For many families trying to live a frugal lifestyle, a weekend shopping trip can be anxiety-inducing. The constant fear of overspending adds unneeded pressure on a very common occurrence. You shouldn’t be embarrassed by these feelings. Families struggling with debt or spending issues across the country feel the same way. Unbeknownst to many, all stores are strategically designed to guide the shopper into spending more. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can become a more intelligent shopper with CreditGUARD’s five tips for shopping smarter.
The first step every frugal family should take to combat overspending on a shopping trip is creating a budget. There is a good chance you already have a monthly budget for necessities like house and car payments. Adopt the same techniques used there to create micro-budgets for each trip. Write out every item you plan on buying along with its price. After a final number is calculated, ditch your debit card and get that exact amount in cash. Without access to all your available funds, you’re more likely to stay on track.
Sales are both a great way to save money on everyday essentials and to accidentally overspend. The lure of a good deal is powerful, but you must ask yourself, “are you more attracted to the actual item or the sale itself?” Do your research before leaving and check if any sales align with your shopping list. To get the best deals, you may have to hop around to different stores. A low-risk way to try an item on sale is by not fully partaking in the deal. For example: if a can of soup is 2 for $4, only purchase one. You’ll still receive the benefit of the savings without overdoing it.
It’s natural over the years to gain loyalty to certain brands. If you want to save extra money on your shopping trips, shake up your preferences. Grocery stores offer their own in-house brands that are often cheaper than the larger widely known varieties. In most cases, the store brands deliver the same level of quality as your favorites. If you’re skeptical, start with the basics. Everyday groceries like milk, eggs, and butter provide an easy entry to store brands at a lower cost. Once you discover the high standards of your local grocery chain’s brand, you can begin to branch out. Over time you’ll realize that you were more attracted to the name than the product itself.
Any good shopping trip for a frugal family begins with a detailed shopping plan. Your shopping plan works in tandem with a micro-budget and shopping list. Your plan is the order in which you will tackle your shopping. It may feel pointless, but it will save you from straying from your list and budget. Order your stores from most to least important. The most important locations are your first stops. With your destinations in descending order, you don’t run the risk of accidentally disrupting your budget on trivial purchases.
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into debt. You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from the crippling weight of debt. Don’t feel overwhelmed by missed credit card payments and intimidating phone calls from debt collectors anymore, call CreditGUARD today at 800-500-6489 to make a change. Our certified credit counselors will help you build a brighter financial future with financial education and debt reduction programs. Take your first steps towards a life without debt today.
CreditGuard provides a Debt Management, Debt Counseling and Financial Education Services for consumers for over 30yrs, we have reduce a consumers overall debt up to 50%, while lowering or eliminating interest and late fees, along with re-aging of their accounts.
Reputable and established Debt Counseling Company operating since 1991, licensed in all 50 states. Currently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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