Bazaar, tiangge , bargain, sale, midnight market, discount store – they’re all around us specially this season. The season of shopping. The 13th month pay and the Christmas bonuses are all shouting from our pocket. Yes, it’s the season of shopping to the max.
With the ongoing (still) recession not only in the Philippines but almost around the world, including the oil-rich Dubai, there’s nothing we can do but to be practical in our shopping. We need to, as much as possible, extend the buying power of our hard earned money.
We all love to shop, don’t we? Shopping is very addictive. Most of the time, the household budget is sacrificed once you go shopping. Shopping should not give you headaches as long as you know how to budget..and we’re good on this, aren’t we?. If not, here are the things that you need to remember when you go out or even before you hit the store:
1. Always remember to spend your money wisely whenever you go shopping. Bring only the exact amount of money you need in buying your items. Remember “impulse buying” is a powerful force. To ensure that you only buy the important things, you have to make a list of the items that you need to buy. You may then budget your money wisely and will prevent you from buying things that are not that important.
Don’t be tricked into spending more than you plan when entering the store.
2. It is advisable that you compare prices from different stores before buying an item. If you have time, do not limit yourself to just one store. There are stores that offer the same quality but can have a lower price. A smart thing you may do is to be attentive to the prices of the items that you buy regularly when shopping. Make a comparison list if you can. There are instances that a store has an untimely changing of prices on different items.
3. It is recommended that you do your shopping during the end of the season. This is a proven formula. Prices of many items, especially clothes, are very low and affordable after holidays. “Bagsak presyo” – low priced. You can actually buy clothes in the months of “BER” (October-December) if you are looking for bargain clothes for your summer wear.
4. Look our for sales in your neighborhood or near your work of place where you can find items that are on sale and where prices are low. Although the quality of some items is not the same when you buy in malls and shopping galleries but the merchandises are still new and not yet used. Most of these stores can provide you the best prices that are suited within your budget.
5. Another way to save money while shopping is to economize the travel you make in finding the stores you want to buy an item. You may take a stop on your daily route to check if the items you buy regularly have not changed their prices or are still in the price of your budget. Do shopping regularly in a small amount. You may purchase the item even before you do your shopping schedule. This can save you fuel and time.
If you follow just a few of the tips, you’re bound to savesavesave moneymoneymoney. Don’t give in to temptation and convenience. Let’s fight “impulse buying” . Let all celebrate the season with a smile by being a smart shopper.
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