Most people know that they can save money by shopping around for the best deals, but few people actually take the time to do it. In fact, a recent study showed that most people only comparison shop when they have to buy a big ticket item like a car or a home.
For everything else, they just go to the store and buy whatever is cheapest without checking to see if there might be a better deal somewhere else. This could be costing them a lot of money over time.
In this blog post, we’re going to show you how to save money on every single purchase you make, no matter how small. By following these simple steps, you can easily shave off a significant amount of money every time you shop. So whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or anything else, make sure to follow these tips and save yourself some money.
Use Coupons And Discount Codes
Whenever possible, try to use coupons or discount codes when you shop. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re buying things online.
To find coupons, simply do a quick search for the store or website you’re shopping at plus the word “coupon.”
For example, if you’re looking to buy a new pair of shoes from Nike, you can search for “Nike coupon code” and find a variety of codes that you can use at checkout. In the words of the team at DontPayFull, a coupon code can save you an average of 10-30% off your purchase. And if you’re a frequent shopper, that savings can really add up over time, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to find a coupon code before you buy anything.
Discount codes work in a similar way, but they’re usually specific to certain items or categories. For example, you might find a “10% off” discount code for electronics or a “free shipping” code for clothes. In some cases, you might also be able to find discounts by signing up for a store’s email list or following them on social media.
Plan Your Purchases In Advance
One of the best ways to save money is to plan your purchases in advance. This way, you can take the time to compare shops and find the best deals before you buy anything.
If you know you need to buy a new winter coat, for example, start looking for deals a few months before the season starts. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to find a great deal instead of being forced to buy the first thing you see because it’s getting cold outside.
The same goes for grocery shopping. If you know you need to buy some food for the week, take a few minutes to plan out your meals and write a list of everything you need before you go to the store. This way, you won’t be tempted to buy things you don’t need just because they’re on sale.
Compare Prices Online
These days, it’s easier than ever to compare prices online. Before you buy anything, take a few minutes to do a quick search and see if you can find it cheaper somewhere else.
If you’re buying clothes, for example, you can easily check out the prices at different stores before deciding where to buy them. And if you’re looking for a specific product, like a new laptop or a pair of shoes, you can find the best deals by searching on Google Shopping or another price comparison site.
However, even if you can’t find a better deal online, that doesn’t mean you should just buy the first thing you see. In some cases, it might be worth paying a little extra for the convenience of buying in-store. For example, if you need something right away and the cheapest option is to order it online with shipping, it might be worth it to just pay a bit more and get it immediately at a nearby store.
Wait For Sales
If you can, try to wait for a sale before you buy anything. This is especially true for big-ticket items, like furniture or appliances. In most cases, you can easily find the same item on sale a few months later, so it’s usually not worth it to pay full price upfront. Some stores also have regular sales, like a “friends and family” sale or a holiday sale.
Of course, it’s not always possible to wait for a sale. If you need something right away, it might be worth it to just pay the full price and get it over with. But if you can afford to wait, it’s usually best to hold off and see if the item goes on sale before you buy it. This is particularly important if you’re buying something expensive, like a new TV or computer.
Join A Loyalty Program
If you shop at a certain store or website frequently, it might be worth it to join their loyalty program. This way, you can get access to exclusive deals and discounts that non-members don’t have.
Many stores have “members only” sales where you can get a certain percentage off your purchase. And some loyalty programs also offer rewards points that you can redeem for cash or discounts on future purchases.
In addition to store loyalty programs, there are also some general loyalty programs that you can join, like airline miles programs or credit card rewards programs. These can be a great way to save money on travel or everyday purchases. Just be sure to read the fine print so you understand how the program works and what kind of benefits you’ll receive.
Use Cash Back Apps
If you shop online frequently, cash-back apps can be a great way to save money. These apps give you a certain percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash or rewards points. Then, you can either use that money to get a discount on future purchases or withdraw it as cash.
There are a few different cash-back apps to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include Ebates, Ibotta, and Swagbucks. In most cases, you’ll need to create an account and link your credit or debit card. Then, whenever you make a purchase at a participating store, the app will automatically track your purchase and apply the cash back rewards. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of each app before you sign up so you understand how it works and what kind of benefits you’ll receive.
Saving money when you shop doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple tips, you can easily save money every time you make a purchase, whether you’re shopping in-store or online. And over time, those savings can really add up. So don’t wait – start saving money today and enjoy the benefits for years to come.
