5 Money-Saving Shopping Tips Every Shopping Enthusiast Needs!
The excitement of a new offer on your favourite website, the melodious chime when your UPI payment goes through, the flutter in your heart when you spot something you love - if you’re an avid shopper, you know nothing really beats these moments! However, as thrilling as it is to bring home something new, it’s important to practise fiscal responsibility so that a fun habit doesn’t turn into a major liability.
Fortunately, it’s easier than it sounds! Check out these money-saving shopping tips that are super simple to follow!
1. Choose your sources carefully
It’s quite tempting to rely on your favourite ecommerce website whenever you need anything. But, did you know that many popular websites add their own markups to products?
Here’s an example: You might spot a pastel pink ceramic casserole dish on Website A priced at ₹650. Save the image and try a Google Image Search (wherein you can search items by uploading their images). The results will show you different websites that offer the same product.
Website B and Website C may have sourced the same dish from the same vendor, but their own markups might be lower. This is a great way to get what you want without overspending.
2. Use a monthly budget planner!
The ease with which digital payments work can make it harder to keep track of your spending. Using a monthly budget planner (whether a digital budget planner or a good, old-fashioned notebook) can really go a long way.
Ideally, your planner should have a column dedicated to expenses, and one dedicated to earnings. Money spent on meals, household essentials, salaries, and any form of shopping should go under the expenses column so that you’re always aware of where each rupee is going.
Determine your monthly budget at the beginning of the month and use the expense tracker to make sure you’re sticking to it.
3. Find a great savings app!
Remember those piggy banks you had as a kid? Wouldn’t it be great if you could use them to save money for specific needs? A money saving app that works like a piggy bank can be the ideal solution for you.
Hubble Money is a great example of a money saving app that lets you save at your own pace. What’s more, you can earn 10% guaranteed rewards on all your savings, no matter how large or small the amount may be. The app lets you plan purchases and withdraw money anytime, without any applicable charges. You can redeem your savings to buy any product from their partner brands in electronics, appliances, fashion, beauty and jewellery.
4. Don’t rely on sales!
As inviting and exciting as those large banners with impossibly low prices are, the truth is that sales often cause us to spend more money. We’re more likely to get swept up by the excitement of a 50% Off tag and end up buying three pieces of an item we don’t need, instead of just one. As a result, instead of spending 100% of the original amount, we end up spending 150%.
The only time you should rush into a store during a sale is when you’re absolutely sure of what you want. If you’re just browsing, trust us, you’re going to end up with a lot of impulse purchases!
5. Try the 30-day rule!
Finally, this one for all you shoppers who cannot resist the impulse to purchase, well, anything. The 30-day rule is a great one to follow if you need help understanding whether you really want something, or are just buying it for the sake of it.
It’s simple. When you see something you like, wait 30 days before making a purchase. If your heart still yearns for that item, you should buy it. But if you’ve practically forgotten about it, the chances are that you never really needed it in the first place.
These simple tips will make it so much easier to save money without actually saying no to shopping! To start saving for specific purchases, check out Hubble Money today!