How to Shop Smart!

By Elia Barraud –

Ladies, we all know how much we all love shopping, and if there was only a way to do JUST THAT for the rest of our lives, we’d probably go for it.

Ok, well I am probably exaggerating here, but there’s just something about shopping that takes us to a natural high. And sometimes we become too high, we’re left with nothing but… [drum roll please]

A very serious case of bad debt (Either that or you’re just really REALLY broke.)

Unfortunately, the shopping high dissipates more quickly than bad debt does.

So here are a few ways for you to stay smart the next time you go shopping.

Make a list of what you need

Help yourself stay focused by creating a list of what you actually AIM to shop for. This way, you can avoid temptations.

If you do find something you like…

Try it on, put it back on the rack, leave the store, go about the rest of your day, go home, and sleep on it. If you’re still thinking about it the next day, then go for it.

Be wary of sale items

Because not everything that’s on sale is really ON sale. And because not everything that’s on sale is necessary.

Preshop

When itching to buy something, check it online first. Could be for reviews, could be for the best deals, could be because you just don’t want to leave the comforts of your own house.

Maximize your loyalty programs

Do not forget to check your membership cards and loyalty programs to get the best deals. A good tip is to use services such as Giift. We can’t imagine how it’s easy to manage all your cards in the same place!

Always try to remember these things, and you’ll find out later on that you would have already saved tons because you tried to shop smart. And THAT’S how we all should be. Good luck!

Elia Barraud is a middle-aged entrepreneur with years of experience in the fashion and design field. A lot of middle-aged women often give up on their fashion sense when they hit their fifties, but Elia believes that fashion is ageless and timeless, therefore women of all ages should continue to dress well and express their personalities through fashion. When she is not at her day job, Elia enjoys the company of her husband, daughters and grandchildren.