How to shop without breaking your budget!

I simply adore shopping.  There is a certain thrill to see something on the shelf that you always wanted to own. It is an almost magical quality to be able to purchase that item and then feel a brief surge of happiness.

Of course, I usually come crashing to earth after I see my bill.  Sometimes its almost a physical pain to see how much I have spent.  It certainly takes away much of the pleasure from my purchase.

Budgeting Woes

I try to religiously stick to my budget, but at this time of the year with so many good deals surfacing among my favourite stores, it makes it difficult to resist the urge to shop.

It’s not too hard to get caught up in the cycle of having the best and newest product while sinking deeper into debt.

It doesn’t help that every time you watch an advertisement the stores are having specials that you feel you will miss if you don’t run out and buy and buy.

How to budget for shopping

Besides exercising self control, a good way not to sabotage your budget is to ensure you put aside an amount for days when the shopping bug strikes.

After all, some of the deals offered at this time of the year are actually worth spending the money, so it is essential that you can locate the funds needed for the purchase.

You need to know when to ‘walk away’ though as some deals are really just a ploy to get consumers to purchase older items so they can replenish with new stock.

It is important to check that you are spending your money wisely so examine items for sale carefully and ensure that any defects are within reason. This is especially true when the store advertises that there will be no returns on sale items.

There is always a huge temptation to purchase more extravagant items than budgeted, but always ask: where am I going to get this extra money from? Always keep your receipts to help track what has been spent (not to mention should you need one to return an item).

Saving throughout the year is a great way to make sure you have enough to take advantage of shopping deals at this time of the year.

Another great way to put aside money for shopping trips is to set up an automatic savings account at the beginning of the year and then withdraw the funds at the time of your shopping trip.

So how do you shop while staying on budget?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: budget