Shop Smart = Save More

         Ever since I can remember I have had the ability to stretch a $1 dollar bill to last me for weeks. Many articles are promoting having a budget, but to me its like being on a diet it will only last for a couple of months and then back to the old routine, if the individual is not well disciplined. 
 
1.   Never spend when you are upset, depressed, lonely...etc. When you spend during this time, you end up buying overpriced and unattractive items. I remember a day I went shopping after a bad exam score, I ended up buying a dress that was overpriced and not very flattering after I took it home.


2.   Shop only when you are happy! When you shop during this time you allow your brain to function at its full capacity and you are more prone to make wiser decisions and spend less.


3.   Never! I say Never underestimate the quality you can find in discount stores. When it comes to clothes I am a faithful shopper of stores like Half & Half, Burlington Coat Factory, and Ross.


4.   Shop in the Back. Major stores like Nordstrom, Macy, Victoria Secret, Aldo, Kohl, Best Buy, and so on… Usually keep the most expensive products in the front of the store strategically in order to hook their customers in, and leave the clearance or sale items tucked away in the corner somewhere(usually by the dressing room or bathroom.) I got a gorgeous black silk dress at Nordstrom for just $9.


5.   Patience is a virtue. Never shop last minute! Your mind is in a hurry and anything looks good and affordable at this point even that $200 scarf. I know sometimes we procrastinate and do have to go against this rule. If so, write a detailed list of what exactly you are looking for, called ahead to make sure its available, eat at home before you go, write down the price range you are willing to stay in, and finally carry cash of the maximum amount you are able to spend.