Some Obvious Ways to Save Money While Shopping, and Some Not-so-Obvious Ways to Save Money While Shopping

Compiled by Vincent E. Martinelli, Jr. with assistance from Claude Haiku.  Thursday, October 10, 2024

1. Take a shopping list
   1. Know before your shopping excursion exactly what you want or need
2. Stick to your list
   1. If it isn’t on your list prior to shopping, consider putting off the purchase until a later date
3. Avoid impulse purchases
   1. Approach your shopping practices as though you’re the employee … the boss said to get these things that are on the shopping list, and nothing more.
4. Compare prices
   1. Between sellers
   2. Among alternatives
   3. By the unit, not the total price.  
      1. For instance, if 1 item is $5 and a package of 15 is $19 then the cost per unit is either $5 or $0.78.  
      2. Also, in-bulk isn’t always the best price per unit - we’re just conditioned to think that way.  Look at both the price and the unit price.
      3. Don’t trust the sticker.  Stores make sense; do the math yourself to be certain of the actual price per unit.
      4. When comparing price per unit, also be careful of the unit measure.  For instance, one item might be $5 a pound while another unit might be $3 for a unit of “each”.
5. Look for sales and discounts
6. Use coupons and promo codes
   1. Look for sales flyers ahead of time or grab the store’s flyer on the way in
7. Buy in bulk for non-perishable items
   1. Again, checking for unit price
8. Avoid shopping when hungry
   1. If you haven’t eaten in a while, at least have some water
9. Bring your own bags
   
   1. ​Many stores offer small discounts for using reusable bags, and it's environmentally friendly.
10. Pay with cash or debit card
    
    1. This method helps you stick to your budget by limiting spending to available funds.
11. Avoid buying things you don't need
12. Research purchases beforehand
    1. ​Informed decisions lead to better value and fewer regrets.
13. Check the return policy
    1. ​Knowing your options can save you from being stuck with unwanted purchases.
14. Look for quality over quantity
    1. ​Higher-quality items often last longer, saving money in the long run.
15. Wait for the right time to buy
    1. ​Many products have predictable sales cycles, so timing your purchases can lead to significant savings.
16. Prioritize essentials over luxuries
17. Avoid shopping during peak hours
    1. Shopping during off-peak times can reduce impulse buys and provide a calmer environment for decision-making.
18. Utilize loyalty programs and rewards
    1. ​These programs can offer substantial savings over time if used strategically.
19. Maintain a budget and track spending
    1. ​This habit provides a clear picture of your finances and helps identify areas for potential savings.
20. Declutter and sell unused items
    1. ​This not only generates extra income but also helps you appreciate what you already own.
21. Rent or borrow items instead of buying
    1. ​For infrequently used items, this can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing.
22. Support local businesses and sustainable brands
23. Negotiate prices when possible
    1. ​Many prices, especially for big-ticket items or services, are more flexible than you might think.
24. Avoid impulse online purchases
    1. ​The convenience of online shopping can lead to overspending if not approached mindfully.
25. Learn to repair and maintain items
    1. ​This skill can significantly extend the life of your possessions, reducing the need for replacements.
26. Adopt a minimalist mindset
27. Plan and prepare meals ahead of time
    1. ​Meal planning can reduce food waste and costly impulse food purchases.
28. Limit shopping trips to reduce temptation
    1. ​Fewer trips mean fewer opportunities for unplanned purchases.
29. Unsubscribe from promotional emails
    1. ​​Reducing exposure to marketing can help curb unnecessary spending urges.
30. Practice gratitude for what you already have
    1. Cats and kids have more fun with cardboard boxes than expensive toys.  Hold on to your youth - play with the simple things rather than buying expensive, some-day-it-will-break things.
    2. Go for a run or hike or play sports, rather than buying stuff that entertains you.
31. Have movie nights. 
    1. You can have a healthy social life if you subscribe to a channel that your friend doesn’t have, and vice versa; why pay for an online movie app to watch something that a friend is watching, when you can invite each other over and watch in bulk.  Each of you can potentially have one less subscription chew away at your wallets.  
32. Use shopping apps, cash back apps, rewards points apps
33. Reflect
    1. “Do I really need this?”
    2. Envision your buyer’s remorse before your purchase
    3. “I haven’t had this before, can I live without it now?”
    4. Envision the item that you’re about to purchase - as though it’s moving day; is it worth it, or is it clutter?
    5. “Will I use this for a little while, only to trip over it, store it, and tag-sale it later?”

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