Savvy Shopping Tips

In light of the holiday season, I thought that I'd share some savvy shopping tips:

 Do not spend beyond your means.



 Create a monthly budget and avoid impulse buys.


 Buy items before you run out of them.


 Know the sales cycles in your favorite stores.


 If you won’t use it, don’t buy it…even if the price is right…


 Know that larger stores usually have lower prices than smaller ones.


 Feeling emotional? If so, back away from the credit card.


 Buy at the end of the season.


 Stock up when prices are low.


 Do shop at thrift stores, consignment shops, and garage/yard sales.


 Shop everywhere, so you can find the best deals.


 Do your homework on prices. Competing stores may carry the same or similar merchandise.


 Make friends with the store clerk for first dibs on information about upcoming sales and shopping events.


 Sign up for e-mail updates from your favorite stores. They always try to lure you in with a discount or promotion.


 Know that you do pay more for fancy packaging.


 Don’t be afraid of the generic brand. Sometimes, there is not much difference.


 Know that Dollar Tree is that business! And yes, they do carry a diverse assortment of name brand goods.


 Apply for a credit card with a rewards program. Use it to earn points and build credit, but don’t abuse it. Make it your goal to pay the balance in full each month.


 Consider a retail job at your favorite shop if you need to build your wardrobe. Can we say “employee discount?”


 Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.


 Avoid shopping at convenience stores like Columbia’s favorite, 7-Eleven, for big purchases. They are indeed overpriced.


 Do not buy toiletries at grocery stores. They are overpriced as well. We like Wal-Mart.


 Use Google to search for coupons before you shop. There is usually one for everything.