You’ve go shopping and come home with a lot of things and a lot of
money gone.  Within a couple of weeks you
realize it was a huge mistake since you’re not actually wearing any of the
things you’ve bought and there’s a looming credit card bill to be paid.  Does some of that sound familiar?  Well, it’s a common theme in many people’s,
and not just women’s, lives.   There are
a few things that you could keep in mind when next you head out to the shops,
that might help you avoid another such experience.

1. What do you like?  Be honest
about this.  Think about the trends,
styles, colors you really like and, more importantly, the things you actually
wear.  That bright yellow, peplum top
looks great in the store and on the hanger, or online, but if you never wear
peplum and or the color yellow, then it’s a colossal waste of your money.  Consider the trends, but don’t be swayed by
them into buying something that is completely not you.
2. Consider the promos, deals and sales.  Are there specials promotions or coupons right now, or
any coming up?  Boxing day, annual sales
might be a great time to stock up on some great items at really great
prices.  Often online shops offer
discount codes to first time buyers, or for end-of-season sales.  Thank about that.  The best time to buy something is off season
or end of season.  You could grab a
fabulous coat for the following winter.
3. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.  Following right on the heels of the above
advice, do consider that a sale does not make it a wise purchase.  That bright yellow peplum top might be 50%
off, but if you’re never going to wear it that’s still money sent down the
drain.  Don’t get suckered in by,
“75% off!” tag lines, but do consider if the item, or items, are
something you are looking for.  If it is,
then great you just got it %75 off.
4. Pick your friends wisely. This is true for life as well as in
shopping.  Choose who comes shopping with
you very carefully.  That one friend may
be fun to talk to and a great shoulder to lean on, but they might also have a
tendency to encourage you to spend more than is within your means.  This isn’t a malicious thing, it’s just
different personalities have different approaches, and if your friend’s
shopping attitude does not go with your shopping goals, then opt for meeting up
for coffee afterwards instead.  Perhaps
that practical, analytical friend is a better shopping buddy this time.
5. Use cash.  It’s all about
credit and interac, but the true psychology is that we as humans have a much
harder time parting with physical cash than abstract numbers.     So whenever possible use cash.  If shopping at a physical store, bring the
cash you intend to spend and leave the cards at home.   Not only does the harder task of
relinquishing hard cash make you think twice about purchases, but you are
guaranteed to not spend more since you won’t have access to more than the cash
in your wallet.  For larger purchases, or
online shops, take a post it and consider how many hours of work you would have
to complete in order to pay off said item. 
This cost benefit analysis helps, as does cash,  to solidify the choices we make.

With these simple tips at hand, hopefully the next time you shop it
will be a delight. The best part is that you’ll go home satisfied that you got
some great things and stayed on budget.