purchases, or simply print or present the coupons on your phone at your local store. You’d be amazed at the great deals you can find with just a click of the mouse!

 

3. Make a list and stick to it

Shopping on a whim almost always leads to impulse buys. This is why arming yourself with a shopping list before going out is always a good idea. Shopping lists keep you focused and on target. When at the store, try to head straight for the items on your list without stopping to browse along the way. It’s easy to get tempted by flashy displays while shopping, but having a well-planned out shopping list will help you stay focused on what you really need. Remember, if it’s not on your list you don’t really need it.

 

4. Never shop while hungry

We’ve all been told to never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. But did you know doing other types of shopping while hungry can lead to equally disastrous results for your wallet? New studies have shown that hungry shoppers are more likely to impulse splurge. Our bodies are telling us they need something, and our instincts are attempting to fill that need with whatever may be around! Not to mention it’s much harder to stay focused and on task when distracted by hunger! So, before you shop always make sure to at least give yourself a little snack first in order to keep your hunger from affecting your judgement.

 

5. Look for cheaper alternatives

While many of us may have our favorite brands for certain products, oftentimes throwing brand loyalty out the window can reward us with big savings. There are alternatives to many of the top products on the market, and when competition is high, big savings can be found. Cheaper alternatives are not only becoming easier to find, but many lesser known brands are also offering products of the same quality as the big guys with a much smaller price tag attached. Next time you shop, try some new brands, you just may find a new (and cheaper) favorite.

 

6. Keep inventory of what you already have

It’s not always easy to keep track of everything you may have in the house. It can be even harder if you have a large family and aren’t the only one doing the shopping. Keeping inventory of what you have on hand and communicating with everyone in the household who helps with the shopping is really important when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Keeping a dry erase board with items that you are running low on or out of can be an easy way to start. Just make sure everyone stays on top of adding and removing items as they’ve been replenished. Double buying is not only expensive, it can also be very wasteful. Especially when it comes to items with expiration dates attached!

 

7. Check out your local farmer’s market

Have you checked if there are any local farmer’s markets in your area? Local farmer’s markets often have fresher and tastier produce than supermarkets. And since you’re buying direct from the grower without any pesky middle-men, the cost is usually lower for a higher quality product. Some farmers even offer deals on mixed bags of fresh veggies, which can be a great option for any adventurous home cook! I just love trying to discover new recipes for vegetables I don’t usually cook with. Oftentimes, you can also bargain a bit on the prices at farmers markets, especially when you’re buying larger quantities.

 

8. Make your snacks and coffee at home

One of the biggest expenses for many people are snacks and meals on the go. Those $4 cups of coffee from the café by your work make a huge dent in any budget! Making coffee and snacks at home to bring with you on the go can save you big bucks! Take it a step further and carry your own lunch to work also! I always cook a little extra for dinner to use for lunch the next day. You can also pre-make meals and freeze them for later use!

 

9. Fix old items instead of replacing them

Before rushing out to replace an item that breaks, check to see if you can fix it. There are endless how-to videos on YouTube these days that can teach you tricks to fix just about any problem, making it so much easier to do things on your own. If an item really is broken beyond repair, see if you can repurpose it to be used for something else before throwing it away. You’d be amazed how much use you can actually get from many old household items if you try!

 

10. Use Savvy when shopping online

Many are turning to the internet for shopping these days, and it’s a great way to save. By shopping online you reduce your chances of getting seduced by fancy displays or tempted into splurging on little knick-knacks you don’t actually need. You also save on time and gas versus going to the store. But before clicking that “buy” button, head over to JoinSavvy.com and look for coupon codes and deals at your favorite stores. Savvy is partnered with over 40,000 stores online so saving doesn’t get much easier than that!